State & Local Advocacy

• The NC Housing Coalition will work to protect the $10 million in recurring funding for the NC Housing Trust Fund (NCHTF) and urge state lawmakers to find additional funds to restore the $7M cut to the NCHTF’s Housing 400 program. We will investigate opportunities to provide a dedicated funding source for the NCHTF.  The Housing Coalition leads the Campaign for Housing Carolina, an effort of nearly 100 of organizations and businesses in support of $50 million annually for the NC Housing Trust Fund.

Efficient Weatherization Funding

• The NC Housing Coalition will continue to be an active voice for the appropriate use and efficient distribution of ARRA weatherization funding in the state in order to ensure that the $132 million in federal stimulus funding is expended by the 2012 deadline. We will urge the State Energy Office to direct a greater portion of weatherization funding to federally-assisted multi-family housing and create partnerships with local and state agencies that have more experience with multifamily housing.

Protect LIHTC Properties

• The NC Housing Coalition will work to protect the state Low Income Housing Tax Credit as well as legislation that passed in 2008 recognizing Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties at their rent-restricted value for the purposes of tax valuation. 

The Coalition will also work on the following, as part of a larger coalition.

Support Together NC

• The NC Housing Coalition is a leading member of this 100 organization effort to create a non-regressive solution to the state’s structural deficit problem. The results of this ongoing structural deficit are program funding cuts that impair housing, education and other critical social supports that are vital for low to moderate income families. Together NC seeks to modernize the tax code, improve efficiencies in state government administration and increase revenue opportunities so that the state can sufficiently fund the programs that are needed for North Carolina’s social and economic success. For more information, visit www.togethernc.org. 

Greater Homeowner Protections in Homeowner Associations - HB165

• In partnership with the NC Justice Center and the Center for Responsible Lending, the NC Housing Coalition will work to strengthen homeowner protections against Homeowner Associations (HOA).  We will advocate for the passage of HB165, Planned Community and Condo Act Amendments, Sponsored by Rep. McGee.  This bill was a recommendation of the House Select Committee on Homeowner Associations and includes greater HOA board accountability, restricts an HOA’s power to place liens and foreclose, promotes alternative dispute resolutions, and establishes open meeting requirements for HOA board meetings, among other protections.

Promote NC SAVE$ Energy

• As part of the NC SAVE$ Energy Coalition, NC Housing Coalition will continue to work toward the passage of legislation that increases energy efficiency measures for low-income North Carolinians. NC Save$ Energy is a proposal by consumer, social justice, senior and environmental groups to create an independent (non-utility) energy efficiency program for North Carolina. The proposed legislation will enable residents all over the state to participate the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency. The program would be funded initially by a small fee on utility bills, averaging around $2 per household. It would be governed by a non-profit or an existing “public benefit” organization. Installations and services would be carried out by non-profit and for-profit contractors. Programs could include weatherizing homes, appliance upgrades, and efficiency technology such as timers for lights and a/c and other cost-effective activities. For more information, visit www.ncsavesenergy.org.

Support Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HK on J)

• The NC Housing Coalition is a member of the HKonJ Coalition, which is led by the NAACP and unites over 90 organizations around a 14-point People’s Agenda for North Carolina focused on economic justice, educational equality and equal protection under the law.  The agenda promotes affordable housing and stronger protections against consumer abuse.  For more information, visit www.hkonj.com.