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== Early discussion of an Affordable Housing Bond (2019) ==
== Early discussion of an Affordable Housing Bond (2019) ==
=== April 2019 – Council initiates exploration of a housing bond ===
Formal discussion of a new affordable housing bond began in spring 2019. At the April 16, 2019 City Council meeting, Council Member [[Russ Stephenson]] introduced a proposal directing staff to begin due diligence on a potential affordable housing bond and return to Council with options by June 2019.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond – Staff to Perform Due Diligence and Present Options to Council|date=April 16, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSEW7056DE|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


=== April 2019 - Council initiates exploration of a housing bond ===
Stephenson’s motion called for staff to evaluate two options for a “substantial affordable housing bond” that could be placed on either a 2019 or 2020 ballot. The motion identified guiding principles for staff’s analysis, including geographic distribution of investments consistent with the City’s Affordable Housing Location Policy, support for multiple housing types and income levels, inclusion of both new construction and rehabilitation, use of public-private partnerships, and prioritization of sites near planned high-frequency transit corridors, particularly Bus Rapid Transit.
Formal discussion of a new affordable housing bond began in spring 2019. At the April 16, 2019 City Council meeting, Council Member [[Russ Stephenson]]<nowiki/>introduced a proposal directing staff to begin due diligence on a potential affordable housing bond and return to Council with options by June 2019.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond – Staff to Perform Due Diligence and Present Options to Council|date=April 16, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSEW7056DE|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


According to the meeting minutes, Stephenson distributed a handout outlining the rationale for a new bond and moved to direct staff to evaluate two potential options for a “substantial affordable housing bond” that could be placed on either a 2019 or 2020 ballot. While the overall design of the bond package was to be developed by City staff in coordination with Raleigh’s adopted affordable housing policies, Stephenson outlined several guiding principles for staff’s analysis. These included providing roughly equal geographic distribution of investments consistent with the City’s Affordable Housing Location Policy, supporting a range of housing types and income levels in coordination with Wake County, including both new construction and rehabilitation where financially viable, pursuing innovative development partnerships, and prioritizing projects near planned high-frequency transit corridors, particularly Bus Rapid Transit.
The motion was seconded by Council Member [[Stef Mendell]] and adopted on a 6–0 vote, formally initiating staff work on a housing bond proposal.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond – Staff to Perform Due Diligence and Present Options to Council|date=April 16, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSEW7056DE|item=Vote recorded in Council minutes|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


The motion was seconded by Council Member [[Stef Mendell]] and adopted on a 6–0 vote. This action marked the first formal Council directive initiating development of an affordable housing bond proposal.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond – Staff to Perform Due Diligence and Present Options to Council|date=April 16, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSEW7056DE|item=Vote recorded in Council minutes|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
=== May 2019 – Staff presents bond structure, funding uses, and scenarios ===
On May 7, 2019, staff from the Housing and Neighborhoods Department presented initial affordable housing bond scenarios and outlined the procedural requirements for placing a referendum on the ballot.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Presentation|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Housing and Neighborhoods Department|doc_type=(Presentation)|date=(May 7, 2019)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BBXKWZ53EC25/$file/20190507HNAffordableHousingBondPresentation.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


=== May 2019 - Staff presents bond structure, funding uses, and timing ===
The presentation identified core funding categories, including land acquisition, gap financing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, rehabilitation of existing housing stock, and down-payment assistance. Staff also described a five-year implementation horizon for deploying bond proceeds and the role of the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) in evaluating housing investments.
On May 7, 2019, staff from the Housing and Neighborhoods Department returned to City Council with a presentation outlining potential affordable housing bond scenarios and the mechanics required to place a referendum on the ballot.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Presentation|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Housing and Neighborhoods Department|doc_type=(Presentation)|date=(May 7, 2019)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BBXKWZ53EC25/$file/20190507HNAffordableHousingBondPresentation.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


The presentation described proposed funding categories, including land acquisition, gap financing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, rehabilitation of existing housing stock, and down-payment assistance. Council discussion focused on implementation details, including whether bond funds could be used to purchase and rehabilitate older apartment complexes, the anticipated five-year timeline for deploying bond proceeds, and the role of the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) in allocating housing resources.
Staff presented three illustrative bond scenarios tied to different property tax rate increases. The scenarios included total bond amounts of approximately $37,700,000, $56,700,000, and $75,700,000, corresponding to estimated property tax increases of roughly 0.50¢, 0.75¢, and 1.00¢ per $100 of assessed value. These scenarios were intended to demonstrate how different bond sizes would affect the scale and pace of affordable housing investment rather than to recommend a specific amount.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Presentation|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Housing and Neighborhoods Department|doc_type=(Presentation)|date=(May 7, 2019)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BBXKWZ53EC25/$file/20190507HNAffordableHousingBondPresentation.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


