Wilmington Policy Dinner Recap

The North Carolina Housing Table continued its statewide conversation on attainable housing with a powerful Policy Roundtable Dinner in Wilmington, bringing together local elected officials, developers, advocates, and community leaders for an evening centered on solutions, collaboration, and coastal resilience.

The event featured key voices from the region, including Liz Carbone of the Cape Fear Housing Coalition, Marlowe Foster, President/CEO of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, and Councilwoman Chakema Clinton-Quintana, each offering valuable insight into the unique challenges and opportunities shaping housing across New Hanover and the surrounding counties.

Discussions highlighted rising development pressures, workforce housing shortages, zoning limitations, and the added complexities of coastal construction. Participants emphasized the importance of increasing housing options near job centers, improving permitting and regulatory efficiency, and strengthening partnerships between municipalities, nonprofits, and state policymakers.

A central theme emerged throughout the evening: Wilmington cannot tackle its housing challenges in isolation — statewide policy alignment, regional collaboration, and shared learning are essential. The NC Housing Table reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local leaders through legislative analysis, policy research, and coordinated advocacy as the General Assembly prepares for the upcoming session.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all attendees for contributing their expertise and passion. The insights shared in Wilmington will directly inform our statewide strategy, ensuring North Carolina continues to move toward a future where every resident has access to attainable, safe, and resilient housing. 

Thank you, Wilmington, for your leadership and partnership.