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56 <br /> The high costs of housing in Orange County remain a significant challenge, particularly for low- <br /> income families. Renter households, in particular,face multiple barriers, including escalating rental <br /> prices, a limited supply of affordable housing, and fierce competition for available units, especially <br /> from university students.This competition exacerbates the difficulty low-income renters face in <br /> securing stable housing.These housing affordability issues were consistently raised during public <br /> consultations and feedback sessions,where residents expressed frustration over the lack of <br /> affordable rental options and the difficulty of competing with a transient student population for <br /> available units. <br /> In addition to affordability, residents identified walkability and access to transportation as <br /> significant concerns, especially in areas outside of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.While these two <br /> towns offer more walkable environments and better access to public transportation, rural and <br /> suburban areas in the county face significant gaps in transportation infrastructure. Survey feedback <br /> revealed that many low-income families are constrained in their housing choices due to the lack of <br /> reliable public transportation, making it difficult to access jobs, healthcare, and essential services. <br /> This lack of connectivity outside of urban areas was highlighted as a critical barrier to housing <br /> security during community engagement efforts. <br /> These housing challenges were raised throughout the consultation process,where residents, <br /> service providers, and community stakeholders shared their firsthand experiences and concerns. <br /> The feedback from surveys and community meetings underscored the urgent need for affordable <br /> housing, particularly for renters and low-income families who face barriers to accessing safe, <br /> stable, and affordable homes. <br /> In response to these pressing issues, both Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill have <br /> strategically targeted significant resources, including HOME and CDBG funds,toward low-income <br /> neighborhoods.These investments are aimed at increasing housing security by improving the <br /> quantity and quality of affordable housing.Additionally,the funds are expected to catalyze further <br /> public and private investment, creating a broader economic impact that extends beyond housing <br /> development to include services that support low-income families. <br /> By addressing these concerns directly in their housing strategies,the county and town hope to <br /> alleviate poverty, promote economic stability, and ensure that all residents, regardless of income, <br /> have access to affordable and accessible housing options. <br /> SP-80 Monitoring— 91 .230 <br /> Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities <br /> carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with <br /> requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the <br /> comprehensive planning requirements <br /> To ensure compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations,the Orange County HOME <br /> Consortium and the Town of Chapel Hill, as recipients of HOME and Community Development <br /> Block Grant(CDBG)funds, implement a robust monitoring strategy.This strategy involves a <br /> 53 <br />