Groups that advocate for affordable housing are hosting an event in Wilmington this week to discuss the issue, a subject that has gained increasing attention recently as local officials work to create a new city-county affordable housing panel.

The Cape Fear Housing Coalition (CFHC) and N.C. Housing Coalition (NCHC) are inviting the public to a listening session on housing policy scheduled to take place from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the New Hanover County Executive Development Center, 1241 Military Cutoff Road.

Those who attend will be able to learn about recent developments in state and federal affordable housing policy, along with pending policy issues regarding consumer protections and housing for special populations, according to a news release. They’ll also have the chance to participate in a facilitated conversation about housing issues and challenges in the Wilmington region while shaping a statewide affordable housing agenda, the release said.

“We’re hoping to get a variety of people in the room who want to share their opinion,” said CFHC chairman Paul D’Angelo. “I think having everybody in the same room discussing those issues can only lead to, hopefully, cooperation and a collective solution for our area.”

Guests at the event from the NCHC will be Samuel Gunter, director of policy and advocacy, and Tyran Hill, local and regional advocate.

The Wilmington session Thursday is the first stop on a statewide journey that the NCHC is embarking on to gather with affordable housing advocates and community leaders, share information and learn about what’s happening on a local level, D’Angelo said.

Looking for solutions to the area's affordable housing shortage, local officials are in the process of forming a new Wilmington/New Hanover County Ad Hoc Committee on Improving Workforce/Affordable Housing. The deadline to apply to serve on the committee is Feb. 29.

“I think it could provide some really vital information for them,” D’Angelo said of those who are considering joining the panel.