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Greer council adopts housing strategy framework, sets stage for future rental registration and a possible housing trust fund
Summary
The Greer City Council adopted a nonbinding housing assessment and strategy on July 14, 2026, endorsing a policy framework to guide staff work, qualify for grant opportunities and explore tools such as a housing trust fund and rental registration; the vote was 6–1 in favor with one no vote.
Greer — The City Council voted to adopt the City of Greer Housing Assessment and Strategy on July 14, 2026, a nonbinding policy framework staff said will help the city pursue state and federal funding and guide future ordinance and budget decisions.
Planning staff presented the report and its recommended next steps, stressing the resolution does not create new programs or appropriations. Alex Kale of the planning and development department said, “It does not create any financial commitments. There is no new programs funded by this action this evening.” Staff described three housing tiers used in the report: affordable (up to 80% of area median income), workforce (81–120% AMI) and market rate (over 120% AMI).
Council members and staff discussed short-term actions and longer-term strategies. Staff proposed quick wins such as a communications and education program and a review of the Unified Development Ordinance to allow more housing types. Longer-term options included creating a housing trust fund to fill financing gaps and preserve housing and exploring rental registration and inspection programs to improve the condition of rental housing.
Supporters said the framework would position Greer to apply for grants and better coordinate with partners, while some council members expressed concern about perceived constraints on private property rights and urged careful phrasing. One council member suggested changing adoption language to “receive and acknowledge” to avoid tying future councils to specifics; staff and other members emphasized the resolution’s nonbinding status.
Kale and staff highlighted that adoption could affect eligibility for federal programs should the city reach entitlement status once population exceeds 50,000. Staff also noted a July 23 community engagement event on property management and tenant education to build local understanding of the issues raised by the report.
Council then voted to adopt the resolution. The recorded vote on the final motion was 6–1, with Council member Lander casting the lone no vote. The adoption directs staff to pursue the short-term education and partnership actions and to return to council for any program- or budget-level proposals that would require ordinances or appropriations.
Next steps: staff will continue community engagement and return to council with any ordinance or budgetary proposals for further action. The resolution does not itself authorize spending or regulatory changes.
