More affordable housing in Raleigh 🔨

Checking in on Raleigh’s affordable housing goal

An image of an affordable housing complex in Raleigh.

The City of Raleigh has created or preserved 3,028 affordable housing units over the past seven years. | Photo via City of Raleigh

In 2016, the City of Raleigh set a goal to create or preserve 5,700 affordable housing units by 2026. That’s 570 units per year for 10 years. According to the Affordable Housing Annual Report, the City is running slightly behind schedule.

Since the creation of its 10-year affordable housing plan, the City has added or preserved 3,028 units — which is more than 50% of its goal. However, in the last fiscal year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), just 156 units were created or preserved for low- and moderate-income Raleighites. The City cites the pandemic, supply chain disruption, high material costs, labor shortages, and rising interest rates as the reason for slowed production.

Let’s zoom in to last year’s progress. The City bought an extended-stay hotel, renamed Studios at 2800, to create 116 more affordable units. The City supported 16 first-time homebuyers with their down payments and repaired or rehabilitated 16 homes. Additionally, eight homes were constructed and sold to low-income buyers.

In the upcoming fiscal year (now through June 2023), the City plans to focus on four key areas to advance its affordable housing priorities:

Rental housing
Homelessness
Neighborhood stabilization
Public-private partnerships

Currently, there are 2,446 rental units in the pipeline, with five projects already under construction. To reach its goal, the City must construct or preserve 2,672 more units by 2026. Read the full report + find services.

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Today

NC State Fair | Now-Sun., Oct. 23 | Times vary | State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh | $5.00 - $13.00 | The ninth-largest state fair in the US is back with 40 new dishes, rides, games, mega vegetables, and more.
Paint your Pet | Fri., Oct. 14 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | $35.00 - $50.00 | Paint your pet as Sir Walter Raleigh in this guided class — beer + wine are included.

Saturday

Falling For Local | Sat., Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh | Free | Enjoy live music from local talent, hay rides, inflatables, lawn games, kids activities, and a pumpkin patch.
Oktrophyfest | Sat., Oct. 15 | 12-8 p.m. | Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh | Free | Celebrate with food from Capital Club 16, music from Mosul Franzi and the JaJaJas, Pop-Up Raleigh vendors, and Oktoberfest Bier.

Sunday

Legends of the Lawn | Sun., Oct. 16 | 2-5 p.m. | Harvey Hill at Dix Park, Cranmer Dr, Raleigh | Free | Raleigh’s first lawn game pentathlon-costume competition-dance party-charitable fundraiser-community building event.

Monday

Yoga in the Park | Mon., Oct. 17 | 6 p.m. | Dorthea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh | Free | Enjoy the nature and tranquility of the park with a yoga class to increase strength and flexibility.

Plan Ahead

Trick or Treat at Crabtree | Mon., Oct. 31 | 5-7 p.m. | Crabtree, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Join Crabtree for a “spooktacular” and festive Halloween — goodies and treats will be available for kids 10 and under (while supplies last) + a chance to meet some familiar characters.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

73º | Sunny | 2% chance of rain ☀️

Development

Nonprofit SafeCHILD — an organization offering a full range of free child abuse prevention and intervention services — is breaking ground on a new facility in Raleigh next Tues., Oct. 18. The 20,000-sqft building will allow SafeCHILD to serve 1,200 more children + 30,000 more families each year.

Today Is

The voter registration deadline for the statewide general election. Look up your status, register to vote, and view your ballot here. In-person early voting begins on Thurs., Oct. 20.

Arts

Last night, a new mural by local artist Taylor White was unveiled at The Willard Rooftop. The piece, which faces Hillsborough Street, was inspired by the botanical collection of William Willard Ashe. Pro tip: Try the limited-edition From The Ashes cocktail. 🌸

Sports

During its NHL season opener, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. More than 18,824 Caniacs filled PNC Arena. Catch the next home game on Fri., Oct. 28 against the New York Islanders. (WRAL Sports Fan)
Recently, we shared a survey where our number one fans can let us know what sports content to cover. By completing the survey, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a chance to win team-branded swag up to $100 in value.

Award

Architecture firm LS3P and structural engineering firm Lynch Mykins won Best in Show at last weekend’s Triangle Barkitecture competition. Their folding wooden “Hexa-Pawd” design includes space for both the dog and its owner.

DYK

Did you know that all new GoRaleigh buses are running on compressed natural gas and electricity? GoRaleigh reached its goal to transition 70% of its fleet to zero or near zero emissions to reduce its carbon footprint a year early.

Trending

Drumroll, please. Hailing from Lewisberg, WV, the heaviest pumpkin at the NC State Fair weighed in at 1,461 lbs. The heaviest watermelon came from Liberty, NC and weighed 306 lbs. See them for yourself, now through Sun., Oct. 23. 🍉 (The News & Observer)

Eat

It’s corn!... casserole. This gluten-free Corn Casserole recipe makes for a sweet, autumnal side dish. 🌽 *

Shop

DYK that our bodies rely on prebiotics to support the trillions of healthy probiotics in our gut? Enter: ODYSSEY Prebiotic Protein Bars. Each bar contains prebiotic fiber and up to 16 grams of protein. Bonus: They comes in delicious flavors like Mint Chocolate Brownie and Vanilla Blueberry.*

Travel

The coastal village of Mystic, CT might just be the perfect getaway, especially if you stay in this secluded mid-century modern home near historic downtown. Enjoy the fall foliage on Mystic’s hiking trails, nearby beaches and coves, plus pop into the pizzeria that inspired “Mystic Pizza.” 🍕*

Correction

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Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

We want to see your best fall photos

Fall photography contest in Raleigh, NC

We want to see your best local pictures of autumn. | Photo by RALtoday

Calling all local photographers — we’re launching a fall-tography contest that will run from now until Fri., Nov. 11. 🍁

What does that mean? We’re looking for photos that show what it’s like to experience autumn in Raleigh. (Hint: Think leaves, themed festivals and foods, etc.). Submissions can be emailed + will be reviewed by City Editors Anne and Cat.

The contest winner will be announced Mon., Nov. 14 and our favorite photos will be featured @raltoday. 📸

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: If you’re looking for a way to help hungry Raleighites, consider picking up a PLACE Card ($10) at A Place at the Table. Each card can be redeemed for a warm meal at the cafe. I like to keep one on hand, just in case I meet someone who needs it more than me.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out our guide to the Falling For Local fall festival, happening this weekend at Dix Park.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

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