Kelly Kenoyer

A toll bridge is likely to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. What will that mean for the economies of Leland, Wilmington, and the rest of the Cape Fear region?

As the Federal government fails to deliver grants and the state continues on without a budget, housing groups are looking to local leaders to keep up the momentum on housing affordability.

Though it won't discuss it publicly, the New Hanover Community Endowment seems to be trying out a new approach: it won't fund certain initiatives unless the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County pay in, too.

Four years ago, the Wilmington-based nonprofit Cape Fear Collective entered the affordable housing space by buying around 100 downtown homes from a slumlord. They were in terrible shape, and the organization spent years struggling to find funding to repair them. Now, with nearly $2 million in funding from the city and the Endowment, some of the first homes are available for sale or rent.

Just five people spoke at the public hearing on the city's budget, which would raise salaries for staff by 19% for the lowest wage earners. Among the limited turnout, speakers had mixed opinions.

Next Monday is the deadline to file for property tax relief and deferment in New Hanover County.

Wave Transit is asking the city and county for a combined $800,000 in added funding to modify existing routes and build on recent ridership growth.

WHQR staff spend a lot of time watching meetings, but this Friday's Wilmington budget workshop was a long one, even by our standards. Kelly Kenoyer spent all day covering it, which she swears she enjoyed. She filed this report for

At the City of Wilmington Budget Work session last week, housing and a possible homeless shelter were a substantial topic of conversation, including some renewed hope for the Living Hope Day Center.

Council whittled down the recommended budget's tax increase of 5.75 cents, though some members remained uncomfortable with the final result or using the general fund to make ends meet.