City Council Work Session – September 24, 2024

City Council Work Session Recap: Addressing Asheville's Affordable Housing Challenges (September 24, 2024)

On September 24th, the Asheville City Council held a work session dedicated to developing strategies for equitable and affordable housing within our city. This meeting, attended by all Council members, focused on reviewing a proposed 12- to 18-month work plan designed to tackle Asheville’s ongoing housing challenges, building upon existing plans like the Affordable Housing Plan and updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). While no formal votes were taken, the session served as a crucial opportunity for Council to provide feedback and align on priorities before moving forward with significant policy changes.

A central theme throughout the discussion was the need to address anti-displacement, meaning preventing current residents from being forced out of their homes due to rising costs and development. City staff, led by Steph Munzen-Dahl (Planning and Urban Design Director) and Nikki Reed (Community and Economic Development Director), presented a comprehensive overview of the national context, highlighting that Asheville faces unique challenges due to its geography, growth patterns, and historical factors. The conversation then shifted to exploring how the city can increase housing supply while safeguarding existing communities, with a particular focus on zoning changes that would allow for more diverse housing options – such as duplexes, townhomes, and apartments – across a wider range of neighborhoods. Discussions also centered on clarifying the city’s role in housing, which includes providing financial support, utilizing city-owned land for development, and coordinating with various organizations.

Council members engaged in extensive discussion, emphasizing the importance of considering the needs of renters and exploring innovative approaches to address housing affordability. The Legacy Neighborhood Coalition’s input regarding expanded home repair programs was acknowledged, and Council members consistently stressed the need to ensure that any zoning changes benefit all residents, not just developers. Several Council members highlighted the importance of partnerships with non-profit organizations and exploring funding opportunities like the Housing Trust Fund and potential bond initiatives.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the work session. A significant focus will be on developing a tiered overlay zoning approach, allowing for increased housing options across the city based on factors like proximity to public transit and vulnerability to displacement. City staff will also prioritize robust community engagement, including focus groups and discussions with neighborhood advisory committees to ensure resident voices are heard. The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposed zoning changes, providing recommendations to City Council. Finally, the city will continue exploring and implementing programs like expanding home repair assistance, developing a centralized rental registry in partnership with Thrive Buncombe County and Just Economics, and exploring down payment assistance programs. Ongoing monitoring of housing data and regular reporting to the Council will be essential for tracking progress and adapting strategies as needed.

This work session represents a significant step towards addressing Asheville’s affordable housing crisis. The Council's commitment to anti-displacement strategies, coupled with the proposed zoning changes and expanded community engagement efforts, signals a proactive approach to ensuring that Asheville remains an accessible and equitable place for all its residents. Citizens can expect further opportunities to participate in the process as these initiatives move forward, and ongoing updates will be provided by city staff.