At the May 7, 2019 meeting, City staff presented three illustrative affordable housing bond scenarios tied to different property tax rate increases. According to the slides shown to Council, the scenarios included total bond amounts of approximately '''$37,700,000''', '''$56,700,000''', and '''$75,700,000''' with corresponding projected costs to the City of '''$38,200,000''', '''$57,300,000''', and '''$76,400,000''', respectively. These totals were linked to property tax rate increases of roughly '''0.50¢''', '''0.75¢''', and '''1.00¢''' per $100 of assessed value. Council members discussed how larger bond amounts could expand funding for land acquisition, gap financing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects, public-private partnerships, homeowner rehabilitation, and down-payment assistance, while also weighing the potential impact on property taxpayers. The presentation underscored that these scenarios were illustrative and that final decisions on bond size and tax implications would be made by Council in conjunction with subsequent analysis and public engagement.<ref>{{Cite govdoc
No formal action was taken at the May meeting. Staff indicated that additional direction would be required by mid-June to place a referendum on the October 2019 ballot.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Presentation|date=May 7, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BBXKWZ53EC25/$file/20190507HNAffordableHousingBondPresentation.pdf|item=Council discussion|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Presentation
|agency=City of Raleigh
|department=, Housing and Neighborhoods Department
|doc_type=(Presentation)
|date=(May 7, 2019)
|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BBXKWZ53EC25/$file/20190507HNAffordableHousingBondPresentation.pdf
|access-date=January 27, 2026
}}</ref>  


Council members also discussed income targeting thresholds, particularly the tradeoffs between serving households at 60 percent versus 70 percent of Area Median Income. Staff noted that Raleigh’s prior affordable housing bond had been approved by voters with a 62 percent majority, prompting discussion about public support for a new referendum.
=== June 2019 – Shift from fall 2019 to spring 2020 timing ===
At the June 4, 2019 City Council meeting, staff presented additional options for referendum timing, including placement of a housing bond on the March 2020 primary ballot rather than the October 2019 municipal election.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Options|date=June 4, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSMF70CD74|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


Several Council members cited the City’s 2018 Citizen Survey, which identified affordable housing as the most important issue facing residents, and expressed interest in placing a bond referendum on the October 2019 ballot rather than delaying further. City Manager Ruffin Hall indicated that staff would return with additional direction in June and noted that Council approval by mid-June would be required to meet the October election deadline. The Council received the presentation without taking formal action.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Presentation|date=May 7, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BBXKWZ53EC25/$file/20190507HNAffordableHousingBondPresentation.pdf|item=Council discussion|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
Council directed staff to prepare further analysis of a spring 2020 option, including updated bond amounts and associated tax impacts. The item was held and scheduled to return after the summer recess as a special item for further consideration.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Options|date=June 4, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSMF70CD74|item=Council direction|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


=== June 2019 - Shift from fall 2019 to spring 2020 timing ===
=== August 2019 – Calendar decisions and stakeholder engagement ===
At the June 4, 2019 City Council meeting, staff presented follow-up materials analyzing additional timing options for a housing bond referendum, including placement on the March 2020 primary ballot rather than the [[2019 Election|October 2019 municipal election]].<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Options|date=June 4, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSMF70CD74|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
On August 20, 2019, staff returned to Council with detailed calendar options identifying the deadlines required to place an affordable housing bond referendum on the March 2020 ballot.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=Affordable Housing Referendum Calendar Options|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Finance Department|doc_type=(Memorandum)|date=(August 20, 2019)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BEYMXT5D4251/$file/20190820FINAffordableHousingReferendumCalendarMemo.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


During discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Corey Branch emphasized broad Council agreement on the importance of affordable housing and raised the possibility that a spring primary election would allow more time for public engagement and coalition-building. Council Member Stephenson stated that while he preferred a 2019 referendum, he viewed a March 2020 election as a reasonable compromise. Council Member Kay Crowder requested additional analysis of a spring 2020 option, including proposed bond amounts and associated tax impacts.
Council authorized staff to convene stakeholder meetings with the objective of advancing a March 2020 affordable housing bond referendum. The motion was adopted unanimously on an 8–0 vote.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Calendar Options – Direction Given|date=August 20, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BTSU71E22D|item=Council vote|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


