3 - Economic Development Advisory Board – Appointments Discussion

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11 Reasons Want to Serve Board #1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD As a first-time homeowner in Carrboro, and a native who was born and raised in the Chapel Hill - Carrboro area, I am keenly aware of how rising home prices are making it near impossible to secure housing in parts of Orange County. With covid and remote work, more and more people are moving to Orange County from across the country, thereby resulting in higher home prices and resulting in more gentrification. From my personal experience, I understand the need to protect our housing community and increase the availability of affordable and fair housing in our county. Diversity of Viewpoints Board #1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD My parents were born and raised in Karachi Pakistan. They got married in the late 70's, and hoping for a better life for their future children/family, they immigrated to Ireland to pursue education. After achieving education in the science field, in the early 80's, my parents applied to 300 universities across America hoping for just minimum wage research positions. 299 universities said no, only 1 said yes, and that was the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I was born in Chapel Hill in 1986, and along with my two sisters, my parents raised us in Chapel Hill/ Carrboro going not just paycheck to paycheck, but one credit debt to another credit card debt. My parents had no idea how to secure affordable housing or how to find security knowing that they wouldn't be out on the streets if they missed 1 more rent payment. While we survived, I know many families who had situations that didn't turn out so well. I hope to bring the experience I had growing up,witnessing my parents struggle as immigrants, to this board to support long-term affordable and public housing programs. Conflict of Interest Board #1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD I do not have any conflicts of interest related to serving on this board. Hasan AAbdullah