Residential Planning Committee

Addressing housing needs in Fannin County requires coordination among many organizations, communities and areas of expertise.

The Residential Planning Committee helps bring those perspectives together, guiding housing discussions, supporting community engagement, identifying priorities and helping move the work from research and planning toward practical implementation.

Housing is not the responsibility of any single organization. Fannin County, Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton, utility providers, employers, developers, housing organizations, lenders and community partners all have different roles to play. The committee provides a place for those perspectives to come together around a shared goal: expanding year-round housing choices that meet documented local needs while respecting Fannin County’s character.

Purpose Statement

Seeking solutions to support a strong, stable Fannin County by ensuring the people who work here can also live here

• We prioritize solutions that support the people who live and work in Fannin County
• We are committed to protecting the rural mountain character that defines Fannin County
• We focus on thoughtful, targeted solutions aligned with existing infrastructure and community needs
• We value open communication and thoughtful input from residents businesses, and community stakeholders

The Residential Planning Committee helps support a coordinated approach to housing by:

• Reviewing housing needs, trends and community priorities
• Bringing together public, private and nonprofit partners
• Helping identify potential housing opportunities and challenges
• Supporting communication among Fannin County and its municipalities
• Encouraging thoughtful community engagement
• Tracking progress on housing initiatives
• Connecting local needs with potential resources and partners
• Helping keep the public informed as housing efforts advance

The 2026 Fannin County Housing Study recommends a permanent housing implementation partnership with defined membership, an annual work program, regular meetings, project tracking and a method for public reporting. The Residential Planning Committee can help provide the foundation for that coordinated, long-term approach as housing initiatives continue to advance.

Because housing affects so many parts of the community, the Housing Study recommends participation from a broad range of partners, including:

• Fannin County
• City of Blue Ridge
• City of McCaysville
• City of Morganton
• Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
• Utility providers
• Housing organizations
• Healthcare and education
• Public safety
• Major employers
• Small business owners
• Banks and lenders
• Builders and developers
• Community volunteers

The committee’s work includes:

• Housing Opportunities
  Identifying potential sites, projects and partnerships that could help address documented housing needs.
• Infrastructure & Feasibility
  Understanding where roads, utilities, water, sewer, septic conditions, topography and development costs influence what can realistically be built.
• Workforce & Community Needs
  Keeping housing connected to employers, essential services, younger households, families and older residents.
• Partnership Development
  Connecting with developers, lenders, employers, nonprofits and state or federal partners that may help advance projects.
• Public Communication
  Sharing updates, milestones, meeting information and progress so residents can understand how the work is moving forward.

Housing work will continue to evolve as new information becomes available, partnerships develop and individual projects move through feasibility and planning. This page will be updated with committee information, meeting materials and progress reports as the work continues.

Contact the Residential Planning Committee