Statesville Council Approves Creation of Affordable Housing Fund

The Statesville City Council has taken a major step toward expanding affordable housing opportunities in the community.

By a 7–1 vote, council members approved the establishment of a new Affordable Housing Fund and policy, a move aimed at assisting residents with down payment support and home repair needs.

Councilman James Pressly cast the lone dissenting vote, noting that while he supports the goal of affordable housing, he would like to see clearer, measurable objectives for how the funds will be allocated.

Funding for the program will come primarily from the sale of city-owned property, according to City Manager Ron Smith, who said the policy now gives council a structured framework for distributing proceeds from those sales.

The fund could also serve as a local match for $3 million in federal HOME grant funds, designed to bolster affordable housing options across the city.

Council members Lisa Pearson and Doris Allison both praised the initiative, saying it provides a pathway to homeownership for more residents — and does so without using money from the general fund.

The motion to approve was made by Tip Nicholson and seconded by Doris Allison, passing with strong council support.