A pedestrian bridge can be more than just a crossing structure. In some cases, it can be a piece of artwork and a gateway that connects communities. That said, sometimes the total costs and benefits of installing a pedestrian bridge are not fully considered. As such, there is an opportunity to explo … Read more

  In past posts, we have discussed how governments can use financing programs to encourage energy improvements and how energy improvements can turn undesirable properties into economic opportunities.  In fact, economic development and job creation are some of the major benefits touted by govern … Read more

In 2013, the 11-story, $119 million Durham County Courthouse opened. This 320,000 square foot structure is located on 510 South Dillard Street and is right next to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the Durham Performing Arts Center in downtown Durham. Government offices, homes, and businesses are t … Read more

As the CED blog ends its series celebrating the 50th anniversary of HUD (previous posts can be found here and here), it is only fitting that this post focuses on one of HUD’s newest, and perhaps one of its most radical, programs: Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). The RAD program serves a simple … Read more

Every year the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) reviews the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) that describes the selection criteria for developers submitting projects for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). LIHTC credits provide developers the ability to feasibly develop affordable ho … Read more

In recognition of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s 50th anniversary, the CED blog is highlighting a couple of HUD’s newest programs that cities can use to help spur revitalization in distressed neighborhoods. One of these programs is Choice Neighborhoods. Choice Neighborhoods … Read more

[UPDATE: Additional changes were made in 2016. Those changes are summarized here: 2016 Changes to Municipal Service District (MSD) Authority] In the state budget bill, S.L. 2015-241, the legislature made a few changes to municipal service district (MSD) authority. An MSD is a defined area within a m … Read more

Every year the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) awards applicants with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) – the most important resource for creating affordable housing in the United States today. The NCHFA uses federal and state funds to produce affordable housing by partnering with … Read more

The North Carolina coastline has a wide variety of inlets that are critical to coastal commerce, such as for commercial traffic at ports, commercial and charter fisherman, and recreation & tourism. According to a report to the Joint Transportation Appropriations Committee by the North Carolina D … Read more

Community and economic development professionals are careful in monitoring the economic health of their communities. Economic growth is heralded; economic stress is cause for concern. One of the current issues in national public policy conversations is the growth in economic inequality, especially c … Read more