CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Affordable housing is back on the ballot this November for Charlotte voters.
The city's proposal would double its investment from $50 million to $100 million to support families.
City Councilman Malcolm Graham (D) is among those in favor of the funds. He said they will be used to help create more affordable homes and expand shelters.
"Everyone knows that it's a crisis in our community, and we continue to try to fill the void," Graham said.
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If approved, the money would go toward the city's Housing Trust Fund which has created or preserved more than 10,000 affordable units and shelter beds since it formed more than 20 years ago.
"So, no increase in taxes," Graham said. "You're basically approving the city to borrow for those funds for those specific purposes.”
While housing remains a top priority, everyone doesn't believe this proposal is the right way to fund it.
City Councilman Ed Driggs (R) is among those opposed. He said the money would divert funds from basic city needs and could set the stage for higher taxes in the future.
"The council majority voted to approve moving forward with $100 million for affordable housing," Graham said. "So, I respectfully disagree with him, and I believe that the voters will as well.”
Voters can weigh-in on Election Day which is Nov. 5.
"Out of all the struggles that we have, [affordable housing] is one of the struggles that shouldn’t be a thing," Charlotte resident Elizabeth Rios said.
“The homeless problem down here is substantial, and with all this construction and stuff going on, they definitely have the money to afford that," Huntersville resident Moyo Wills said.
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