Charleston, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Charleston has announced a plan to create 3,500 new affordable housing units by 2030. Following the completion of the James Lewis Jr. Apartments, Mayor Cogswell outlines strategies to overcome past housing challenges, aiming for a tenfold increase in housing construction compared to previous years. The initiative targets low-income residents and seeks to alleviate traffic issues by positioning affordable housing near job centers.
Charleston has unveiled an ambitious initiative to address the urgent need for affordable housing within the city, with a goal of adding 3,500 new affordable housing units by 2030. Mayor William Cogswell recently announced this plan following the celebration of the completion of the James Lewis Jr. Apartments, which are specifically designed for individuals and families earning 60% or below the area median income.
The James Lewis Jr. Apartments, located off Hanover Street, cater to people earning approximately <$45,000 for a single person and around $50,000 for a family of two. Cogswell's strategy includes details about completed housing projects, those currently under development, and potential future constructions on city-owned properties.
Despite the ambitious goals, Cogswell acknowledges the daunting nature of this undertaking, emphasizing that the city must approve or build housing at a pace ten times faster than it has in the past seven years. From 2017 to 2023, Charleston managed to add fewer than 400 affordable housing units, averaging only 57 units annually. Since the beginning of 2024, 178 units have been constructed, but many of these projects are expected to take several years to finalize.
For context, affordable housing typically targets households earning less than the area median income set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the tri-county area, the median income for a family of four is approximately $110,900.
Nearly half of the 3,500 units included in Cogswell’s target are expected to come from city-owned developments. Significant investment is expected in properties located on Morrison Drive and the WestEdge development, where a proposal to construct 1,000 residential units has been laid out, with half of those units designated as affordable.
Transportation challenges, especially in areas like Johns Island and West Ashley, highlight the need for affordable housing close to jobs, as this could help alleviate traffic congestion in the city. By providing suitable housing in proximity to employment centers, Cogswell’s vision aims to create a more efficient transportation model, minimizing the need for new road construction.
Councilman Ross Appel has pointed out the necessity of eliminating “regulatory friction” that currently hinders project completion and raises building costs. Further support from local officials includes encouragement from Councilman William Dudley Gregorie, who called Cogswell’s vision bold and actionable. The plan recently received unanimous approval from a Community Development committee, with further discussions scheduled for the full City Council meeting on September 9, 2025.
The Charleston Housing Authority faces its own set of challenges, including the impact of federal funding shortages on redevelopment efforts that affect hundreds of housing units. Tenants have been vocal about their need for improved living conditions as redevelopment plans continue to encounter delays.
Compounding these issues, the Housing Authority has been denied millions in federal tax credits over the last five years, which has significantly slowed down its redevelopment timeline. Current facility inspections have uncovered problems including caved-in ceilings and slow maintenance response times, raising serious concerns about living conditions for current residents.
In total, the Charleston Housing Authority serves around 1,382 public housing households and over 1,500 Housing Choice Voucher Program participants. The city is actively seeking creative funding solutions and partnerships to help achieve the ambitious housing goals set by the mayor.
Notably, the recent merger of the East Cooper and Charleston Habitat for Humanity organizations aims to expand their capacity to assist families, increasing their home-building output from four to ten homes annually.
Key Features of the Housing Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Affordable Units by 2030 | 3,500 units |
| Recent Completion | James Lewis Jr. Apartments |
| Income Threshold for Eligibility | $45,000 for individuals, $50,000 for families of two |
| Current Housing Added Since 2024 | 178 units |
| Averaged Annually (2017-2023) | 57 units per year |
| Median Income Family (4) | $110,900 |
| Housing Authority Public Housing Units | 1,382 households |
| Housing Choice Vouchers | Over 1,500 participants |
FAQ
What is the goal of Charleston’s affordable housing plan?
The goal is to add 3,500 new affordable housing units by 2030.
What income levels do the James Lewis Jr. Apartments target?
They target individuals earning 60% or below the area median income, approximately $45,000 for a single person and $50,000 for a family of two.
What is the current state of the Charleston Housing Authority?
The Charleston Housing Authority is facing challenges such as a lack of federal funding, affecting redevelopment efforts and living conditions for tenants.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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College of Charleston Announces Coming Street Commons Housing
Charleston Unveils Plan for 3,500 Affordable Housing Units
Sarah Spangler Withdraws from Charleston City Council Race
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Low-Income Families in Charleston Face Eviction Due to Renovations
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Mayor Affordable Housing Plan
- Live 5 News: Redevelopment in Limbo for Charleston Housing Authority
- ABC News: Habitat for Humanity Merger in Charleston Area
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google News: Charleston Affordable Housing
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