NC Newline: Gov. Josh Stein joins panel to discuss, debate housing affordability and supply crisis
High construction costs, labor shortages and supply chain issues all contribute to soaring housing costs and supply shortages, Gov. Josh Stein said Tuesday. But the state’s growing popularity as a destination for transplants is also a big part of the problem, Stein said.
When people move to North Carolina, Stein said, they need a place to stay and when there is a shortage of available units, newcomers, who often come with higher salaries and larger bank accounts, are willing to pay more for housing.
“And then it means everybody else is left to struggle,” he said.said.
Gov. Josh Stein. Photo: Greg Childress
By: Greg Childress @ NC Newsline
Tuesday’s meeting was an opportunity for Stein to discuss solutions to the housing crisis with housing experts and local officials and to consider legislation and public policy initiatives to speed up the building process to boost the state’s housing supply.
“Our state is growing, and people need a safe and affordable place to live,” Stein said. “We will remain focused on identifying solutions to lower the cost of housing for North Carolinians at every stage of life and work to ensure every person has a safe place to call home.”
The housing crisis in North Carolina is real. The state faces a five-year housing inventory gap of 764,478 units (322,360 rental units and 442,118 for-sale units), according to a recent statewide report commissioned by the NC Chamber Foundation, NC REALTORS and the N.C. Homebuilders Association.
Story continued at NC Newsline
Leaders Pack Cary Town Hall to Support Affordable Housing
Garner Impact: While Garner has concluded its Affordable Housing Task Force work, other municipalities in Wake County are moving forward to take action.
On Thursday night, ONE Wake leaders helped pack Cary Town Hall in a major show of support for the Carr Center, a new development that will bring dozens of affordable housing units, early childhood education facilities, and vital community space to the campus of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church. Over 130 Cary residents and supporters showed up, one of the strongest turnouts we have seen at a Cary Town Council meeting.
Garner Impact
Garner Impact: While Garner has concluded its Affordable Housing Task Force work, other municipalities in Wake County are moving forward to take action.
April 26, 2025
Leaders Pack Cary Town Hall to Support Affordable Housing
On Thursday night, ONE Wake leaders helped pack Cary Town Hall in a major show of support for the Carr Center, a new development that will bring dozens of affordable housing units, early childhood education facilities, and vital community space to the campus of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church. Over 130 Cary residents and supporters showed up, one of the strongest turnouts we have seen at a Cary Town Council meeting.
This project is the result of years of hard work and collaboration between Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, The Caring Place, and DHIC, working together to turn church and town-owned land into a place where more families can thrive. On Thursday night, the Cary Town Council voted unanimously and enthusiastically to approve the rezoning that will make this development possible. This is what organized people acting consistently and persistently can accomplish!
Media Coverage
Indyweek: Cary Approves Affordable Housing in Church's Backyard
NewsObserver: Affordable Housing Set for Church Property Will Change Lives
Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, a ONE Wake founding member, shared the following message about this tremendous win:
"Not that long ago, people didn't believe such a thing was possible in Cary but your continued dedication and persistent presence has made a way. Thank you! Special thanks to ONE WAKE and Habitat for Humanity of Wake County for coming alongside us to make this historic turnout possible!
We'll be having a community launch party for the Carr Center on May 18 at GFBC from 3:00 - 5:00 pm and we'd love to see you there to celebrate."