Stein signs order directing agencies to coordinate on housing affordability

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order Tuesday directing state cabinet agencies to coordinate on housing supply, affordability and access as North Carolina faces what the governor’s office described as a housing shortage affecting renters, homeowners, workers and older residents.

Executive Order No. 36 creates a senior adviser for housing policy in the Governor’s Office and directs cabinet agencies to work with the adviser on a statewide housing strategy. The order also calls for agencies to use data, technology and interagency coordination to identify ways to expand housing options across the state.

“Too many families are struggling to make rent or afford a home,” Stein said in a statement released by his office. “This executive order directs a whole-of-government approach to get more homes of all types built and make homeownership more accessible and affordable for North Carolinians.”

The order names Janneke Ratcliffe as senior adviser for housing policy. According to the governor’s office, Ratcliffe previously served as vice president of the Housing and Communities Division for the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. Her role will include working with local and tribal governments, state agencies and outside partners to define a statewide housing strategy, establish measurable goals and report progress to the governor.

The order says Ratcliffe must present an initial proposal to the governor within 90 days for tracking progress on housing availability, affordability and community outcomes. After that, the order calls for semiannual progress reports.

The governor’s office said North Carolina faces an estimated housing gap of more than 750,000 units through 2029. The executive order cites a 2025 housing gap analysis estimating a shortage of 764,000 homes, including 322,000 rental homes and 442,000 homes for purchase. The order also says about half of renter households in North Carolina are housing cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income for shelter.

The order directs state agencies to prioritize housing access and creation in relevant policies and programs. It also requires principal departments led by gubernatorial appointees, with exceptions for the State Highway Patrol and State Bureau of Investigation, to designate a housing lead to work with the senior adviser.

Several agencies receive specific instructions. The Department of Transportation is directed to explore metrics for transportation projects that consider community connectivity, housing availability and local economic benefits. The Department of Administration is directed to evaluate underused state-owned property for possible housing development or related amenities. The Department of Environmental Quality is directed to advise on flood, landslide, wildfire, water and wastewater issues that could affect development patterns.

The order also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to work with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency on options for supportive housing for people with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disability, traumatic brain injury and justice-system involvement needs.

The Department of Commerce is directed to align economic development and workforce programs with housing needs, including training and certifications for construction-related trades and professions. The order also directs Commerce to give housing creation and support significant weight when nominating eligible census tracts for federal Opportunity Zone designation.

Ratcliffe said in the governor’s announcement that housing is becoming less affordable across the country and in North Carolina.

“I’m eager to work with cabinet agencies and partners across the state to create the first statewide housing strategy and deliver solutions that bring costs down and expand opportunity for North Carolinians,” Ratcliffe said.

The order took effect immediately and remains in effect until June 30, 2029, unless rescinded earlier.

Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.