Carson Visits Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson hosted a roundtable in an Opportunity Zone alongside U.S. Representative Richard Hudson-R, N.C., along with North Carolina leadership in the housing market to discuss strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Secretary Carson visited a Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County construction site alongside U.S. Representative Hudson as an example of community collaboration with the goal of increasing the affordable housing stock. Founded by church groups more than 30 years ago, Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County has served nearly 1,400 individuals, 582 children, and 559 families.
“Housing prices have risen to the level that there are many in the workforce who maintain a job, but still cannot afford a place to call home,” Carson said. “The Trump administration has been working hard to bring solutions to this problem. Last week, I was pleased to bring together leaders of innovation and deregulation in North Carolina’s housing market, and I thank Representative Hudson for his commitment to affordable housing for all.”
Congressman Hudson said he remains focused on solutions to provide affordable housing, economic investment, and more jobs for the community.
“Through measures like Opportunity Zones and the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, I’m proud of the progress made by working with President Trump, which we highlighted last week in Kannapolis,” Hudson said. “I appreciate Secretary Carson for coming to our community and look forward to working together to continue to improve our economy and expand opportunities for all Americans.”
Eliminating Barriers to Affordable Housing
On June 25, 2019, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Council on Eliminating Barriers to Affordable Housing, and named Secretary Carson as its chairperson. The Council consists of members across eight federal agencies and engage with state, local, and tribal leaders across the country to identify and remove the obstacles that impede the production of affordable homes – namely, the enormous price tag that follows burdensome government regulations.
Research indicates that more than 25% of the cost of a new home is the direct result of government regulations. For this reason, in recent years, the construction of new multifamily and single-family dwellings has been unable to keep pace with the formation of new households.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau data shows from 2010 to 2016, only seven homes were built for every 10 households formed. As a result, Americans have fewer housing opportunities, including the opportunity to achieve sustainable homeownership, which is the number one builder of wealth for most American families.
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