GIS Drives Affordable Housing Solutions: GTG’s Collaboration with Wake County’s HACR Department
Wake County, NC, is renowned for its thriving economy, diverse population, and exceptional quality of life. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, the county—home to Raleigh, the state capital—benefits from a robust education system and a flourishing tech industry. To sustain its rapid growth and ensure long-term success, Wake County prioritizes sustainable development and comprehensive community services.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a vital role in managing the county’s land use, infrastructure, and public services. Wake County’s GIS program is widely regarded as one of the most advanced in the nation, supported by a highly organized and customer-focused team that serves both internal departments and numerous external public and private agencies.
To further its commitment to innovation and service, Wake County engaged Geographic Technologies Group (GTG) to conduct a Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization (HACR) Needs Assessment and provide technical consulting. This initiative stemmed from recommendations made in GTG’s 2022 county-wide GIS Strategic Plan, which outlined a roadmap for enhancing GIS operations.
Objectives of the HACR Assessment
The HACR project aimed to:
- Modernize and centralize databases.
- Improve technology management and efficiency across HACR.
- Enhance service delivery for internal and external stakeholders.
GTG conducted an in-depth analytical review of the department’s five divisions:
- Research, Data, & Systems
- Equitable Housing & Community Development
- Homeless & Prevention Services
- Permanent Housing & Support Services
- Veteran Services
Key Findings
The assessment revealed significant opportunities for improvement in each division. Specific needs included:
- Advanced data integration for seamless operations.
- Improved user interfaces to enhance accessibility and usability.
- Enhanced mobile access for field operations.
- Expanded GIS capabilities to support data-driven decision-making.
To meet the goals set by the County Commissioners and the HACR department, it was deemed essential to systematically develop GIS and technology capabilities. This approach involves not only adopting new systems but also fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability among staff.
Recommendations and Implementation
GTG outlined a phased, strategic plan to address the identified needs, including:
- Prioritizing key initiatives based on impact and feasibility.
- Allocating resources effectively to maximize ROI.
- Establishing measurable KPIs to track progress.
The plan also included a comprehensive set of 50 goals and projects to be implemented over the next five years. These initiatives aim to unify HACR’s divisions, streamline operations, and enhance service delivery for Wake County residents.
Impact and Vision
By investing in modern technologies and fostering a collaborative approach, HACR is positioned to build on its current successes and address the diverse needs of its community. Implementing the recommendations will enable the department to achieve sustained growth, improve efficiency, and deliver innovative, data-driven solutions to Wake County’s affordable housing challenges.
This partnership between GTG and Wake County exemplifies how strategic GIS advancements can support community revitalization, address housing affordability, and promote sustainable growth in a rapidly expanding region.
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To learn more about GIS Services from Geographic Technologies Group, please feel free to reach out. You can speak to our team by calling 888.757.4222 or emailing moreinfo@geotg.com.
