Town Council Prioritizes Affordable Housing in Strategic Planning
Several council members proposed exploring incentives to encourage developers to include affordable housing units in new projects.
Holly Springs, NC, December 15, 2024 — At its December 10, 2024, Town Council workshop, affordable housing took center stage. Council members discussed strategies to address growing concerns about housing accessibility amid rising property values and a booming population. The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities of creating a long-term plan to meet the town's housing needs over the next decade.
Council members emphasized the importance of integrating affordable housing into the town's economic development framework. One proposal suggested leveraging the Economic Development Organization (EDO) to craft a structured, sustainable plan for affordable housing. By focusing on long-term goals, council members hope to create solutions that require minimal financial burden while maximizing impact through efficient use of time and resources.
The town's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was a key aspect of the discussion. Council members noted that while provisions for affordable housing were included in the UDO two years ago, these policies remain poorly defined. There was a consensus that more explicit guidelines and definitions are needed to help developers understand their options and obligations regarding affordable housing.
Several council members also proposed exploring incentives to encourage developers to include affordable housing units in new projects. These incentives could range from streamlined approval processes to financial benefits for developers prioritizing affordability in their plans. The council expressed interest in starting with small steps, such as clarifying existing language in the UDO, before developing more comprehensive policies.
The conversation also touched on the needs of the town’s aging population. With a growing number of residents over 55, council members suggested integrating elderly-friendly housing options into affordable housing plans. This approach would ensure that both affordability and accessibility are addressed as the town continues to grow.
The council plans to revisit the affordable housing discussion during upcoming workshops. A top priority will be ensuring that new policies align with the town’s broader strategic goals while laying the groundwork for housing initiatives that will meet future demands.
As property prices continue to rise and the town experiences rapid development, council members acknowledged the urgency of taking actionable steps to avoid more significant challenges in the future. “If we wait another five years before addressing these issues, it may take 15 years to see any results,” one council member remarked, highlighting the need for immediate and thoughtful planning.
The Town Council’s proactive approach to affordable housing reflects its commitment to ensuring that residents of all income levels can find a place to live in the community. By laying the groundwork, the town is positioning itself to meet the needs of its current and future residents.