The Greenville City Council took significant steps towards enhancing affordable housing during its meeting on April 10, 2025, by approving a substantial amendment to the 2024 annual action plan. This amendment reallocates $400,000 from program income to bolster the city’s housing rehabilitation program, a move aimed at addressing ongoing community needs for safe and affordable living spaces.

Community Development Program Manager, Nayskin, presented the amendment, emphasizing its importance in aligning with the city’s five-year consolidated plan. The annual action plan serves as a blueprint for how Greenville invests federal and local funds into community development, particularly through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs. The reallocation of funds is necessary to support the city’s goals of expanding affordable housing, assisting first-time homebuyers, and strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits.

To date, the city has exceeded its homeowner rehabilitation goals, engaging three new contractors and completing over ten rehabs, with plans to initiate 22 more by June 2025. The Lincoln Park Phase 2 project has successfully created six new homeowners and generated over $1.2 million in program income, which is now being redirected to meet ongoing rehabilitation needs.

During the meeting, Council Member Blackburn raised concerns about whether this funding shift would impact the city’s ability to continue building new single-family homes. Nayskin assured the council that the reallocation would not hinder construction efforts, as the funds were drawn from the rental development line.

The council also held a public hearing regarding the amendment, although no community members chose to speak. Following the hearing, the council unanimously approved the amendment, signaling strong support for the city’s housing initiatives.

In addition to the amendment, the council discussed the 2025 Home Investment Partnership Fund commitment for multifamily rental housing development. This funding aims to support various rental housing activities, including acquisition, new construction, and rehabilitation, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to affordable housing solutions.

As Greenville continues to address housing challenges, these decisions reflect a proactive approach to ensuring that residents have access to safe and affordable living options, ultimately contributing to the community's overall well-being and growth.