Rep. Jeffers files bill in North Carolina House for affordable housing partnerships

A new bill filed by State Rep. Jeffers seeks to allow Durham Public Schools and County to collaborate on affordable housing initiatives for teachers, police officers, and first responders, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 209 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Employee Housing/Durham County.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill allows the Durham Public Schools Board of Education and the County of Durham to collaborate through partnerships, joint ventures, or land trusts to develop affordable rental housing on property they own, specifically for employees including teachers, police officers, and first responders. The bill permits property conveyance to these collaborations to further the housing initiative, with the restriction that properties acquired via eminent domain after the law takes effect are not eligible. Additionally, private entities may be engaged to finance, construct, or maintain these housing units, which must comply with existing building codes and regulations. At least 75% of the housing is reserved for teachers. The rent for these units may be set at or below market rates, available primarily to specified government employees. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Marcia Morey proposed the most bills (11) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Jeffers, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 2nd House district, replacing previous state representative Larry Yarborough.