It is a topic that is at the forefront of conversations within New Hanover County Government. 
 
From our Commissioners to staff, the most significant ongoing discussion throughout the organization centers around our growing community, the need for affordable places to call home, and the necessary infrastructure and support to make affordability and sustainability possible.
 
One thing we know is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Costs for everything have risen steeply the last few years, including in the construction sector. That makes keeping affordable price points difficult without financial incentives. 
 
It’s also important to make sure those who are already calling New Hanover County home have access to safe and reliable infrastructure and utilities. While a vast majority of our community is fortunate to be connected to water and sewer, there are still significant places scattered throughout the county that do not have these resources available yet.  
 
All of this requires a holistic approach that looks at addressing current issues while being mindful of what lies ahead for our community to create a path for sustainable growth. 
 
Navigating the needs of our community and how local government can help address them is Theo McClammy, Housing Program Manager in our Planning and Land Use Department. 
 
Theo’s efforts encompass so much, from our work with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority to expand infrastructure, to implementing the Workforce Housing Services program established by our Commissioners three years ago. 
 
For this month’s Public Service Profile, I spoke with Theo about his focus on the affordable housing field and his passion for helping create equitable opportunities for everyone in our community. That conversation is below … 
 
Theo, we often use phrases like ‘in the thick of it’ when talking about people who are truly deeply entrenched in something. I would say that descriptor is appropriate for the work you do. I know you coordinate with a lot of people throughout our county as it relates to housing. For those who maybe don’t understand what this entails, give me an idea of the scope of your role and what it means to be involved on a community level? 
 
It means the opportunity to work across public, private and nonprofit sectors to foster and support projects that reflect the county’s commitment to affordable and workforce housing. My role involves project management with private developers, other government agencies, community housing development organizations, philanthropic, civic and nonprofit organizations. Working throughout the county – ‘in the thick of it’ – is critical to successfully addressing the housing affordability gap. 
 
Our latest housing needs assessment found that over the next 10 years, 16,875 units are needed in the county (12,147 for-rent units and 6,165 for-sale). A consistent and comprehensive effort involving multiple partners is required. My passion is in building relationships with these partners in our community who can help speed affordable housing units to the market. It’s amazing to see the creativity of these organizations in addressing the needs we’re facing and I’m grateful to help be a part of the solution to the problem we face. 
 
Our Commissioners committed three years ago to dedicate $15 million in funding for a workforce and affordable housing program that would fund shovel-ready projects here in New Hanover County to increase the stock of affordable units. Since that program started, you’ve played a key role in helping gather and evaluate those Request for Proposals and determine what meets the criteria for consideration. Take me through what this program is looking for and how it is helping address this issue in our community. 
 
Our annual Workforce Housing Program request for proposals seeks projects from the development community and other agencies. We are looking for partners with a record of quality developments and programs in New Hanover County, an experienced and capable development team, and a history of strong financial capacity to see projects to completion. 
 
Our highest priority is funding immediate impact projects – those that are shovel-ready within approximately six months of receiving an award, that leverage diverse funding sources and meet the county’s Land Use regulations and policies. Importantly, proposals must also support the county’s housing priorities to increase housing stock, retain existing affordable units, and increase access for moderate income households. 
 
Since the Workforce Housing Service Program began, we have invested almost $6 million in six projects with total developments costs approximately $59 million. The program has stimulated additional investments, resulting in 426 new units and stabilized households. 
 
Looking ahead, opportunities exist to expand our partnerships with philanthropic organizations that seek to improve education, health, and economic opportunity. Due to the scale of our housing challenges, corporate and private philanthropies are backing solutions to address the problem and are helping to develop local strategies. This resource has the potential to increase flexibility and to grow our toolbox to create more housing partnerships and immediate impact. 
 
I know you’ve been heavily involved with our partners at CFPUA to help find solutions for areas of our community not currently connected to clean drinking water. So far, two community water stations have opened. Take me through how these came to be and what we can expect for other areas that don’t have access moving forward. 
 
The Board of Commissioners authorized the Community Water Stations Pilot Project to provide free, clean water to area residents as a short-term initiative to address potential water contamination. Implementation is taking place in partnership with CFPUA and nonprofit civic organizations or places of worship. The stations are typically placed on private property and require different community partnership agreements to achieve public benefit. The initial focus area was the Rockhill Rd/Oakley Rd neighborhood because residents had already expressed interest and potential partners had been identified.
 
Water stations have been installed at St. James AME Church in the Rockhill neighborhood and at the Scotts Hill Community Center. The St. James ribbon cutting was in December and the Scotts Hill opening took place on July 16. Installation of a third station is underway with completion scheduled this summer, also in the Castle Hayne community. Our goal is to increase community-wide accessibility by placing a fourth station in the southern part of the county. Community partners commit to a five-year agreement, regular opening of the station, and a welcoming environment for the public. There are also two CFPUA-managed public water stations at Ogden Park and Veterans Park that are available to all residents.
 
This is a community development pilot project which reflects the county’s commitment to addressing critical needs through public-private partnerships and shared resources. 
 
I want to thank Theo for all the hard work he is doing behind the scenes to help address so many areas of need in our community. It’s certainly a huge undertaking and a problem we as an organization won’t be able to address on our own, but his efforts are certainly helping make an impact. 
 
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out our Planning and Land Use website, which has information about the current RFP for the Workforce Housing Services program, as well as information on what has been accomplished in the first two years of the program. It’s a great chance to learn more about Theo’s role and what it means for our community.