Project 3500 Affordable Housing Charrette Kick-Off Presentation

The City of Charleston, SC held a Project 3500 Affordable Housing Charrette Kick-Off Presentation on March 24, 2026, to outline an ambitious plan to create 3,500 net new affordable housing units by 2032. City officials, including the mayor and planning staff, detailed a data-driven, design-focused approach involving public-private partnerships, pre-zoned sites, and permanent deed restrictions to ensure long-term affordability. The plan emphasizes a "build first" strategy to avoid displacement, with new housing constructed on city-owned or partner-owned land before existing units are redeveloped. The city aims to leverage institutional capital alongside local developers, streamline permitting to reduce costs and timelines, and integrate affordable housing within Charleston's historic architectural context. Several sites across the peninsula and surrounding areas were identified for targeted development, with a focus on transit connectivity and urban design that respects Charleston's character. The meeting included a Q&A session addressing concerns about displacement, funding sources (including HUD and tax increment financing), developer involvement, and affordability metrics tied to area median income (AMI). The city stressed its commitment to no displacement, mixed-income housing, and durable, high-quality design to meet the region's social, cultural, and economic needs.