Wake County (NC) Proclaims April Fair Housing Month as Growth Raises Stakes for Housing Access
With population nearing 1.2 million, leaders and Realtors say ensuring equal access—not just supply—will define the county’s housing future
Raleigh, NC Apr. 7, 2026 — Wake County leaders used last night’s Commissioners’ meeting to formally designate April 2026 as Fair Housing Month, reaffirming a principle they say is becoming more urgent as the region continues to grow.
The proclamation (document), adopted by the Commissioners, centers on what officials describe as a fundamental right, that every resident should be able to obtain housing free from discrimination.
That message comes at a moment of sustained population growth. With roughly 1.2 million residents and counting, Wake County remains one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, placing increased pressure on both housing availability and access.
Rooted in the Fair Housing Act
The annual designation is tied to the April 11, 1968, signing of the Fair Housing Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson, a landmark law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.
At the time of its passage, Johnson framed the law as a defining step forward for the country, declaring,
“Now, with this bill, the voice of justice speaks again. It proclaims that fair housing for all—all human beings who live in this country—is now a part of the American way of life.”
This year marks the 58th anniversary of that legislation, which county leaders say remains essential today. While the law has expanded access to housing across North Carolina, the proclamation acknowledges that discrimination has not been eliminated and that continued education and vigilance are still required to fully deliver on its promise.
Realtors point to responsibility beyond supply
After the board’s vote, Danielle Plourd, Government Affairs Director for the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® (website), addressed commissioners and tied the proclamation directly to conditions on the ground.
“We represent over 10,000 members and wake in Harnett counties,” Plourd said. “And your approval of this proclamation sends a clear message that wake county remains committed to the principle that housing opportunities should be open to every anyone. Regardless of race background or circumstance.”
Plourd emphasized that Realtors have long upheld fair housing principles through their code of ethics, but said local government action reinforces those standards in a way that resonates with both industry professionals and the families they serve.
She also pointed to a growing tension between housing supply and housing access, noting that rapid growth brings added responsibility.
“Wake County is growing fast,” she said. “With that growth comes a real responsibility to ensure that access to housing not just the availability of it keeps pace.”
A call to action, not just recognition
The proclamation goes beyond symbolic recognition, urging residents to actively support fair housing principles by reporting discrimination and working to ensure equal access to housing opportunities across the county.
It also highlights the role of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®, which represents more than 10,000 real estate professionals across Wake and Harnett counties and is expected to lead education and outreach efforts throughout the month.
What this means locally
For Wake County, the annual proclamation reflects a broader reality: as growth accelerates, the challenge is no longer just building more housing but ensuring that access to it is equitable.
That distinction between availability and access surfaced during the meeting and in stakeholders' remarks, signaling where future policy conversations may continue to focus as the county grows.