Identical to H 925, filed 4/30/24.

Establishes the Department of Housing and Community Development (Department) as a cabinet-level department containing the Division of Operations, the Division of Community Development, the Division of Housing and the Policy and Legislative Office. 

Amends GS 143B-2 making the Department subject to the Executive Organization Act of 1973. Amends GS 143B-6 making the Department a principal department.

Amends GS 126-5 listing the Department among those which the Governor may designated positions that are exempt from the NC Human Resources Act.

Enacts new Article 17, Department of Housing and Community Development in GS Chapter 143B, providing as follows. Establishes the Departments and sets out its structure. States the Department's mission as: (1) partner with communities in this State to develop economic potential of communities and residents; (2) provide training and certification for building officials; and (3) invest in housing and community development projects in this State to assist low- to moderate-income residents. Establishes the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development as the head of the Department. Establishes the 9-member North Carolina Board of Housing and Community Development to advise the Secretary and to assist in the mission of the Department. Sets out membership appointment power, sets terms at two years and provides for filling vacancies.

Appropriates $30 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 from the General Fund to the Department. Effective July 1, 2024.