Madeline Keeter: We all deserve a shot at the American Dream

Most Americans spend their lives working to achieve the American Dream. The idea of upward mobility, and the promise that each generation can achieve a higher standard of living and social status than the previous one, is something many people spend their lives working for.  

The American Dream is built upon the principles of personal independence and security. Americans want to live in high-opportunity neighborhoods with good schools, safe communities, and a thriving quality of life. Folks flock to North Carolina from all over the nation and world for these reasons. In fact, in a report conducted by the NC Office of State Budget and Management, the Tarheel State is slated to be the 7th most populous state by 2030. But is our state prepared for the influx?  

North Carolina currently faces a serious housing shortage crisis. To better stabilize the housing demand, lawmakers should more seriously consider the benefit housing providers offer, as they help close the gap and increase supply. High interest rates, skyrocketing housing prices, and crippling property taxes are pricing many people out of the market for buying a home. Housing providers will help families live in standalone dwellings without incurring the costs typically associated with homeownership. 

We all deserve a shot at the American Dream. Offering citizens the option to live closer to work, in safer communities, and with a more affordable living option is a solution that could benefit many in the long run. 

Madeline Keeter of Gastonia, NC