Garner residents urge council to act on affordable housing; task force and county data cited

A Garner resident on July spoke at the town council’s petitions and comments period to press the council to act on affordable housing, citing countywide shortages and the town task force’s recommendations.

Kathleen Danaher de Cardenas, who identified herself as a Garner resident, told the council she and local faith and nonprofit partners attended a Wake County gathering that presented data on a 65,000-unit affordable housing deficit. She said the Wake County event pressed political leaders to consider a $200 million housing bond and contrasted that with a recently approved $275 million bond in Raleigh.

Danaher de Cardenas said the Garner Affordable Housing Task Force produced an 18-page report with nine recommendations and noted local council members’ past involvement. "Mr. Vance was the chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force that spent 7 months researching," she said, and she praised Council member Singleton’s past support. She told the council the town budget passed last month by a 3-2 vote and that it included staff for the Yergan Park project but did not include a full-time staff member for affordable housing. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the needs of our neighbors," she said, adding, "what would Jesus do?"

Council members acknowledged the public comment and discussed next steps. Council member Singleton said he had already asked staff to compile town-owned property maps and planned to meet with staff after an upcoming educational leave to explore small housing options for veterans and other groups. Council member Behringer said she has been reviewing data with the speaker; Council member Dellinger was identified in public remarks as serving on the task-force research subcommittee.

No formal council action was taken during public comment. Town officials said topics requiring further investigation would be referred to appropriate staff and might appear on future agendas for formal consideration.

Community members and advocacy groups pushing for housing change often ask localities to consider dedicated staff or budget allocations to implement recommendations; Danaher de Cardenas said Garner’s task force had proposed staffing and partnership options but that the budget approved in late June did not fund a full-time housing staff position.

The council did not commit to a specific budget change during the meeting; members signaled interest in additional information and follow-up from staff and consultants already engaged by the town.