Now that voters have passed an affordable housing bond in Raleigh, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and remain engaged. Here are recommendations from the Wake County Housing Justice Coalition’s Yolanda Taylor for a plan forward towards ensuring that Raleigh grows as an equitable city.
An equitable city is one with people of diverse cultures, races and incomes and where all people are thriving and able to achieve their full potential regardless of race or means.
“Thanks everyone for spreading the word about the bond. The real work begins now! We must hold the Raleigh City Council accountable and push for the following:
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- A meaningful community engagement process that seeks to incorporate the voices of residents, especially those experiencing poverty, vulnerabilities, and social inequities.
- A detailed housing policy commitment to aid low-wealth households and individuals which are shaped from input by residents, especially those of color and those who are directly impacted.
- A framework for Equitable Economic Development that creates policy reforms to stem the ongoing gentrification of historically low-income African-American communities.
- An Oversight Committee, with representation from impacted communities, to monitor spending for all city housing programs, including the use of affordable housing bonds monies.
- Equitable Code Enforcement that doesn’t target demolitions in black and brown neighborhoods located in or near developing areas, and which provides hardship programs and easier access to important repair and rehab assistance.
- An equity analysis for any request for development that considers the risk of displacement to residents, and which uses public investment, land use and equitable zoning strategies to mitigate the risk of displacement.
- A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that ensures that Raleigh is an equitable city where people of all races, cultures and means can thrive and reach their highest economic and health potentials.
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