Workforce and affordable housing
High housing costs leave many residents cost-burdened. The county previously cut a multi-year workforce housing commitment but later created an investment/lending fund from the Revenue Stabilization Fund and approved a $2 million low-interest loan for a 236-unit townhome project targeting 60–90% AMI rents. Legislative priorities seek more state/federal resources and local tool flexibility.
What should New Hanover County do to address workforce and affordable housing needs?
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Sources
StarNews Online — https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2026/07/18/new-hanover-invests-in-workforce-housing-complex-in-wilmington-nc/90853197007/
new-hanover-invests-in-workforce-housing-complex-in-wilmington-nc
New Hanover County — https://www.nhcgov.com/2465/Legislative-Priorities
Legislative priorities include more state/federal resources and flexibility for local housing tools
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Significantly expand public funding, mandates, and projects for deeply affordable units
- Continue and grow the county lending fund and partnerships for workforce housing
- Support limited targeted loans and incentives while monitoring market impacts
- Rely mainly on private development and deregulation rather than county subsidies
- End county housing spending and let market forces and state policy handle supply