Durham, North Carolina is experiencing one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the country, currently ranking fourth nationally in price growth and demand. The city’s expanding job market in technology and healthcare has attracted new residents, but rising housing costs have created significant challenges, especially for historically underrepresented renters who face disproportionate displacement risks. To address these challenges, the Community Development Department offers a Down Payment Assistance Program with up to $80,000 in forgivable, 0% interest 15-year loans to first-time homebuyers.
Despite having funds to support nearly 72 households this fiscal year, many eligible families remain unaware of the program. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop a comprehensive marketing campaign using multiple channels, including digital and traditional media, and direct community engagement to connect qualified applicants with the program. The Fellow will also collect and analyze data to evaluate marketing effectiveness and conduct research on homeownership trends in nearby cities to understand what factors influence buyer decisions. By expanding program awareness and access, this initiative aims to help more low-income Durham residents purchase their own homes, providing stability and wealth-building opportunities as the city continues to grow.