Public investments and policies made at the federal level(i.e.HUD, USDA-Rural Development), the state level(i.e. NCHFA and NC Commerce) and by our local governments affect where new homes will be built and existing homes renovated.
Rather than scattering public investments, with federal, state and local budgets severely strapped, does it make more sense to focus on stimulating construction of new homes and apartments, especially those that have public financing or assistance, in 'housing opportunity areas', areas close to shopping, jobs, services, and transportation options? What should the region and its communities do to encourage builders to build and families to buy and rent in these housing opportunity areas?