This bill establishes the Affordable Housing Efficiency Grant Program in North Carolina to provide funding for energy efficiency and electric upgrades in affordable multifamily housing buildings. The program targets residential complexes with at least 50% of units reserved for low-income households that have been in service for at least 15 years, with a focus on projects located in underserved communities. Eligible buildings can receive grants of up to $0.75 per square foot to cover costs for measures such as heat pumps, electric water heaters, insulation, and related planning or health improvements, provided they maintain their affordability status. The Department of Environmental Quality will manage the program using $5 million in recurring state funds starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, while recipients must report annually on energy savings and other outcomes.
This bill creates a new loan program in North Carolina to help nonprofit organizations prepare land for affordable housing by offering below-market interest rate loans. The funds, totaling $50 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, can only be used for site-related expenses like land acquisition, utility installation, and environmental testing, but not for building the actual homes. To qualify, borrowers must be experienced nonprofits that provide zero-interest mortgages to buyers and ensure at least 40% of units in mixed-income projects are reserved for low- and moderate-income families. The program is designed to support the development of housing for households earning up to 80% of the local area median income.
This bill allows local governments in North Carolina to create inclusionary zoning rules, which can require developers to include affordable housing units in new projects. It also directs the state to provide $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Housing Finance Agency for a workforce housing loan program. The legislation directly affects local planning authorities and developers by expanding their zoning options, while also increasing funding available for loans aimed at helping workers afford housing.
The Carolina Housing Promise Act aims to improve housing affordability and accessibility across North Carolina by empowering the state's Housing Finance Agency to issue up to $18 billion in bonds for residential projects. A key provision increases an existing excise tax on real estate transfers, directing half of the new revenue to fund a new Housing Innovation Office within the agency. This office will utilize the funds to support the construction and maintenance of affordable homes, develop innovative funding models, and provide technical assistance for housing solutions. The bill also updates the legal authority for the agency to issue various types of debt instruments to finance these housing initiatives.
This bill authorizes the City of New Bern to impose civil fines on individuals or entities that fail to comply with orders declaring a dwelling unfit for human habitation. By amending state law, it allows the city to add monetary penalties to its existing enforcement tools for unsafe housing violations. The changes apply only to New Bern and affect any enforcement orders issued on or after the law takes effect.
This bill directs $1 million in state funds to Forsyth County to help build affordable housing in Forsyth County and the City of Winston-Salem. The money will be given as a grant to Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, Inc., which will use it specifically for construction projects. The funding is designated as nonrecurring and is scheduled to become available starting July 1, 2026.
This bill allocates $4 million from the state's General Fund to the Lake Norman Community Development Corporation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding is divided equally, with $2 million designated for the Smithville Revitalization Plan to acquire property and build affordable homes, and another $2 million for additional affordable housing projects determined by the Corporation. Up to 15% of the total appropriation may be used for administrative expenses, and the funds become available starting July 1, 2026.
This bill aims to expand affordable housing in North Carolina by providing both immediate funding and a new revenue stream for the state's Housing Trust Fund. It allocates $30 million in one-time funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and establishes a permanent fee on real estate transfer documents, directing a portion of those proceeds to the fund. The legislation directly affects North Carolina residents by increasing resources available to create and preserve safe, affordable housing options, while also impacting real estate transactions through a new tax mechanism. By addressing a significant shortage of affordable units, the bill seeks to support families and stabilize the local economy through improved housing access.
This bill establishes a grant program in North Carolina to support community organizations focused on improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. The program provides funding ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to eligible entities that offer evidence-based services, such as mental health support, doula care, and assistance with social needs like housing and transportation. Priority is given to organizations led by Black women and those serving communities with high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes. Recipients must also provide culturally respectful training for health workers and submit reports on how the funds are used to prevent maternal mortality and severe complications.
This bill grants the City of Winston-Salem the authority to exempt or reduce system development fees for affordable housing projects. Under the new rules, the city must establish its own specific criteria to determine which developments qualify for these financial incentives. The legislation applies only to Winston-Salem and allows the local government to lower costs for water or sewer services for qualifying affordable housing builders.
