On March 28, 2011 the City Council of Charlotte, North Carolina passed the Housing Locational Policy. This policy has created a “guide for the location of new, rehabilitated or converted subsidized multi-family housing developments designed to serve households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income.” The goals of the policy are to evenly distribute subsidized multi-family housing developments in the area, support Charlotte’s neighborhood redevelopment plans and other public development incentives, promote diversity and vitality of neighborhoods, and to avoid placing too many subsidized multi-family units in a single area. The policy applies to new, rehabilitated or converted subsidized multi-family housing developments, but does not apply to the same types of developments specifically for elderly or disabled individuals.

Charlotte’s Housing Services Staff will implement this policy by reviewing projects submitted by a developer for Housing Trust Funds or for a multi-family rezoning petition to see if it meets the requirements of the Housing Locational Policy. If the project is found to be in violation of the requirements, the developer has the option of requesting that City Council waive the Housing Locational Policy.  When a waiver is requested, City Council, adjoining property owners and the neighborhood organizations are notified four weeks in advance of City Council’s consideration.

According to Housing Services Manager, Pamela Wideman, Charlotte has been struggling with a lack of affordable housing and a significant amount of foreclosures. Alternative solutions to these problems include creating a local Housing Trust Fund, adopting and revitalizing two neighborhoods in need,  and appointing a 15 member community-based board to guide the implementation of their Ten-Year Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness.

To view the complete Housing Locational Policy, please visit: http://icma.org/en/icma/knowledge_network/documents/kn/Document/302577/Charlottes_Housing_Locational_Policy