REBIC – Controversy on Faith In Housing Approvals Concerning

From REBIC - 4/28/2026

The Faith in Housing Initiative was launched in 2024 with the intent to (according to the City of Charlotte’s website) “equip faith-based organizations with the tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to bring affordable housing projects to life.”

REBIC recently shared information about the Initiative and included details about the original twelve cohorts that were selected. Since the program’s launch, religious institutions have stepped forward and are seeking approval to develop portions of their properties to be dedicated towards the building of affordable and attainable housing without having to seek public funding.

That’s why the actions that took place last Monday were confusing to many observers. Two rezoning petitions, 2025-030 by Tryon Advisors, LLC and 2025-129 by True Homes faced pushback from several Members of Council. The property owners in these cases were Cooks Memorial Presbyterian Church and University City United Methodist Church and between the two projects would produce 160 new townhomes.

Councilman Malcolm Graham offered motions to deny both projects and lengthy discussions ensued. Ultimately the rezonings were approved by narrow margins of 7-3 and 6-4 respectively. This came after both petitions received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission and were supported by Planning Staff.

Video of April 20, 2026 Charlotte City Council Zoning Meeting

Rob’s Take:  We’re troubled by this seeming change of priority and lack of support for a program that is already opening up opportunities for community members to obtain housing. Charlotte City Council with the support of City Staff launched this initiative to urge local churches with excess property to partner with private developers to produce urgently needed affordable and attainable housing. In the process of doing so, Council received complaints from the neighbors and instead of defending their positions, gave too much power to these dissidents. That’s not leadership.

It seems we are constantly in a mode of hesitation. But let’s remember the recently passed transportation referendum will soon turn on the flow of dollars to the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) to begin funding enhanced infrastructure projects. Additionally, the City of Charlotte last year produced its 30-Year Transportation Investment Plan that specifically articulates its mobility improvement strategy and breaks it down by City Council District.

While the Council pauses, I’d recommend we recommit to educating the public about plans and projects and timelines. The document linked above is a great summary of the infrastructure improvements slated to be made in the near future, with some already in process. And as citizens and business owners in real estate and land development, remind Councilmembers that the Faith in Housing Initiative was their initiative! Let’s keep it going!