This bill directs $34.88 million in state funds to three North Carolina entities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support emergency services, public safety, and affordable housing. The Town of Davidson receives $20.44 million to build a fire station, buy an emergency vehicle, and purchase police and breathing apparatus equipment. The Town of Cornelius is allocated $10 million for land acquisition for a future public safety facility, replacing a fire engine, improving pedestrian safety, and constructing a recreation center. Additionally, the Lake Norman Community Development Corporation gets $4 million to develop affordable housing in Cornelius, including specific funding for the Smithville community. These nonrecurring funds are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
This bill allocates $4 million from the state's General Fund to the Lake Norman Community Development Corporation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding is divided equally, with $2 million designated for the Smithville Revitalization Plan to acquire property and build affordable homes, and another $2 million for additional affordable housing projects determined by the Corporation. Up to 15% of the total appropriation may be used for administrative expenses, and the funds become available starting July 1, 2026.
This bill creates a new cabinet-level Department of Housing and Community Development in North Carolina to consolidate housing and community development functions. The department will be organized into four divisions: Operations, Community Development, Housing, and a Policy and Legislative Office, each with specific duties such as managing broadband expansion, overseeing disaster resilience, and certifying building officials. A nine-member advisory board will be established to guide the department, with members appointed by the Governor and state legislative leaders. Starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the state will allocate $30 million in recurring funds to support the department's operations.
SB 325 establishes North Carolina's Department of Housing and Community Development as a unified cabinet-level department, replacing fragmented housing and community development functions across state agencies. The department includes four divisions: Community Development (focusing on revitalization and broadband access), Housing (managing affordable housing, homelessness, and disaster resilience), Operations, and a Policy and Legislative Office. It directly affects low- to moderate-income residents through housing programs and community development initiatives, with $30 million in recurring funding allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill formalizes the department’s structure, mission, and governance, including a nine-member board appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders.
SB 473 creates the Capital for Communities Special Fund, a dedicated state fund that will receive 3.5% of certain investment earnings (when quarterly returns exceed 7%) from state funds managed by the Treasurer. The fund will provide grants for economic development projects in North Carolina, specifically targeting affordable housing, childcare centers, healthcare facilities addressing shortages, medical research, workforce development, living-wage jobs, and nonprofit education facilities. These grants must directly support community-based initiatives meeting the specified criteria. The bill establishes clear eligibility rules for fund usage but does not detail application processes or allocation priorities.
SB 542 allocates $20.3 million in one-time funding and $1 million annually to support Western North Carolina recovery and economic development. It provides $10 million specifically for long-term housing recovery for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene, $5 million to Community Development Corporations (CDCs), $300,000 for women’s business centers, and $5 million for broader economic development programs. The bill also includes $1 million in recurring funds to assist with ongoing housing recovery, match federal disaster funds, and support community services statewide. This legislation directly affects Western NC residents recovering from Hurricane Helene, CDCs, and women’s business centers in Western NC, the Triad, and Piedmont regions.
HB 994 allocates $20.3 million in nonrecurring funds and $1 million in recurring funds to support Western North Carolina recovery from Hurricane Helene and expand economic development services. The bill directs $10 million specifically for long-term housing recovery for residents in Western NC whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene, $5 million to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) statewide to enhance economic development services, and $300,000 to fund three women’s business centers in Western NC, the Triad, and the Piedmont. An additional $5 million supports the Institute Capital (I-CAP) for statewide economic activities, while the recurring $1 million aids ongoing housing recovery efforts and matches federal disaster funds. The bill directly affects Western NC residents impacted by Hurricane Helene, local CDCs, and small business support organizations through targeted financial assistance.
