Workforce/Affordable Housing Committee holds first meeting Tuesday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Finding the right place to live is a big decision.

Location and price are usually key factors when choosing that perfect home, but for some finding the right location for the right price is impossible. However, New Hanover County and Wilmington City leaders are hoping to change that.

The county and city has developed a 14-person task force to tackle the affordable housing issues within the community and today they met for the first time.

Bankers, realtors, builders, architects, and even representatives of local non-profits are a part of the committee.

They have all worked in housing in some fashion for many years which is why they were hand chosen.

New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield says the goal is to continue attracting people and businesses to the Cape Fear.

“For our teachers who are making just above $30,000 a year or our firefighters or sheriff deputies that are in the same range, we need to have housing so they are not going 45 miles away and coming into work in New Hanover County,” Barfield said.

The task force will exam affordable housing efforts along with supply and demand. They will then recommend “best practices” that help make it more affordable for people who work in the area to live here, too.

The committee will work together for about six months and then will present recommendations to the board and council.