NC House Bill 24 ("Restore Down-Zoning Authority")

The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees strongly supports North Carolina House Bill 24 ("Restore Down-Zoning Authority"), currently under consideration in the North Carolina General Assembly. This bill seeks to reinstate the ability of local governments to implement down-zoning measures—a critical tool for responsible growth, environmental protection, and community well-being—without the constraints imposed by Senate Bill 382.

As an organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and planting trees to enhance the quality of life and health for present and future generations in the Lower Cape Fear area, ACFT recognizes the critical importance of local land-use control. Down-zoning is a vital tool that allows municipalities to manage development in a way that aligns with community needs, environmental sustainability, and long-term urban planning goals.​

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Across North Carolina, rapid development has placed immense pressure on our natural resources. In the Lower Cape Fear region, we’ve seen first-hand how unchecked growth can lead to clear-cutting of mature trees and increased flooding. The limitations introduced by Senate Bill 382 have significantly hindered local governments' capacity to respond effectively to challenges in preserving green spaces, maintaining urban tree canopies, and ensuring balanced growth. The reduction of tree canopies, in particular, exacerbates urban heat island effects, increases stormwater runoff, and diminishes air quality—issues that directly impact the health and well-being of our communities.

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House Bill 24 offers a pathway to restore the necessary authority to local governments, enabling leaders to balance development with conservation, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of our environment. By supporting this bill, you will empower municipalities to make decisions that reflect the unique environmental and developmental contexts of their communities.