Housing Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Apr 1, 2026)

Housing Recovery Board Meeting Recap: Supporting Asheville’s Hurricane Helene Recovery (April 1, 2026)

The Housing Recovery Board convened a hybrid meeting on April 1, 2026, to continue supporting Asheville’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Chaired by Andy Barnett, the meeting focused on updates from state and city programs aimed at rebuilding homes and ensuring housing stability for residents affected by the storm. This recap will outline key decisions, discussions, and next steps for those interested in understanding how the city is addressing housing needs post-Helene.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on Renew NC, a state program distributing $1.4 billion in federal disaster recovery funds (CDBGDR) to assist with housing recovery. Representatives from Renew NC highlighted key programs including Small Rental Rehabilitation (for landlords), Single Family Housing (repair/reconstruction for homeowners), and initiatives launching later in 2026 to address Multifamily Housing and Workforce Housing needs. A new Temporary Relocation Assistance (TRA) program was also welcomed, providing support for residents during reconstruction. Eligibility requires applicants to own the property at the time of the storm, reside there as their primary residence, and meet income requirements (120% AMI or below).

The City of Asheville also presented an update on its own housing programs. While the city has allocated $31 million to housing, a significant portion ($28 million) is earmarked for multifamily housing. The city received 13 applications seeking a total of $450 million in funding, prompting discussion about prioritization criteria. Board members emphasized the need to balance immediate needs with long-term affordability, particularly targeting households at or below 30% AMI. A lively discussion ensued regarding potential reallocation of funds between single-family and multifamily housing programs, considering the number of households served and the long-term impact.

During public comment, Ken Halden from Electrify Asheville Buncombe provided an update on their program, which assists residents with energy efficiency upgrades and transitioning away from gas-fired appliances. While no other public comments were received, board members expressed concerns about the balance between single-family and multifamily housing investments.

Key Decisions & Actions: The board unanimously approved the minutes from their December 3rd meeting, signifying a continuation of record-keeping and accountability.

What Happens Next? The City Council will review the multifamily housing program proposals on May 5th, with a final decision scheduled for May 12th. The Housing Recovery Board will revisit the funding allocation scenarios at upcoming meetings, seeking to ensure a balanced approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term affordability. City staff will also provide additional data on damage assessments and project costs to inform future decisions, while continued outreach efforts are planned to promote the Electrify Asheville Buncombe program.

Why This Matters: The Housing Recovery Board plays a vital role in ensuring that Asheville’s recovery from Hurricane Helene is equitable and sustainable. The discussions surrounding funding allocation directly impact the availability of resources for residents rebuilding their homes and accessing affordable housing options. By providing input on city policies and communicating with the community, the board helps shape a recovery that prioritizes resilience, unity, and care for all Asheville residents.

For More Information:

• Visit the Housing Recovery Board webpage (link not provided in this recap).
• Contact Nikki Reid at [email protected] for questions or further details.