Community Development

Modern style homes in ConcordThe Community Development Division is committed to making the City of Concord and its neighborhoods better places to live, work, and play. Through the efforts of this Division, the City strives to provide safe, decent, affordable housing, a suitable living environment and economic opportunities, specifically for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. The City has several programs in place to accomplish this goal. These programs are federally funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Act Programs. 

Federal Grant Programs

 

News/Events

News

HUD Reiterates Role of Housing as a Social Determinant of Health and Critical to Advance Health Equity

 

On November 16, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health, a comprehensive set of actions to better social determinants of health (SDOH), which affect the health and well-being of all Americans. The Playbook highlights the importance of housing as a key driver of health outcomes and lifts up examples of how U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs like Choice Neighborhoods are supporting collaborative efforts to address social determinants of health.  Click the title to learn more.

   

Federal Housing Administration Helps Over 765,000 Families Buy Homes and Maintains a Strong Insurance Fund

 

On November 15, 2023, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published today its annual report to Congress describing the work of its Single Family mortgage insurance programs in fiscal year 2023 and the performance of the FHA Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMI Fund) which supports that work. Despite challenges in the housing market, FHA facilitated access to mortgage credit for more than 765,000 homebuyers and homeowners, including more than 33,000 seniors who obtained a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) during the fiscal year. Click the title to learn more.

   

Federal Housing Administration Increases Allowable Fees for Inspections of Vacant Single Family Homes

 

On November 14, 2023, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced it has increased the allowable property inspection fee limits for property inspections of single-family homes associated with defaulted FHA-insured mortgages. These inspections are a crucial component of servicers’ preservation and protection of properties. They also safeguard neighborhoods from blight arising from inadequately maintained unoccupied homes. Click the title to learn more.

   

Federal Housing Administration Proposes Update to Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Assignment Claims Eligibility to Strengthen Market Liquidity

 

On November 9, 2023, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced it has posted for industry feedback a proposed update to its Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) assignment claims eligibility policy. The proposal enables certain categories of due and payable HECMs that were previously ineligible for assignment to be assigned to HUD, enabling servicers to obtain earlier resolution of these loans through HUD’s assignment claims process. This change will support servicer liquidity and strengthen the HECM market for senior homeowners who use a HECM to age in place. Click the title to learn more.

   

HUD Releases $50 Million to Address Youth Homelessness & New Assistance to Improve Housing Placements for People Experiencing Homelessness and Resolve Encampments

 

On November 8, 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced new resources, technical assistance, and regulatory flexibilities to support their efforts to address homelessness, including among youth, people in unsheltered settings, and people in rural areas. HUD is making $50 million in Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) grants funding available to communities nationwide. Click the title to learn more.

 

Events

November 24, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Deadline for Reimagine McGill Community Survey

 

The City of Concord, in partnership with community organizations, is pursuing innovative solutions to help revitalize a major gateway between Western Concord and historic Downtown Concord.  The City is asking for residents’ input to help guide decisions for the redevelopment of properties recently purchased by the City on McGill Avenue.  In particular, the City is interested in exploring concepts that will address a critical community need for greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables.  The City is also exploring the potential for a business training area that would support the development of local talent within the food and beverage industry.  The idea is to support residents interested in opening their own market or restaurant and to help existing food and beverage small businesses grow.

Residents are invited to help the City “Reimagine McGill” by completing a brief online survey.  Input from the community will help guide decisions and create positive change and redevelopment on McGill Avenue.

The survey is available in English and Spanish through Friday, November 24, 2023.

For more information, residents may also call the City of Concord Planning and Neighborhood Development Department at 704-920-5152.

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December 13, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

The City of Concord’s Planning and Neighborhood Development Department will offer another Annual Contractor Meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the ClewarWater Greenway Gallery, located at 223 Crowell Drive NW in Concord.  During this Meeting, the City will share information about becoming a contractor with the City of Concord, the required documents and information to submit for consideration, the bidding process that includes a new online bidding system, insurance requirements, and the types of projects that are available for bids.

The event is free, but registration is required because LUNCH WILL BE SERVED DURING THE MEETING.

Please register at https://Concordnc.gov/ContractorMeeting. Direct questions to Michael Kepley, the City’s Construction Coordinator, at (704) 920-5130 or via email at kepleym@concordnc.gov.

  Image for annual contractor meeting