Housing Choice Task Force
Over the past several years, 25 states across the U.S. [source: map on in this article, plus efforts in Nebraska and Hawaii, 25 states], including North Carolina, have adopted or considered statewide zoning reform efforts to promote Housing Choice. These efforts support greater housing affordability and availability in our communities.
“Housing choice” refers to the ample availability of a wide range of housing types across all communities, to ensure that individuals and families have the ability to to select housing that best suits their needs, income and circumstances. Housing choice contributes to community stability, improved quality of life, access to better neighborhoods with greater opportunities, and ultimately, increased economic mobility, particularly for low-income populations.
“Zoning reform” focuses on statewide changes to local zoning ordinances that increase housing choice. Examples include allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or duplexes anywhere single-family structures are allowed, creating incentives for greater density near transit service and reducing or eliminating parking minimums.
In December, 2024, the APA-NC Executive Committee authorized a Housing Choice Task Force, to be chaired by Raleigh Planning and Development Director Patrick (Pat) Young, to work to:
- Identify impediments to and opportunities for housing choice in North Carolina, including an assessment of local zoning reform efforts; and
- Assess best practices from Statewide Zoning Reform efforts across the Country, including engagement with National APA who has been heavily involved in this issue; and
- Work with the APA-NC Executive Committee and membership to get feedback on support for housing choice and zoning reform efforts; and
- Coordinate with the APA-NC Legislative Committee to recommend actions to increase housing choice, if supported by the APA-NC Executive Committee; and
- Work with the APA-NC Executive Committee to produce a report and recommendations including all of the above, along with any other agreed-to policy recommendations.
The Task Force’s work will be completed by December, 2025, and an organizational meeting is scheduled (remotely, via Microsoft Teams) for 10:00 AM on February 27, 2025.
The Task Force is seeking APA-NC Chapter members who want to work on this important effort and lead our Chapter in identifying and supporting practices that support housing choice in our communities.
Please contact Pat Young if you have interest in this task force, or any questions.