By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
The Wake County Board of Commissioners tackled a wide-ranging agenda Tuesday afternoon, approving new affordable housing investments, infrastructure improvements, and unanimously adopting a resolution opposing a proposed state constitutional amendment that would limit local control over property taxes.
A major focus of the meeting was the county’s continued effort to expand affordable housing through its 2026 Affordable Housing Development Program (AHDP). Commissioners approved funding recommendations tied to both Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Non-Tax Credit (NTC) projects.
Among the highlighted developments was Evoke Living on New Bern, a project that will bring 73 senior housing units serving residents earning between 20% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). The project will receive more than $2.5 million in combined city and county loans.
Altogether, the slate of recommended projects includes 318 units targeted at households earning below 50% of AMI.
County officials noted that since adopting Wake County’s 20-year Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan, adjustments to the request-for-proposals process have led to stronger outcomes—more deeply affordable units, increased supportive housing for vulnerable populations, and better coordination with developers and municipalities.
The 2026 AHDP cycle generated 15 new project proposals and 1 additional gap-financing request, totaling more than $35 million in funding requests. The initiative supports the county’s goal of creating or preserving 2,500 affordable housing units by 2029.
Commissioners also approved a construction contract to replace the aging roof at the Southeast Regional Library in Garner. The facility was built in 1989, with its current roof last replaced in 2005. The library will remain open throughout the process.
The most politically charged portion of the meeting came as commissioners addressed a proposed constitutional amendment under consideration in the North Carolina General Assembly that would allow lawmakers to impose limits on how much and how quickly local property taxes can increase.
The proposal, backed by Republican legislative leaders, is framed as a response to rising property tax burdens. Supporters argue it would prevent what they describe as excessive increases that outpace inflation and population growth. Democrats and local government advocates, however, warn that such limits could significantly constrain counties’ ability to fund essential services like schools, public safety, and public health.
In a unanimous 7-0 vote, Wake County commissioners adopted a resolution opposing what they describe as a “levy limit.”
The resolution emphasizes that property taxes are a primary and stable source of locally controlled revenue and that counties rely on that authority to meet both operational needs and long-term obligations. It warns that restricting that authority could reduce fiscal flexibility, undermine stability, and lead to unintended consequences such as service cuts, delayed infrastructure projects, increased fees, and inequitable impacts on residents.
Vice Chair Commissioner Safiyah Jackson voiced her support during the meeting, saying the resolution aligns Wake County with other jurisdictions across the state.
“I want to acknowledge that I also support [the resolution],” Jackson said. “My support is standing with other County Commissioners across the state, in a unified ask that we take a different approach. I just ask that we consider different solutions because if it were to move forward, it would have significant impacts,” she added.
Jackson also noted that commissioners will revisit the issue in greater detail during upcoming budget discussions.
“On May 4, the Board will come together with the Town Manager and look over the budget and the tough demands that are on our revenue—and why we have to have the rates that we have,” Jackson said.
The proposed amendment, advanced by a state House committee last Wednesday, would require legislative approval by a three-fifths majority in both chambers before going to voters as a referendum.
While current law already caps property tax rates at $1.50 per $100 of assessed value—something no local government has reached—the proposal would require lawmakers to set additional limits on annual increases, though it does not specify exact thresholds. Local government groups, including municipalities and county associations, have urged lawmakers to instead focus on targeted relief programs such as homestead exemptions or circuit breakers for seniors and low-income homeowners.
Meanwhile, counties like Harnett have begun taking up similar resolutions as Wake, particularly as property reappraisals drive higher tax bills in some areas. State law requires counties to reassess property values at least once every eight years.
Unlike standing committees, select committees are temporary. The involuntary commitment panel was established in late 2025, following passage of Iryna’s Law in September in response to the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. A man with a history of severe mental illness is charged with her death.
“The committee recommends authorizing this committee to continue its work and to reestablish it to continue work for the 2027-2028 biennium,” legislative analyst Jessica Boney said.
Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston) asked if agencies like the Dept. of Health and Human Services can make corrections immediately based on the committee’s work.
“Can they go in and start implementing some of the things that we’re talking about?” Torbett asked.
Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), the panel’s co-chair, said the panel has involved the department throughout the process of drafting recommendations. The agency has identified a number of things they can implement without legislative action, he said.
“I would hope and encourage them to do that and have a lot of those conversations,” Blackwell said. “If it needs legislative action, then we can work on that.”
