High Point committee directs staff to draft exception to conflict‑of‑interest policy to let city employees access housing assistance

The City of High Point Community Development Committee on Aug. 5 directed staff to draft a revised exception to the city’s conflict‑of‑interest policy so city employees, relatives or others associated with the city could be eligible to participate in housing programs such as down payment assistance and home repairs, subject to safeguards and applicable federal rules.

Nina Wilson, community development and housing director, told the committee the city’s current policy — adopted in March 1999 — bars any city employee from receiving a personal or private economic benefit from city activities. Wilson said federal Community Development Block Grant regulations (24 C.F.R. §570.611) provide a process to request an exception when federal funds are used. “If federal funds are used that we can request an exception to the conflict of interest, we just have to get approval once we follow that process,” Wilson said.

Wilson told the committee staff reviewed practices in nearby cities. She said Greensboro runs a Public Service Heroes Homebuyer Assistance program that allows municipal employees to participate with recusal from decision‑making, Winston‑Salem uses a third‑party administrator for its program, and Gastonia generally allows employees to participate unless they or their family members have direct program management responsibilities.

Council member Tim Andrew expressed a concern about perception and competitive advantage: “My concern is that if a city employee… they don't have sort of inside track on knowledge of this program available above the public. That would be my only concern,” he said. Committee members discussed using third‑party administration and clear recusal rules to reduce any appearance of favoritism.

Staff also reported the city’s down payment assistance amount is currently $7,500 and said a contract with Housing Consultants Group is being executed to administer the city’s down payment assistance program. Deputy Senior Manager Greg Ferguson asked whether the committee also wanted staff to evaluate raising the assistance amount given rising housing and construction costs.

A committee member moved to direct staff to take a deeper dive into the down payment assistance program, the housing repair program and the city conflict‑of‑interest policy and to return recommendations to the committee. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The committee’s direction will lead staff to draft policy language, examine program administration (including the possibility of third‑party administration), review safeguards such as recusal and disclosure, and evaluate the down payment assistance amount for future recommendation to the full council.