Durham nonprofit urges council to allow modular homes under ARPA amendment

Durham's Community Land Trust presented an amendment request to permit modular housing as an eligible use of ARPA funds, saying factory‑built homes could speed delivery of affordable housing and create homeownership opportunities.

Shere Teller, executive director of the Durham Community Land Trust, told the council modular construction is now high quality, sustainable and fast: "El 90 por ciento de una casa modular se crea en una fábrica ... Las casas modulares se pueden crear dentro de una fábrica en 5 meses," she said, adding that the units are inspected like site‑built housing and that DCLT already manages several modular homes in the city.

Staff said the ARPA funding in question was originally approved under prior council actions and that changes are necessary because federal ARPA rules and implementing guidance changed after the city's original subrecipient contracts. Council members asked for more detail on timelines, partners, and how the amendment would change eligible uses; staff and presenters said the regulatory pathway for modular construction exists and that permitting and inspections are required at the same stages as other housing.

Council discussion also touched on workforce and supportive services tied to housing goals. A council member asked for a clear breakdown of project priorities and partnering agencies; staff said the county and other stakeholders have roles in the project and that the district attorney's office had been included for legal questions about contracts.

What happens next: Staff will return with implementation details, timelines and any revised contract language needed to align the ARPA award with federal guidance.