North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Harnett County is one of 22 counties in North Carolina that will participate in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s “Our State, Our Homes” program.
Launched by Carolina Across 100, the 18-month initiative is expected to help communities enhance their capacity, analyze housing challenges, and implement strategies to address affordable housing and related issues in the state.
Business, civic, education, nonprofit, faith-based, and government entities from the 22 participating counties will collaborate across 14 teams, representing all regions of North Carolina. Harnett County will partner with Cumberland and Sampson counties as part of Team Ten.
Sarah Arbour, Planner II with Harnett County Development Services, led the county’s efforts in applying for the program. She said the grant presents a unique opportunity to develop and implement strategic solutions for the area’s housing affordability issues.
“Our goal is to leverage the tools and resources provided through the program to explore new models of affordable housing, enhance partnerships with developers, and build capacity for local government involvement in housing projects,” Arbour said in a news release.
Participants will receive coaching, technical assistance on innovation projects, and opportunities to build relationships with peer communities as well as national, state, and campus-based housing experts.
Harnett County Development Services began updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in August 2023. The draft plan, Harnett County Horizons 2040, includes three housing goals:
- Accommodate a mixture of housing types in appropriate areas.
- Encourage the preservation and construction of affordable and workforce housing.
- Work with partners to prevent and reduce homelessness.
“Being chosen to participate in this program couldn’t have come at a better time,” Price said in the release. “As we work on developing our new Land Use Plan, this initiative aligns perfectly, allowing us to integrate affordable housing strategies seamlessly into our community’s long-term vision. We are excited about this opportunity as we will gain resources to look at asset inventory and a game plan. This will be a great opportunity to address affordable housing issues that the county faces.”
The program kicked off with its first meeting on Jan. 16.