Affordable Housing Task Force Report - 4-3-2001

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2 Executive Summary Report of the Orange County Commissioners Affordable Housing Task Force April 2001 Introduction The Orange County Board of Commissioners recently decided to refine its approach to promoting decent and affordable housing. On March 13, 2000 the Board of County Commissioners convened an Affordable Housing Summit attended by more than 100 citizens, including elected officials and housing providers, to discuss housing needs and to clarify the policies and strategies that could be used to alleviate the identified housing needs. Following the Summit, the Board formed the Commissioners Affordable Housing Task Force, under the leadership of Commissioners Margaret Brown and Barry Jacobs. Specifically, the charge to the group was "to investigate and analyze information and problems, and recommend strategies and policies, to assist the county commissioners in formulating long-range vision of decent and affordable housing in Orange County." The Task Force began to meet in June 2000 and convened monthly thereafter through February 2001. In addition, its four subcommittees (Inventory/Needs, Funding, Zoning and Design, and Education) met at least monthly to gather and review pertinent information in order to develop strategies and/or recommendations for action. The results of the work of these subcommittees and the task force collectively are reported on the following pages, each gathering and developing its assigned information and recommendations for action. This material builds on previous local government and private efforts to ensure that all families have affordable housing options, particularly those with limited incomes, the homeless and other special need populations. The purpose of this Task Force Report is to accelerate and expand the development and maintenance of affordable housing stock in Orange County.The report is intended as a guide to countywide action with proposed housing targets, strategies, proposals for new funding sources, as well as other policy and educational elements. Perhaps the most critical recommendation is the establishment of an Affordable Housing Advisory Board in the County to assist with implementation of the strategies contained in this Report and advise the Board of Commissioners regarding other affordable housing issues. Further, throughout this document are references to the need for the County and Town leaders, University of North Carolina officials, the State Legislature, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and interested citizens to become involved in addressing the affordable housing needs of this community. The highlighted findings, recommendations, and strategies provide a snapshot view of the more detailed subcommittee reports contained in this report.