What: a federal housing bill from July 2026 that streamlines environmental review and widens how federal housing grants can be used.
Where it stands: staff described it as a policy blueprint rather than a mandate, with only a home repair pilot carrying new funding. HUD is expected to take up to 24 months to develop programs.
Next: staff to prepare for new programs, including a searchable database of land for affordable housing required of grantees from October 1, 2026, and Council may seek technical assistance on the Unified Development Ordinance.
Details
Environmental review streamlining, with some infill projects possibly exempt from federal environmental review.
New single-family construction on undeveloped lots would become an eligible use of CDBG funds.
Federal guidelines and grants for single-stair multifamily buildings.
Staff said the City does not have the site control over distressed neighborhoods that other cities used to win federal neighborhood grants, and that the Onslow-area public housing is run by a regional housing authority. The City has housing authority powers to acquire and dispose of property but does not develop housing.
Council members noted state housing project approvals can take years and said the City should check its Unified Development Ordinance for obstacles to affordable housing.
Tracy Jackson explained the act and took questions from Council about eligibility for large federal housing grants, the City's housing authority powers and the Unified Development Ordinance.