Shelby County selected for inaugural cohort of nationwide program to address housing shortages

What’s happening: County leaders across the nation will soon pay extra attention to Shelby County in the months ahead as the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Smart Growth America have selected Shelby to join the inaugural cohort of their Counties for Housing Solutions program. Just five counties were selected for the program nationwide.

What it is: The Counties for Housing Solutions (C4HS) program intends to address housing shortages in urban counties throughout the country, utilizing NACo’s 2023 Housing Task Force strategic recommendations to increase housing supply, reduce rent, and create pathways for economic mobility.

What they’re saying: "Shelby County is honored to be selected for this program,” says Commissioner Erika Sugarmon of District 12. “We are committed to addressing housing challenges by implementing strategies that increase housing supply and provide affordable options for our residents. Partnering with NACo and Smart Growth America, we aim to create economic mobility and improve the quality of life for families in Shelby County.”

How they’ll do it: A team of Shelby County leaders have been assembled to develop affordable housing options on otherwise underutilized county-owned land. The team will identify potential sites, engage the local community, partner with developers, and secure financing with the end goal of creating more affordable housing in Shelby County.

Who’s who: Representing Shelby County will be Rasheedah Jones (NAREB & Black Coalition of Housing), Shirley Bondon (Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis), Carlissa Shaw and Esther-Sykes Woods (Shelby County Land Bank), professional research analyst Meghan Moody, and Commissioner Erika Sugarmon of District 12.

Why it’s important: "Through the Counties for Housing Solutions cohort, I hope to create sustainable housing options that address our community's needs and promote long-term economic mobility,” says Jones. “By the end of the program, we aim to develop actionable solutions for utilizing county-owned land to ensure equitable access to affordable housing.”