Affordable Housing Task Force Report - 4-3-2001

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7 Additional Significant Findings ✓ In the years between 1995-2000, 399 new units of affordable housing were produced in Orange County. The total cost of producing this housing was $26,507,157. Of that total, $2,495,026 or 9% was provided by locally controlled funding sources. ✓ With one exception, non-profit providers completed all of the affordable housing projects created and renovated between 1995 and 2000. ✓ There is not currently any duplication of services among non-profit providers. Each provider fills a niche in the affordable housing market. ✓ Agencies that receive funding from a variety of sources and which incorporate donations and volunteerism into their programs require less per unit funding and produce units at a lower cost than agencies that rely exclusively on county and local government funding. ✓ The focus group study of clients conducted at three local housing facilities by the Inventory/Needs Subcommittee confirmed the affordable housing need data contained in this report. ✓ The Educational Impact Fee that is collected for all new residential construction in the County poses a potential barrier to affordable housing development. The revenue generated from the fee is used to finance a portion of the cost of new public school space created by new residential growth. Presently, the fee is $3,000 in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School District and $750 in the Orange County School District. To address this concern, the Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted a Impact Fee Reimbursement Policy that provides funds to reimburse non- profit housing developers that construct affordable housing for low-income families. For-profit developers or individuals are not eligible for fee reimbursement under the current policy.