Title
Public Hearing on Proposed Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Report
Action
Action:
Conduct a public hearing regarding approval of a proposed Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Report.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Pamela Wideman, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Miles Vaughn, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Explanation
§ The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s funding guidelines mandate that participating jurisdictions conduct an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (Analysis) every five years. The Analysis provides information on barriers in the community to fair housing and actions that the jurisdiction will undertake to remove or mitigate barriers to fair housing.
§ The Federal and North Carolina Fair Housing Acts make it illegal to discriminate in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status (families with children).
§ An analytical review of fair housing complaints, data, and community surveying identifies barriers to fair housing and offers actions to remove or reduce those barriers. An example of a barrier is the lack of a resident’s knowledge about fair housing rights.
§ Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Department actively conducts activities to further fair housing in Charlotte in a way that is consistent with the recommendations of the Analysis.
Community Input
§ Housing and Neighborhood Services (HNS) participated in five community meetings to share initial data and seek feedback on the 2019 Analysis report, which includes data describing current impediments such as segregation and unequal access to housing opportunities. Those meetings included the Community Relations Committee, Disability Rights and Resources, ENLACE (Latin American Council of Charlotte), and the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association.
§ HNS also shared a survey with the community asking about their experience with fair housing and housing discrimination. The survey has been promoted through the HNS department newsletter and social media sites. Currently, 125 residents have responded to the survey.
§ The draft Analysis report is currently available for public review. Residents may obtain a copy in person at Old City Hall, view it on the city website, or request a copy via email or postal mail.
Next Steps
§ A request for council action to approve the final Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing is planned for the December 9th City Council Business Meeting.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Housing and Neighborhood Services Operating Budget
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Draft Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Report