Orange County awards $509,804 to longtime homeowners; staff suggest tightening eligibility

Orange County staff reported results of the 2025 Longtime Homeowner Assistance (LHA) program at the Board’s Feb. 17 meeting: the county received 955 applications (a 58% increase over 2024) and made awards totaling $509,804 to 805 eligible households. The minimum award was $200; the average award was about $491.97 and the median award was $432.70.

Housing Director Blake Rosser said staff prioritized applicants by tax burden, length of homeownership and age, then prorated remaining funds to ensure equitable distribution. Chapel Hill and Carrboro contributed supplemental funding ($86,999 and $45,000 respectively). Rosser said staff will apply modest additional funds the Board approved in January and will send supplemental checks.

Staff recommended reconsidering eligibility rules to better target longer-term owners: for example, increasing the minimum ownership requirement from five to 10 years or setting a purchase-by date (e.g., 2015). Commissioners asked staff to analyze potential unintended consequences — such as favoring higher-value properties — and to return with data. Commissioner Earl McKee advocated for a 10–20 year ownership threshold and asked staff to study options including a potential tax freeze for eligible seniors.

Public commenters urged broader program changes: Larry Reid asked for reconsideration of co-living rules that can disqualify households when incomes are combined; Elizabeth Young (Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition) described steep valuation increases and urged greater program funding, improved appeals access and equity-focused assessment practices.

Why it matters: the LHA program provides direct tax-assistance to low-income longtime homeowners; changes to eligibility could materially shift who receives aid and how limited funds are allocated.