City Manager Hall indicated that staff would prepare a report for Council consideration after the summer recess. By consensus, the item was held at the table and scheduled to return as a special item at a future meeting.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Options|date=June 4, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BSMF70CD74|item=Council direction|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
== 2020 Affordable Housing Bond activity ==
=== January 2020 – Council directs formation of an advocacy group ===
At the January 21, 2020 City Council meeting, city staff presented an update on the process for authorizing an affordable housing bond referendum for the November 2020 ballot.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Update – Staff to Form Advocacy Group and Return to Council with Feedback|date=January 21, 2020|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJJU9L77A521|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


=== Calendar decisions and stakeholder engagement (August 2019) ===
A Finance Department memorandum outlined statutory deadlines and procedural requirements for placing multiple bond referenda on the November 2020 ballot, including an affordable housing bond.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=November 2020 Bond Referenda|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Finance Department|doc_type=(Memorandum)|date=(January 21, 2020)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BKVQ2H625614/$file/20200121FINNovember2020BondReferendaMemo.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
Council consideration of a housing bond referendum advanced further at the August 20, 2019 City Council meeting, when staff presented detailed calendar options and identified the procedural deadlines required to place a referendum on the March 2020 ballot.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=Affordable Housing Referendum Calendar Options|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Finance Department|doc_type=(Memorandum)|date=(August 20, 2019)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BEYMXT5D4251/$file/20190820FINAffordableHousingReferendumCalendarMemo.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


City Manager Ruffin Hall summarized that Council action by early October 2019 would be required to meet election deadlines. Council discussion centered on stakeholder engagement and campaign logistics. Several Council members referenced prior affordable housing bonds, which had relied on independent advocacy organizations to conduct public outreach.
During the meeting, Mayor [[Mary-Ann Baldwin]] directed staff to convene an affordable housing bond advocacy group and return to Council with feedback in advance of the statutory deadlines required to place a bond referendum on the November 2020 ballot. Without objection, staff was directed to proceed with convening the group.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Update – Staff to Form Advocacy Group and Return to Council with Feedback|date=January 21, 2020|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJJU9L77A521|item=Council direction|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


Council Member Stephenson reported that he had begun discussions with external stakeholders interested in supporting a March 2020 referendum and advocated for Council to signal its intent so that campaign planning could proceed. Other Council members cautioned against committing to a referendum date without broader stakeholder input.
=== February 2020 – Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee announced ===
At the February 11, 2020 City Council meeting, Director Jarvis presented the roster of the Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee (AHBAC), which Council had requested staff to assemble.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee|date=February 11, 2020|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJJUE877BE11|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


Following discussion, Council Member David Cox moved to authorize staff to convene stakeholder meetings with the stated objective of advancing a March 2020 affordable housing bond referendum. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Branch and adopted unanimously on an 8–0 vote. This action formally transitioned the housing bond effort from internal analysis to external engagement and campaign preparation.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Calendar Options – Direction Given|date=August 20, 2019|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=B7BTSU71E22D|item=Council vote|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
The committee included representatives from nonprofit affordable housing developers like [[DHIC]] and [[Habitat for Humanity of Wake County]], the [[Raleigh Housing Authority]], homelessness service providers, faith-based and social service organizations, housing advocacy groups, community-based organizations in Southeast Raleigh, the real estate and development community, and statewide housing and legal advocacy organizations. Staff indicated that the committee would be supported by City staff but would operate independently in developing its recommendations.


=== 2020: Council forms the Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee ===
=== April 2020 – COVID-19 impacts process; housing bond prioritized over parks ===
The City’s own Affordable Housing Bond page summarizes that '''Council directed housing staff to look at two bond options for the November 2020 ballot''' and that a '''24-person Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee''' was formed to review options, gather public input, and recommend a preferred package.  
In March 2020, in-person public meetings were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, advisory committee meetings and public engagement related to the housing bond were conducted remotely using conference calls and videoconferencing platforms.


