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Strategic Goal #4: Collaborate to advocate for an increase in residential housing diversity
The primary topic raised by stakeholders and residents through this process related to the availability and affordability of housing. This goal acknowledges the important ongoing work by Dare County and multiple groups to address housing in the Outer Banks, and suggests the need for collaboration and partnership in advancing those efforts for the benefit of all residents, including those in the tourism and hospitality industry.
4a. Collaborate with Dare County and other partners to advocate for an increase in home ownership options for a broader base of residents with established incentives to develop alternative and more sustainable housing. Develop an awareness and advocacy strategy to educate about needs for more housing diversity.
OBVB Role: Support + Advocate
Other Organizations: Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, tourism industry partners
Timeline: 2023 and ongoing to align with Dare County’s efforts
Success Metrics: Awareness and advocacy strategy developed, number of additional units built, number of units deemed affordable, number of units for workforce, public sentiment surveys, employer surveys.
Considerations: In a support role, you need to look for roadblocks, and try to find solutions when things get stuck. For example, in your meeting the other day, a commissioner noted that they have money for affordable housing but can’t find the land. Who could be engaged in this conversation to find a solution?
Desired Result: Increase housing diversity; retain and attract full-time residents. Establishing a common understanding of the existing needs and possible solutions.
Progress:
January 18, 2024 – The Dare County Housing Task Force held its first meeting. Chaired by Bob Woodard, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, the Housing Task Force includes representatives from local government, associations and industries, as well as local residents from throughout the county. Of the 26 members of the Housing Task Force, eight (8) have a direct connection to the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP), including three (3) Dare County Tourism Board members [Monica Thibodeau, Mike Siers and Tess Judge], four (4) Special Committee members [Donna Creef, Elizabeth Morey, Bobby Outten and Ronnie Sloan] and one (1) Outer Banks Visitors Bureau staff member [Jeff Schwartzenberg].
The Dare County Housing Task Force’s collaborative efforts signify a dedicated approach to finding holistic solutions to the housing challenges faced by the community. With a diverse group of stakeholders actively engaged, the Housing Task Force aims to make a positive impact on the housing landscape in Dare County.
The Housing Task Force will meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Dare County Administration Building (Room 168), located at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo. These meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited.
4b. Collaborate with Dare County and other partners to advocate for a balance in short and long-term rental and home ownership opportunities.
OBVB Role: Support + Advocate
Other Organizations: Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, tourism industry partners
Timeline: 2023 and ongoing to align with Dare County’s efforts
Success Metrics: Awareness and advocacy strategy developed, number of additional units built, number of units deemed affordable, number of units for workforce, public sentiment surveys, employer surveys.
Considerations: In a support role, you need to look for roadblocks, and try to find solutions when things get stuck. For example, in your meeting the other day, a commissioner noted that they have money for affordable housing but can’t find the land. Who could be engaged in this conversation to find a solution?
Desired Result: Prioritize and fund ongoing land-use and policy updates to ensure enforcement and compliance.
4c. Collaborate with Dare County and other partners to advocate for the development of public transportation, other mobility options and workforce accessibility.
OBVB Role: Support + Advocate
Other Organizations: This could be done in conjunction with 3.a, 3.e and 3.f
Timeline: 2023 and ongoing to align with Dare County’s efforts
Success Metrics: Awareness and advocacy strategy developed, number of additional units built, number of units deemed affordable, number of units for workforce, public sentiment surveys, employer surveys.
Considerations: In a support role, you need to look for roadblocks, and try to find solutions when things get stuck. For example, in your meeting the other day, a commissioner noted that they have money for affordable housing but can’t find the land. Who could be engaged in this conversation to find a solution?
Desired Result: Allow for regional transit to expand housing and workforce options.
4d. Partner with local groups to explore public/private housing development opportunities.
OBVB Role: Support + Advocate
Other Organizations: Resident Advisory Panels, local Developers, Dare County
Timeline: 2023 and ongoing to align with Dare County’s efforts (Done in conjunction with 4.a)
Success Metrics: Options identified and put forward.
Considerations: Considerations given to local groups and external developers.
Desired Result: Increase in diversity of development options and a mix of essential and affordable options.
