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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-06 Minutes NEW HANOVER COUNTY-CITY OF WILMINGTON WORKFORCE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE September 6, 2023 | REGULAR MEETING Committee Members Present: Erica Barnett, Sharm Brantley, Liz Carbone, Tom Gale, Krysti Keser, Eric Knight, Katrina Knight, Frank Smith, Paul Stavovy NHC Staff Present: Tufanna Bradley, Katie Burket, Rachel LaCoe, Sarah Lipkin Sularz, Jessica Loeper, Theo McClammy, Andrew Zeldin City of Wilmington Staff Present: Abie Bonevac, Chianti Johnson, Suzanne Rogers Members of the Public: Roger Gins Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:05pm by Chairperson Brantley and a quorum was established. Agenda Approval and Minutes Mr. Eric Knight made a motion to approve the meeting agenda, seconded by Ms. Krysti Keser and adopted unanimously. Ms. Liz Carbone made a motion to adopt the August 2, 2023 draft minutes, seconded by Mr. Eric Knight and adopted unanimously. Public Comments Ms. Katrina Knight shared a comment on behalf of Director, Ms. Lauren McKenzie: Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity hosted a recent discussion with a representative of the New Hanover Community Endowment regarding a potential proposal for the current grant cycle. A potential proposal would be in the vein of capacity building, exploring the creation of a Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) for our community. The Fund would serve as a vehicle for both revolving loans and grants for the production and preservation of affordable housing, and be able to receive both public and private contributions. Any related proposal would be submitted under the auspices of Habitat, with the effort overseen by a broader group of stakeholders. County staff clarified that the county cannot specifically endorse an application to the endowment. The committee discussed the importance of sharing this information for transparency's sake and so the membership is aware of the opportunities in the community. 1 New Business New Member Introductions Ms. Erica Barnett, Program Manager with Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministries (WARM), was introduced as a new County appointee to the committee. September Election of Officers County staff clarified the roles of Chair and Vice Chair. The Roberts Rules of Order basics were reviewed in preparation for the nomination process. Staff confirmed that committee members are eligible to hold officer positions they have held previously. Sharm Brantley turn the meeting over to Ms. Rachel LaCoe. Ms. LaCoe opened the floor for nominations. Staff asked to begin the process with the Chairperson position. 1. Ms. Keser nominated Ms. Sharm Brantley for the role of Chair, seconded by Mr. Knight and approved unanimously. 2. Mr. Knight nominated Mr. Tom Gale for the role of Vice Chair, seconded by Mr. Frank Smith and approved unanimously. Special Presentation Paul Stavovy with Cape Fear Community Land Trust Mr. Paul Stavovy presented on the work of the Cape Fear Community Land Trust (CFCLT). The organization aims to create housing opportunities for working families and serves residents earning between 25% and 120% of the AMI. Mr. Stavovy shared an overview of how the land trust model works and how the model guarantees affordability in perpetuity. Through this model, a resident purchases a house on land that is owned by the land trust and leases the land from the land trust through a long-term ground lease. Homeowners agree to sell the home at a reduced price based on previous sales value and assessed tax value. This ensures the long-term affordability of units in this model for 99 years. The difference between the appraised value/selling price of the home and the amount that the buyer can afford is bridged through various external subsidies. Mr. Stavovy shared that the City of Wilmington has been a supportive partner in this process and has provided those subsidies through several programs. When homes are sold, the resale value is capped at the original sale price plus 25% of the appreciation, ensuring that homes remain affordable in perpetuity. Mr. Stavovy noted that the Land Trust is pursuing Accessory Dwelling Units as a possibility for additional affordable units within this model. Since 2009, the organization has developed 8 homes with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, rehabilitated 6 homes, completed one new construction (soon to be two), and received its Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) designation. Mr. Stavovy mentioned that the greatest roadblock right now is that the organization is not big enough and wants to continue to grow. 2 Discussion: 1. Property taxes in the CFCLT mode: - CFCLT assumes tax liability, in some cases, these are tax-exempt for 10 years. 2. Working with Cape Fear Collective: CFCLT is actively pursuing the purchase of several of their properties and is prepared to commit to several more. 3. Impact on generational wealth: The organization receives pushback with this model in that it limits generational wealth, but these owners are still gaining generational wealth, just at a more modest rate, while ensuring affordable housing prices. 4. Biggest need right now: Homes to purchase and organizational funding. Staff will share the Cape Fear Community Land Trust presentation slides and the Cape Fear Collective presentation slides from the August meeting with the committee members and staff. Staff Updates County: Housing Program Updates Workforce Housing Services Program, Year 2 o Evaluation of proposals will continue in September. Recommendations will be presented to the Board of Commissioners this fall, likely in October. Gap Rental Assistance Program, Year 3 o There is funding for one more year of this program at a reduced subsidy of $225 per month. Due to limited funding, this option is only available to current clients and there will not be an open application period. Staff are working through certifying eligibility for current program participants that would like to continue receiving assistance for one more year. To remain eligible, household income must be between 60% and 80% of the Area Median Income due to federal funding guidelines. o Committee members expressed interest in supporting continued rental assistance programs. There was a request for a demographic summary of GapRAPP participants to share with the committee. City: Comprehensive Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) Update The public comment period is September 8-25 with a public hearing scheduled at City Council on September 19. Announcements The Cape Fear Housing Coalition is hosting a Homeowner Education Series throughout the month of September. The series is targeted toward seniors, but all are welcome to attend. Registration is required. The group is also hosting a free Wills Clinic in October. 3 nd There will be a City Council Candidate Forum on October 2 in the evening, more details to come. The conversation will be focused on food insecurity and housing issues. The Cape Fear Housing Map information session was held last month, and residents are now starting to use the resources and connect on the platform. th WHQR is hosting a con September 9 at Waterline Brewing. Adjourn Mr. Knight made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Knight. The meeting was adjourned at 4:18PM. 4