At the April 7, 2020 City Council meeting, the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB) presented project recommendations for a potential parks bond referendum. During the meeting, Mayor Baldwin stated that Council had decided to defer the parks bond and proceed with a housing bond.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board – Bond Referendum Project Recommendations – Information Received|date=April 7, 2020|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJJUM778130B|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


2020
=== May 2020 – Advisory committee recommends an $80 million bond ===
At the May 19, 2020 City Council meeting, the Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee presented its final report and recommendations for a November 2020 affordable housing bond referendum. The committee recommended a bond package totaling $80,000,000.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=2020 Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee Final Report|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Housing and Neighborhoods Department|doc_type=(Report)|date=(May 2020)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BQ2RA36B893F/$file/2020006029HNAHBACFinalReportMay2020.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


February 11 - Larry shares Housing bond committee members with council https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJJUE877BE11
The final report documented that the committee met regularly beginning in late February 2020 and continued meeting remotely after in-person meetings were suspended due to COVID-19. Public input was collected through virtual meetings and an online survey.


The report described proposed uses of bond proceeds, including land acquisition and land banking, gap financing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, public-private partnerships, rehabilitation of existing housing, homeowner assistance programs, and down payment assistance. The report also identified housing needs that were not bond-eligible, including eviction prevention and short-term rental assistance, and discussed coordination with Wake County programs.


June 16 2020
=== June 2020 – Council initiates the legal process for a November referendum ===
On June 2, 2020, City Council adopted a preliminary findings resolution and authorized staff to file an application with the Local Government Commission for an affordable housing bond referendum in an amount not to exceed $80,000,000. Council also authorized the City Clerk to publish notice of intent to file the application.<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum November 2020 – Staff Authorized to File Application with Local Government Commission – Preliminary Findings Resolution Adopted|date=June 2, 2020|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BPSJCG4C8859|item=Agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>


November election
The Finance Department prepared a memorandum describing the statutory referendum calendar, required Council actions, and projected impacts to property owners associated with the proposed bond.<ref>{{Cite govdoc|title=Proposed November 2020 Affordable Housing Bond Referendum: Calendar and Impacts|agency=City of Raleigh|department=, Finance Department|doc_type=(Memorandum)|date=(June 2, 2020)|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/BPUKBY511A58/$file/20200602FINProposedNovember2020AffordableHousingBondReferendumCalendarAndImpacts.pdf|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
 
On June 16, 2020, City Council introduced and passed on first reading a bond order authorizing $80,000,000 in Affordable Housing Bonds and scheduled a public hearing for July 7, 2020. The action was approved on the consent agenda by an 8–0 vote (Ordinance 102).<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=Affordable Housing Bond Referendum November 2020 – Package Approved – Public Hearing Authorized for July 7, 2020|date=June 16, 2020|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJJUZV78BE75|item=Consent agenda item|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
 
=== July 2020 – Public hearing and referendum authorization ===
On July 7, 2020, City Council held a public hearing on the proposed $80,000,000 Affordable Housing Bond Referendum. Following the hearing, Council adopted the bond order on second reading and adopted a resolution calling for the referendum to appear on the November 2020 ballot. The resolution was adopted by a 6–1 vote, with Council Member [[David Cox]] voting against the measure (Resolution 89).<ref>{{Cite minutes|title=November 2020 Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Hearing – Authorized to Proceed for November 2020 Ballot – Resolution Adopted|date=July 7, 2020|url=https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJJV4J78E233|item=Public hearing and vote|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
 
=== November 2020 – Referendum results ===
The affordable housing bond referendum appeared on the November 3, 2020 general election ballot. Voters approved the City of Raleigh Housing Bonds Referendum by a margin of 72 percent to 28 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NC SBE Election Results: City of Raleigh Housing Bonds Referendum (Wake County)|website=North Carolina State Board of Elections|date=November 3, 2020|url=https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/03/2020&county_id=92&office=REF&contest=920019|access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Option
!Votes
!Percent
|-
|Yes
|168,168
|71.74%
|-
|No
|66,244
|28.26%
|}
 
== See also ==
 
* [[2022 Raleigh Parks Bond Referendum]]
 
* [[Affordable housing in the Raleigh area]]
 
== References ==

Revision as of 16:32, 28 January 2026

The 2022 Raleigh Parks Bond Referendum was a voter-approved bond measure that provided funding for parks, greenways, and recreational facilities across the City of Raleigh. The referendum appeared on the November 8, 2022 ballot and was approved by voters.

Early discussion of an Affordable Housing Bond (2019)

April 2019 – Council initiates exploration of a housing bond

Formal discussion of a new affordable housing bond began in spring 2019. At the April 16, 2019 City Council meeting, Council Member Russ Stephenson introduced a proposal directing staff to begin due diligence on a potential affordable housing bond and return to Council with options by June 2019.[1]

Stephenson’s motion called for staff to evaluate two options for a “substantial affordable housing bond” that could be placed on either a 2019 or 2020 ballot. The motion identified guiding principles for staff’s analysis, including geographic distribution of investments consistent with the City’s Affordable Housing Location Policy, support for multiple housing types and income levels, inclusion of both new construction and rehabilitation, use of public-private partnerships, and prioritization of sites near planned high-frequency transit corridors, particularly Bus Rapid Transit.

