Affordable Housing Committee Meeting

Affordable Housing Committee Meeting Recap: Addressing Storm Recovery and Expanding Community Voice

On March 4, 2025, the Affordable Housing Committee convened to address ongoing initiatives, grapple with challenges stemming from Hurricane Helene’s impact, and consider important changes to the committee's structure. This meeting provided significant updates on local affordable housing efforts and outlined key steps forward for residents to engage in the process.

A major focus of the meeting was addressing the fallout from Hurricane Helene and its effects on existing affordable housing projects. The committee recognized that several organizations are struggling financially due to storm-related damage and disruptions, leading to a unanimous vote approving loan payment deferrals for affected projects. Notably, East Haven’s payment schedule will be adjusted over four years to accommodate these deferred payments, offering crucial support during the recovery period. In addition, a significant modification was approved to the Affordable Housing Services Program (AHSP) emergency repair program. This update will increase assistance for storm-related repairs from $25,000 to $50,000 and eliminate lien requirements for these repairs – a vital change that will streamline assistance for residents facing urgent housing needs.

Beyond addressing immediate recovery, the committee engaged in a robust discussion about its own structure and responsibilities. A key decision was made to recommend that the full Board of Commissioners expand the committee from three commissioners to five, adding two resident representatives. This expansion aims to incorporate more community input and broaden the committee's advisory role, ensuring a stronger voice for residents in shaping affordable housing policy. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of resident member involvement on decision-making authority, particularly concerning loan deferrals; however, the committee ultimately agreed that increased community representation is a worthwhile goal. Staff will now draft resolutions and bylaw amendments to formalize the committee’s expanded role, pending approval from the Board.

The meeting also included updates on broader funding opportunities. The committee received information about the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s draft Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Funding Action Plan, which allocates $1.4 billion for storm recovery efforts across the state. The City of Asheville also received a separate $225 million allocation, and their plan will be released soon. Residents are encouraged to review and provide comments on the state’s CDBG-DR plan by March 20th, as well as stay informed about the City of Asheville’s upcoming plan.

Finally, a written public comment from Cassidy Moore at Habitat for Humanity was received and will be reviewed by the committee. Staff will also begin advertising open slots for resident members on the committee, pending approval from the Board of Commissioners.

What’s Next? The Affordable Housing Committee's recommendations regarding membership expansion and AHSP modifications will be forwarded to the full Board of Commissioners for consideration. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming public comment periods related to both the state and city recovery plans. This meeting highlighted a strong commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing affordable housing challenges, particularly as the community continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene.