Affordable Housing is a complex issue in our community for which there is no single cause or solution. In fact, this is an issue that many communities both in North Carolina and nationwide face. For the past several years, I have had the opportunity to serve on the county-wide housing task force and this past year convened a town affordable housing task force.

Locally there is still some debate on what the term affordable housing means. As a community leader, I believe that we need to insure that there is safe and decent housing that individuals and families can afford either to rent or buy where housing payments are no more than 30% of income. Those most challenged in finding housing they can afford in our community include those employed by our local service jobs, the elderly and disabled on fixed incomes, students and young professionals whose employers may include ASU, Watauga Medical Center or Watauga County Schools. Affordable housing includes everything from low income housing to work force housing.

As a community leader, I am committed to pursuing creative alternatives to expand housing opportunities in our community. Recognizing that there is not a one size fits all approach, it is important that we carefully analyze affordable housing tools and incorporate those that will work best in our community. Options currently being considered by the Boone Affordable Housing Task Force include:

1. Removal of regulatory barriers
2. Utility service provision such as water and sewer
3. Allowing Accessory Units in all residential areas
4. Preservation of existing housing inventory
5. Land Trusts
6. Inclusionary zoning
7. Mixed use development
8. Incentives to build alternative multi-family units including townhomes and cluster homes
9. Encouraging development that utilizes the Affordable Housing Tax Credit
10. Pursuing funding through the Community Development Block Grant, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and other funding sources

I welcome your ideas and input as we continue to develop creative solutions to address affordable housing needs for all that live and work in our community.