The motion was seconded by Council Member Stef Mendell and adopted on a 6–0 vote, formally initiating staff work on a housing bond proposal.[2]

May 2019 – Staff presents bond structure, funding uses, and scenarios

On May 7, 2019, staff from the Housing and Neighborhoods Department presented initial affordable housing bond scenarios and outlined the procedural requirements for placing a referendum on the ballot.[3]

The presentation identified core funding categories, including land acquisition, gap financing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, rehabilitation of existing housing stock, and down-payment assistance. Staff also described a five-year implementation horizon for deploying bond proceeds and the role of the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) in evaluating housing investments.

Staff presented three illustrative bond scenarios tied to different property tax rate increases. The scenarios included total bond amounts of approximately $37,700,000, $56,700,000, and $75,700,000, corresponding to estimated property tax increases of roughly 0.50¢, 0.75¢, and 1.00¢ per $100 of assessed value. These scenarios were intended to demonstrate how different bond sizes would affect the scale and pace of affordable housing investment rather than to recommend a specific amount.[4]

No formal action was taken at the May meeting. Staff indicated that additional direction would be required by mid-June to place a referendum on the October 2019 ballot.[5]

June 2019 – Shift from fall 2019 to spring 2020 timing

At the June 4, 2019 City Council meeting, staff presented additional options for referendum timing, including placement of a housing bond on the March 2020 primary ballot rather than the October 2019 municipal election.[6]

Council directed staff to prepare further analysis of a spring 2020 option, including updated bond amounts and associated tax impacts. The item was held and scheduled to return after the summer recess as a special item for further consideration.[7]

August 2019 – Calendar decisions and stakeholder engagement

On August 20, 2019, staff returned to Council with detailed calendar options identifying the deadlines required to place an affordable housing bond referendum on the March 2020 ballot.[8]

Council authorized staff to convene stakeholder meetings with the objective of advancing a March 2020 affordable housing bond referendum. The motion was adopted unanimously on an 8–0 vote.[9]

2020 Affordable Housing Bond activity

January 2020 – Council directs formation of an advocacy group

At the January 21, 2020 City Council meeting, city staff presented an update on the process for authorizing an affordable housing bond referendum for the November 2020 ballot.[10]

A Finance Department memorandum outlined statutory deadlines and procedural requirements for placing multiple bond referenda on the November 2020 ballot, including an affordable housing bond.[11]

During the meeting, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin directed staff to convene an affordable housing bond advocacy group and return to Council with feedback in advance of the statutory deadlines required to place a bond referendum on the November 2020 ballot. Without objection, staff was directed to proceed with convening the group.[12]

February 2020 – Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee announced

At the February 11, 2020 City Council meeting, Director Jarvis presented the roster of the Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee (AHBAC), which Council had requested staff to assemble.[13]

The committee included representatives from nonprofit affordable housing developers like DHIC and Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, the Raleigh Housing Authority, homelessness service providers, faith-based and social service organizations, housing advocacy groups, community-based organizations in Southeast Raleigh, the real estate and development community, and statewide housing and legal advocacy organizations. Staff indicated that the committee would be supported by City staff but would operate independently in developing its recommendations.

April 2020 – COVID-19 impacts process; housing bond prioritized over parks

In March 2020, in-person public meetings were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, advisory committee meetings and public engagement related to the housing bond were conducted remotely using conference calls and videoconferencing platforms.

At the April 7, 2020 City Council meeting, the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB) presented project recommendations for a potential parks bond referendum. During the meeting, Mayor Baldwin stated that Council had decided to defer the parks bond and proceed with a housing bond.[14]

May 2020 – Advisory committee recommends an $80 million bond

At the May 19, 2020 City Council meeting, the Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee presented its final report and recommendations for a November 2020 affordable housing bond referendum. The committee recommended a bond package totaling $80,000,000.[15]

The final report documented that the committee met regularly beginning in late February 2020 and continued meeting remotely after in-person meetings were suspended due to COVID-19. Public input was collected through virtual meetings and an online survey.

