Opportunities and Challenges of the North Carolina Planning Crisis: Why Housing Affordability and Regional Equity are Critical to Success

For much of its modern history, North Carolina and its localities have resisted a planned approach to development for fear this would conflict with economic expansion fueling the state’s growth. However, with recent economic decline in certain parts of the state and population and employment growth in others, several major deficiencies, including a shortage of affordable housing, have become utterly apparent. These conditions serve only to further highlight the need for a more integrated approach to planning. In this article, Chris Estes exposes a history of planning shortcomings regarding sustainable development practices, affordable housing, and economic equity within this state. In response, he explores the concept of Regional Equity as an effective strategy for confronting North Carolina’s impending planning crisis and dire affordable housing needs