Numbers have the power to tell a story. Here in New Hanover County, the metrics behind our housing-related initiatives are doing just that, creating a compelling narrative of the progress and commitment to making our community a place for everyone to call home.  
 
As we review the impact of our Workforce Housing Program over the past three years, the data illuminates a fundamental truth: strategic investment in housing creates tangible results that benefit every corner of our county. 
 
In 2021, our Board of Commissioners made a bold commitment, pledging $15 million over five years to address workforce and affordable housing needs.  
In just three years, that pledge has yielded remarkable returns.  
 
Through strategic planning and well-vetted partnerships, we've seen the creation or preservation of 664 housing units so far – a number that represents not just physical structures, but families who now have stable, affordable places to call home. 
 
The program's success stems from its comprehensive approach. The funding provided has facilitated the creation of 497 new units, while simultaneously repairing 40 existing homes to maintain current affordable housing stock already in place. Additionally, 127 households have received crucial rental assistance, providing stability during challenging economic times. 
 
What makes these achievements noteworthy is the program's ability to leverage resources effectively. Our initial investment has attracted significant private sector participation, with total project budgets for this work reaching $131.5 million through nine public-private partnerships. This multiplier effect demonstrates how public seed funding can be the catalyst for a broader community investment. 
 
But, the impact extends beyond the creation and repair of housing units. And the Workforce Housing Program is certainly not alone.  
 
Our Gap Rental Assistance Program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, has provided essential support to 252 residents across 125 households. These beneficiaries represent diverse sectors of people critical to our workforce – from healthcare and education to public service and hospitality – highlighting how housing stability underpins the entire community's economic health. 
 
Additionally, we’ve launched initiatives like the Teacher Housing Assistance Program, which supports educators who choose to work in high-need, hard-to-staff elementary schools. This program, recently recognized by the National Association of Counties, exemplifies a commitment to creative solutions that connect housing stability with broader community outcomes. 
 
Looking ahead, infrastructure that supports housing accessibility remains a key focus for our Commissioners. Through the Last Frontier Project, we have secured approximately $30 million in state funding to address critical water and sewer infrastructure needs in the northern portion of our county. Combined with $15 million previously allocated for the Blue Clay Business Park water and sewer project, the county has received approximately $45 million in state support for infrastructure expansion to underserved areas, bringing reliable and safe water and sewer service to our residents.  
 
Additionally, through partnerships with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, we have applied for grant funding to extend water access to communities like Scotts Hill, while our Water Sewer Loan Program aims to make utility connections more affordable for low-income homeowners. 
 
These achievements reflect more than numbers – they represent promises kept to our community.  
 
When the Board of Commissioners established these programs, they set clear objectives for addressing housing needs. These partnerships have turned those objectives into reality. 
 
But we know the work is far from finished.  
 
As we prepare to issue the fourth round of the five-year Workforce Housing Program, we remain focused on creating sustainable solutions for housing affordability in New Hanover County. The success we've seen thus far strengthens our resolve to keep pushing forward, finding innovative ways to ensure our residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing options. 
 
This is what good governance looks like – setting clear goals, making strategic investments, and delivering measurable results that improve lives in our community.  
 
To learn more about the Workforce Housing Program and other county initiatives related to affordable housing, visit the housing page linked here.