Leaders in the Triangle's major cities (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill) must take steps to ensure that there are enough affordable housing units to accommodate the region's growing population.
Right now, Raleigh, the region's largest city, has about 32,000 affordable housing units for a city of nearly 459,000. Raleigh's city council has stated that they are prioritizing creating more affordable housing in the city. But, two major affordable housing units in the downtown area, Wintershaven and Sir Walter, were sold to private companies who say they won't renew their federal voucher program.
The average price of a home in the city shot up by $38,000 over the course of a decade and 45 percent of Raleigh renters are cost-burdened. The demand for affordable housing is there; about 8,000 people are on the waiting list for public housing and Section 8 vouchers.
Wake County officials have recognized the issue. On the county website, it states that affordable housing is a priority, and commissioners have approved loans for developing affordable housing options designed for the most vulnerable populations.
