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Initiative: 3.23 Conduct affordable housing research

Connected, Engaged, & Inclusive Communities

Description

Conducting affordable housing research is a new initiative for the Housing & Neighborhood Services Department. We recognize the importance of investigating the current housing needs of the community so we can make informed decisions about the programs we fund. The projects we will pursue in this initiative include: 1) Conducting a Housing Market and Affordability Analysis with Community Partners, 2) Creating a new 5-Year Consolidated Plan and 3) Creating a new Housing Strategy.

Key Measures & Data Analysis

Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives custom tabulations of American Community Survey (ACS) data from the U.S. Census Bureau. These data sets, known as the "CHAS" data (Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy), demonstrate the extent of housing problems and housing needs, particularly for low-income households. On September 12, 2024, HUD released updated CHAS data based on 2017-2021 ACS 5-year estimates.

The chart depicts housing cost burden for City of Durham residents. Cost burden is the ratio of housing costs to household income. For renters, housing cost is gross rent (contract rent plus utilities). For owners, housing cost is "select monthly owner costs", which includes mortgage payment, utilities, association fees, insurance, and real estate taxes.

The CHAS data are used by entitlement jurisdictions, like the City of Durham, to plan how to spend HUD funds.

Through initiative 3.23 Conduct affordable housing research, we will obtain updated data sets like the CHAS and use the information to make informed decisions about how we invest in affordable housing projects. 

Housing Cost Burden by Household

Why is it important?

Research is essential in advancing relevant affordable housing programs and fostering creative solutions to address the complex housing crisis. We will use the information obtained through our research projects to inform programmatic decisions and priorities.

What have we been doing?

Through this initiative, staff continued conducting research and analysis to inform the City’s housing strategy and long-term planning efforts. This work included the following:

Housing Market and Affordability Analysis with Community Partners

    • We partnered with identified local organizations and governmental entities to complete a housing market and affordability analysis. This work provided an intuitive picture of the local housing market with analysis and indicators to illustrate the range of housing market challenges Durham faced across workforce housing, affordability, homeownership access, and racial disparities.
      • For more information Housing Data in Durham visit: https://www.durhamhousingdashboard.com/
    • A study of this type did not previously exist. Data surrounding our housing market had been disaggregated and, in some instances, outdated. This study was synthesized into one place, and we used the information from the study to inform our next 5-Year Comprehensive Housing Strategy.

5-Year Consolidated Plan

    • The 5-Year Consolidated Plan was designed to assess affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions, and to support data-driven, place-based investment decisions. The consolidated planning process served as the framework to identify housing and community development priorities that aligned and focused funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Planning and Development (CPD) formula block grant programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program, and Housing Opportunity for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program.
    • The next 5-Year Consolidated Plan will be for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030.
    • In November 2024, a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) was released soliciting qualified vendors to assist the City in the preparation of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan. Proposals were due January 10, 2025, and are currently being evaluated. A vendor will be recommended to City Council through the contracting process.

Create a New Housing Strategy

    • Preparation and release of the RFP occurred on March 13, 2026; submission deadline was April 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.

    • Upon the review of RFP applications, a vendor will be selected and recommended to City Council through the contract process. The development plan process will involve the selected vendor evaluating existing affordable housing strategies, analyzing previously collected housing market data, and conducting any additional research needed to ensure a full understanding of conditions. The vendor is expected to review current and emerging land use and zoning plans and assess the City’s staffing capacity, along with that of community members and key stakeholders, to identify resource needs. These findings will guide the development of a comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan and Investment Strategy that integrates existing approaches with new recommendations.

What's next?

Work to guide Durham’s long-term housing strategy will continue through the following activities: 

New Housing Strategy Development – Review of RFP applications; completion of development Plan for Affordable Housing by late fall 2026

  • The development Plan scope of work is envisioned to include: 
    • The review of existing affordable housing strategies and plans, including Forever Home, Durham and the recent County-wide Affordable Housing Task Force Report.
    • The review of housing market data already gathered from existing work will occur, and any additional data gathering and analysis needed will be provided.
    • The review of existing land use and zoning plans, including those under development.
    • The review existing City capacity (staffing) and determine capacity needs within the City and among our community partners.
    • Connecting existing strategies and plans with new recommendations to form the Affordable Housing Plan and Investment Strategy.
    • Conducting engagement with community and key stakeholders to get feedback on draft plan, including individuals with lived experience of housing insecurity.

 

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