Housing GSO: HRA Greensboro Affordable Housing Plan

NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT

Greensboro must reinvest in its historically disinvested neighborhoods to improve quality of life and provide wealth-building opportunities for its residents. Due to decades of discriminatory housing policy at the federal level, some residents live in sections of Greensboro characterized by low property values, significant blight, and racial and economic segregation — challenges experienced across the country that have resulted in long-term blighted neighborhoods. Successful reinvestment will require strategic public investments in focused areas. Suggested candidate areas for reinvestment are identified in Housing GSO. The City should work internally and with key stakeholders to determine what areas should be prioritized in the coming years. As part of reinvestment efforts, the Comprehensive Plan update process should also consider land use changes that allow for more missing-middle housing development (a type of clustered multi-unit housing). As Greensboro determines target neighborhoods and the Comprehensive Plan process is completed, evaluation should occur at the neighborhood level for where development to support reinvestment might be appropriate.

Partner with Neighborhoods Identify candidate neighborhoods, work with community members and neighborhood leaders to assess interest and engage private partners to support these efforts.

Implement Community Partnerships & Engagement

Implement a shared leadership model that allows municipal agencies, institutions, and residents to become joint leaders and laborers in neighborhood advancement.

Support Rehabilitation & Infill Development To jumpstart the pipeline of “move -in ready” homes in areas of reinvestment, provide subsidy and partner with private and non-profit single-family developers.

Establish Strategic Code Compliance Establish a strategic approach to code compliance that engages residents, addresses complaints, and creates sustainable solutions that impact areas of reinvestment.

Consolidate Rehabilitation Programs Consolidate City rehab operations, streamline funding sources, program intake, and operation, so rehab administrators can make data-driven decisions that reduce blight and substandard housing in Greensboro.

Create Public Land Disposition Policy Explore opportunities for disposing of publicly-owned land, which can include private properties donated to the City, at free or reduced cost to support development of affordable rental homes.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

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