North Carolina Construction News staff writer
A groundbreaking ceremony was held this week in Southeast Raleigh to mark the start of construction on 25 new affordable homes across nine city-owned lots, a project aimed at expanding housing options in established neighbourhoods.
The development is the result of a partnership between the City of Raleigh and Southeast Raleigh Promise, a non-profit organization focused on building purpose-driven communities in the area. Officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to increase the supply of affordable housing while allowing residents to remain in the communities where they live and work.
City council approved $3.3 million in gap financing to help move the project forward, leveraging public land to support the development. The funding will ensure the homes remain affordable for at least 75 years, with the goal of providing long-term housing stability and limiting displacement as the city grows.
The project will feature a mix of housing types, including duplexes and accessory dwelling units. It is designed to serve households earning between 30 per cent and 80 per cent of the area median income. In Raleigh, that range translates to about $39,800 to $104,200 annually for a family of four.
“Together, we are transforming public land into community-driven housing solutions,” Council Member Corey Branch said in a statement.
Branch described the project as an example of a public-private partnership that brings together policy, investment and community leadership to expand access to housing.
The homes will be located near employment areas, services and amenities, with planners aiming to integrate the development into existing neighbourhoods in a way that reflects their scale and character. The project aligns with Raleigh’s Affordable Housing Plan, which sets targets for increasing housing availability and maintaining affordability across the city.