Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (Mar 17, 2026)

Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting Recap – March 17, 2026

On March 17, 2026, the City of Asheville's Housing and Community Development (HCD) Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss ongoing efforts related to affordable housing, community development, and disaster recovery. The meeting provided updates on several key programs and laid the groundwork for important decisions to be made in April.

Significant Decisions & Program Updates:

The committee began by unanimously approving the minutes from their February 17th meeting, a standard procedural step. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on two major funding programs: the CDBG-DR Multifamily Housing Construction Program and the CDBG Steady State program. The CDBG-DR program, utilizing federal disaster recovery funds, received an overwhelming response to its Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with 13 eligible applications requesting over $70 million for the construction of 1,481 housing units. This demonstrates a substantial need and interest in expanding affordable multi-family housing options within Asheville. The committee will reconvene on April 7th to review these applications and provide recommendations for funding awards, with a final vote by City Council scheduled for April 14th. The CDBG Steady State program received over $4.5 million in requests, highlighting the ongoing demand for community development resources.

Key Discussions & Prioritization:

Committee members engaged in discussions about program priorities, emphasizing the importance of disaster resilience (incorporating Enterprise Green Community Standards), mixed-income housing developments, and projects with a strategic impact on the community. Councilwoman Sage Turner expressed interest in learning more about senior housing projects and their affordability levels, while Councilwoman Shanika Smith underscored the need to prioritize both unit count and location when making funding decisions. James Shelton, Community Development Division Manager, outlined the upcoming action plan process for the CDBG Steady State program, indicating that recommendations will be presented to City Council in June.

Community Voices & Concerns:

The meeting included a public comment period where Andy Barnett from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity voiced concerns about bridging the gap between current CDBG funding for repair activities and a new bond-funded program. Stefanie Gerber from Pisgah Legal Services also submitted a public comment highlighting the difficulty individuals face in finding affordable rental housing within city limits, forcing many to seek options outside of Asheville.

What's Next & Important Dates:

Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• Nikki Reed and Staff: Will prepare a recommendation for the April 7th meeting regarding CDBGDR Multifamily Housing Program funding awards.
• Committee Members: Are encouraged to review the submitted applications and provide feedback to staff before April 7th.
• James Shelton & Staff: Will continue processing applications for the CDBG Steady State program and prepare a recommendation for City Council approval in June.
• City Staff: Will explore options for multi-year funding commitments to the Water Resources Department's lead service line replacement program.

Mark your calendars! The next HCD Committee meeting is scheduled for April 7th at 10:00 AM.

Why This Matters to You:

The discussions and decisions made by the HCD Committee directly impact the availability of affordable housing, community resources, and disaster recovery efforts in Asheville. The high demand for CDBG-DR funding underscores the critical need to expand affordable housing options, and the committee's focus on strategic impact ensures that investments are aligned with the community’s long-term goals. The ongoing discussions about the CDBG Steady State program will shape how resources are allocated to support vital community services and improvements. Stay informed about these important developments, as they will continue to shape the future of our city.