Show All Answers

1. Why did the City of Winston-Salem conduct this housing study?

The purpose of the study was to learn what kind and how much housing is needed in our community.

2. How was the study conducted?

A consulting firm, Enterprise Community Partners, conducted the study in cooperation with the city's Community Development Department and other city officials and departments. The study included an assessment of existing housing conditions, population characteristics, and present and future market demands. The study also identified potential housing gaps, as well as possible financing opportunities to address the needs.

3. Is this study about a shortage of workforce housing?

Workforce housing means housing targeted to households with incomes between 50% and 120% of the area median income, which means incomes ranging from about $28,000 per year to about $71,000 per year.

However, the housing study covered housing needs of households in all income ranges, not just those considered to be workforce housing.

4. Are there other groups of people that may have specific housing challenges that were addressed by the housing study?

Yes. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are examples of people who may have unique housing needs addressed in the study. Also, persons who currently are low income renters or who are homeless may also have needs that are addressed by the study.

5. Most housing is built by the private sector. How can the city do anything about the kind of housing that's built?

The study shines light on areas of potential investment by the private sector, and identifies areas where the city can be involved through public investment or other strategies to facilitate housing development and improvement.

6. How will the city use the information from the study?

The report from the study will be available to all interested parties. In addition, the city will use the information from the study to develop Annual Action Plans from the 2019 to 2023 Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan (Con Plan). The Con Plan will serve as the strategic foundation for federal funding of housing initiatives for the next five years.

7. Who can I contact for additional information from the study?

Persons seeking information about the study may contact:
Ms. Mellin L. Parker, Planning Senior Project Supervisor
Community Development Department
City of Winston-Salem
Phone: 336-734-1310
Email Ms. Mellin L. Parker (please put "Housing Study" in subject line)