Title
Anti Displacement Programming
Action
Action:
A. Approve the use of $5,954,152 from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to implement anti-displacement programming as recommended by the Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Commission, and
B. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute, amend, and renew contracts as needed to complete these transactions.
Body
Committee Chair:
Victoria Watlington, Housing, Safety, & Community Committee
Staff Resource(s):
Rebecca Hefner, Housing & Neighborhood Services
Explanation
§ The Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Commission (NEST Commission) has been meeting since February 2022 to fulfill their charge to review and recommend specific anti-displacement strategies and tools for protecting residents of moderate to high vulnerability of displacement.
§ At the October 23, 2023 Action Review meeting, the NEST Commission provided an overview of their initial programmatic and investment recommendations. The recommendations include:
- Create homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income residents through expansion of the Acquisition, Rehab and Resale Program and the House Charlotte Plus Program.
- Establish an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program to provide affordable rental units and create income streams for low-income homeowners.
- Provide housing rehabilitation services and tenant supports to small landlords to create safe, affordable deed-restricted rental units in rapidly changing neighborhoods.
- Increase access to services that promote resident stability and economic mobility through resource and referral services and community partnerships.
- Reduce barriers to programs and information through targeted outreach and communications.
- Establish a pilot program to increase capacity for innovative shared ownership models.
§ This action allocates $5,954,152 of funding from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to implement the NEST Commission’s anti-displacement recommendations to help protect residents of moderate to high vulnerability of displacement.
§ SLFRF funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026. City Council may determine any future program funding through the city’s annual budget process.
§ The NEST Commission will continue to meet and advance additional recommendations through the remainder of their term.
Background
§ The NEST Commission, established for a 3-year period beginning in 2022, is charged with reviewing and recommending specific anti-displacement strategies and tools for protecting residents of moderate to high vulnerability of displacement.
§ On June 5, 2023, the NEST Commission presented the Charlotte Anti-Displacement Strategy to the Housing, Safety and Community Council Committee. The strategy includes four goals (Support Residents, Strengthen Communities, Foster Inclusivity, and Empower Businesses) and builds upon the Housing Charlotte Framework, City Council priorities and key initiatives, and is inclusive of recommendations from the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
§ On September 5, 2023, the NEST Commission presented a slate of initial programmatic recommendations that advance goals one, two and three of the Anti-Displacement Strategy to the Housing, Safety and Community Council Committee. The Committee voted unanimously to advance the NEST recommendations associated with the goals of the strategy to full Council for consideration (Council member Johnson absent).
§ On October 23, 2023, the NEST Commission presented the recommendations to full Council at its Action Review meeting.
Charlotte Business INClusion
These contracts are exempt under the CBI program.
Fiscal Note
Funding: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds
Attachments
Attachment(s)
October 23, 2023 Action Review Presentation