The report described proposed uses of bond proceeds, including land acquisition and land banking, gap financing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, public-private partnerships, rehabilitation of existing housing, homeowner assistance programs, and down payment assistance. The report also identified housing needs that were not bond-eligible, including eviction prevention and short-term rental assistance, and discussed coordination with Wake County programs.

On June 2, 2020, City Council adopted a preliminary findings resolution and authorized staff to file an application with the Local Government Commission for an affordable housing bond referendum in an amount not to exceed $80,000,000. Council also authorized the City Clerk to publish notice of intent to file the application.[16]

The Finance Department prepared a memorandum describing the statutory referendum calendar, required Council actions, and projected impacts to property owners associated with the proposed bond.[17]

On June 16, 2020, City Council introduced and passed on first reading a bond order authorizing $80,000,000 in Affordable Housing Bonds and scheduled a public hearing for July 7, 2020. The action was approved on the consent agenda by an 8–0 vote (Ordinance 102).[18]

July 2020 – Public hearing and referendum authorization

On July 7, 2020, City Council held a public hearing on the proposed $80,000,000 Affordable Housing Bond Referendum. Following the hearing, Council adopted the bond order on second reading and adopted a resolution calling for the referendum to appear on the November 2020 ballot. The resolution was adopted by a 6–1 vote, with Council Member David Cox voting against the measure (Resolution 89).[19]

November 2020 – Referendum results

The affordable housing bond referendum appeared on the November 3, 2020 general election ballot. Voters approved the City of Raleigh Housing Bonds Referendum by a margin of 72 percent to 28 percent.[20]

Option Votes Percent
Yes 168,168 71.74%
No 66,244 28.26%

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond – Staff to Perform Due Diligence and Present Options to Council." (April 16, 2019). (link). Agenda item Accessed January 27, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond – Staff to Perform Due Diligence and Present Options to Council." (April 16, 2019). (link). Vote recorded in Council minutes Accessed January 27, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Presentation" (link). City of Raleigh, Housing and Neighborhoods Department. (Presentation)(May 7, 2019) Accessed January 27, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Presentation" (link). City of Raleigh, Housing and Neighborhoods Department. (Presentation)(May 7, 2019) Accessed January 27, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Presentation." (May 7, 2019). (link). Council discussion Accessed January 27, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Options." (June 4, 2019). (link). Agenda item Accessed January 27, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Options." (June 4, 2019). (link). Council direction Accessed January 27, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Affordable Housing Referendum Calendar Options" (link). City of Raleigh, Finance Department. (Memorandum)(August 20, 2019) Accessed January 27, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Referendum Calendar Options – Direction Given." (August 20, 2019). (link). Council vote Accessed January 27, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Update – Staff to Form Advocacy Group and Return to Council with Feedback." (January 21, 2020). (link). Agenda item Accessed January 27, 2026.
  11. ↑ "November 2020 Bond Referenda" (link). City of Raleigh, Finance Department. (Memorandum)(January 21, 2020) Accessed January 27, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Update – Staff to Form Advocacy Group and Return to Council with Feedback." (January 21, 2020). (link). Council direction Accessed January 27, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee." (February 11, 2020). (link). Agenda item Accessed January 27, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board – Bond Referendum Project Recommendations – Information Received." (April 7, 2020). (link). Agenda item Accessed January 27, 2026.
  15. ↑ "2020 Affordable Housing Bond Advisory Committee Final Report" (link). City of Raleigh, Housing and Neighborhoods Department. (Report)(May 2020) Accessed January 27, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Referendum November 2020 – Staff Authorized to File Application with Local Government Commission – Preliminary Findings Resolution Adopted." (June 2, 2020). (link). Agenda item Accessed January 27, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Proposed November 2020 Affordable Housing Bond Referendum: Calendar and Impacts" (link). City of Raleigh, Finance Department. (Memorandum)(June 2, 2020) Accessed January 27, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Affordable Housing Bond Referendum November 2020 – Package Approved – Public Hearing Authorized for July 7, 2020." (June 16, 2020). (link). Consent agenda item Accessed January 27, 2026.
  19. ↑ "November 2020 Affordable Housing Bond Referendum – Hearing – Authorized to Proceed for November 2020 Ballot – Resolution Adopted." (July 7, 2020). (link). Public hearing and vote Accessed January 27, 2026.
  20. ↑ "NC SBE Election Results: City of Raleigh Housing Bonds Referendum (Wake County)" (link). North Carolina State Board of Elections. (November 3, 2020). Accessed January 27, 2026.
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