Special Meeting: Housing Recovery Board Orientation (In-Person) (Nov 4, 2025)

Asheville Housing Recovery Board Orientation: A Recap for Residents

On November 4, 2025, the City of Asheville held a special orientation meeting for its newly formed Housing Recovery Board (HRB), one of four boards established to guide the city's recovery from Hurricane Helene. This meeting, attended by board members and City staff, laid the groundwork for a long-term effort focused on rebuilding housing stability and ensuring residents have access to resources as Asheville works towards a full recovery.

Setting the Stage: A Years-Long Commitment to Housing Recovery

The meeting underscored that recovery from Hurricane Helene is not a quick fix, but rather an ongoing process expected to span at least 18 months – and potentially longer. The HRB, alongside boards focused on the economy, infrastructure, and environment, will play a vital role in engaging with the community, providing input to the City Council on policy recommendations, and extending communication to residents. The overarching goal is to ensure a resilient and equitable recovery that addresses the housing needs of all Asheville residents.

Key Decisions & Actions Taken:

A significant decision made during the orientation was the approval of a bi-monthly meeting schedule for the HRB. The board will now meet on the 1st Wednesday of every other month from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, initially at City Hall. This regular schedule will provide a consistent forum for discussion and decision-making. The meeting also highlighted the importance of adhering to North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law, emphasizing transparency and public access. Board members were reminded of their responsibility to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and to conduct themselves ethically, following the established City Council Boards and Commissions Guidelines.

Discussion Highlights: Understanding the Scope & Responsibilities

The orientation included a detailed overview of the HRB’s scope, emphasizing its focus on addressing housing stability, providing temporary and permanent housing solutions, and helping residents navigate challenges related to post-disaster recovery. City staff presented information on existing CDBG-DR housing programs, like RenewNC, and outlined the importance of aligning the board’s work with the City Council's broader recovery priorities. There was a discussion on how the HRB can best connect residents with available resources and funding opportunities. The importance of reviewing previous City Council Committee agendas was also emphasized to provide context for the board’s work.

What Happens Next?

The HRB has several immediate next steps:

• Small Group Meetings: Board members will meet in smaller groups with their staff liaisons to begin developing work plans.
• Upcoming Trainings: The City Clerk’s office will provide additional training sessions on topics like open meetings law and board procedures.
• Reviewing the Recovery Plan: Board members will review the Buncombe County Coordinated Long-Term Recovery Plan.
• Electing Leadership: The board will elect a chair and vice-chair at their next meeting.
• Adopting Rules of Procedure: A key task for the board is to formally adopt its own "Rules of Procedure" document, which will govern how meetings are run.

Why This Matters to You:

The Housing Recovery Board’s work will directly impact residents struggling with housing challenges following Hurricane Helene. By providing input to the City Council, advocating for effective policies, and connecting residents with resources, the HRB aims to ensure a fair and equitable recovery that strengthens our community. The board’s commitment to transparency, through open meetings and accessible minutes, will allow residents to stay informed and engaged in the recovery process. You can find more information about the Housing Recovery Board, including meeting schedules and contact details, on the City of Asheville’s website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions/housing-recovery-board/.