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 set the stage for important funding decisions in April. This recap summarizes those discussions, outlining what was decided, debated, and what residents can expect moving forward.

Significant Funding Decisions on the Horizon: A major focus of the meeting was the CDBG-DR Multifamily Housing Construction Program, which utilizes federal disaster recovery funds to build more affordable housing. The committee received an update on the highly competitive first round of applications, which garnered a remarkable response: 13 eligible projects seeking over $70 million in funding to construct a total of 1,481 housing units. While no formal votes were taken during this meeting, the committee will reconvene on April 7th to review these applications and provide recommendations. City Council will then vote on the final funding awards on April 14th. The committee emphasized prioritizing projects that demonstrate disaster resilience, offer a mix of income levels (including deeply affordable options), and strategically address Asheville’s housing needs.

CDBG Program Updates & Future Funding: The committee also received a comprehensive update on the ongoing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides approximately $1 million annually for various community improvements. Staff presented several funding strategy options, prompting discussion about how best to allocate these resources for 2026-2027. The committee will continue this discussion on April 7th, with a public comment period scheduled from April 27th to June 5th, culminating in a public hearing on May 26th and a final City Council vote on June 9th.

Addressing Repair Needs & Microenterprise Support: During the public comment portion of the meeting, Andy Barnett from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity underscored the critical need to continue funding repair activities through CDBG, serving as a bridge until a new bond-funded program is fully implemented. The committee also discussed an application from Mountain BizWorks for their microenterprise business coaching program, demonstrating a commitment to supporting local businesses and economic development.

Looking Ahead & Addressing Concerns: Councilwoman Sage Turner expressed interest in learning more about senior housing projects and the number of units at each income level, highlighting a key concern regarding meeting the diverse needs of Asheville’s residents. Vice Mayor Antoinette Mosley emphasized the importance of considering a multi-year strategy for funding lead service line replacements, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure improvements. The committee acknowledged the growing difficulty in finding affordable rental housing within city limits, a concern voiced by Pisgah Legal Services.

What’s Next for Residents?

• The HCD Committee will meet again on April 7th at 10:00 AM to finalize recommendations for the CDBG-DR Multifamily Housing Program and the CDBG program.
• Public comments are welcome! The public comment period for the CDBG program runs from April 27th to June 5th, with a public hearing on May 26th.
• Stay informed by visiting the City of Asheville's website and searching for “Housing & Community Development Committee.”

This meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to address Asheville’s complex housing challenges. The decisions made in April will significantly impact the availability of affordable housing and community resources for years to come. Your participation and feedback are vital as these important decisions unfold.