Orange County NC Website
AHAB Community Meeting <br /> 10/14/2025 <br /> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br /> AHAB: Affordable Housing Advisory Board <br /> - Started in 2001 to raise issues related to housing and advise the Board of <br /> Commissioners <br /> - Assist in prioritizing housing needs, monitor progress, funding opportunities, build <br /> community awareness <br /> - AHAB Members Present (10): Tom Grastly, Todd Orr, Matthew Ferguson, Holly <br /> Meschko, Lynn Nilssen, Monica Palmeira, Anna Jefferson, Andrew Semmes, Mary <br /> Towell, Alicia Reid <br /> Presentation from Housing Staff- Aaron Cohen - Housing Manager <br /> 2 Goals for Orange County Housing Department <br /> (1) Improve affordability of existing housing in Orange County <br /> (2) Increase supply of housing through federal and state funding sources <br /> Programs Available <br /> (1) Long Time Homeowners Tax Assistance Program <br /> o Tax Reappraisal was huge this year. Also increase in rate. Burden for property <br /> taxes in community is significant <br /> o Orange County + Town of Carrboro + Town of Chapel Hill pooling money to help <br /> reduce tax burden <br /> ■ Confirm if Carrboro is postponing a year (their contribution) but Carrboro <br /> residents can still apply <br /> o As long as you've been living in County for 5 years and meet certain income <br /> requirements - 80% Average Median Income at $104,000, then you qualify <br /> ■ For different size homes there are at different valuations that are eligible <br /> o Encourage applications <br /> 0 2 forms of documentation - Proof of income and property tax bill <br /> o Applications close November 3. Checks out the door or reduction to bill by 1st <br /> week of December <br /> (2) Repair and Rehabilitation <br /> o Urgent Repairs - Things like a leaking roof, floor boards coming up, etc. <br /> ■ Specialist will come to your home to evaluate, connect to contractors, <br /> needs to be under$12,000 <br /> ■ There is a waitlist, but if there is immediate health and safety risks may be <br /> able to be prioritized. Encourage applications for at least the waiting list. <br /> o Full Scale Rehabilitation - Project up to $40,000, for next year up to $70,000 to <br /> get homes up to minimum housing code. <br /> ■ For homeowners that may have several significant issues (HVAC, <br /> electrical, roofs, etc) <br /> ■ Somewhat longer window than Urgent Repair, may take a few months. <br />