Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting | March 5, 2026

Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting Recap - March 5, 2026

On March 5, 2026, the Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee convened to discuss critical funding needs and ongoing development projects within the county. This meeting, focused solely on the Affordable Housing Subcommittee’s work (and distinct from other related boards or commissions), centered around reviewing applications for funding to support various affordable housing initiatives, providing updates on major development projects, and laying the groundwork for future decisions. The meeting was attended by subcommittee members and representatives from various organizations working to address the county's affordable housing challenges.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing applications for emergency repair and tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) programs. Organizations presented their proposals, outlining how they would utilize funding to assist households facing urgent housing needs. These requests ranged from $45,000 sought by Art of Buncombe County to support 20 households with intellectual/developmental disabilities, to a substantial $1.47 million requested by Habitat for Humanity to impact 98 homes through emergency repairs. Other organizations presenting included Community Health and Wellness Solutions, Evelyn Charities, the Salvation Army of Asheville, Council of Aging, Collaborativa LaMilva (Coderre Emma's Emergency Repair Program), and Mountain Housing Opportunities. Additionally, two organizations – Energy Savers Network and United Community Development of North Carolina – requested funding for administrative support to help them effectively deliver their services. A key discussion point revolved around the varying administrative costs requested by different organizations, prompting a dialogue about efficiency and program delivery.

Beyond application reviews, the subcommittee received updates on two major development projects: the Cox Avenue project (a 203-unit complex aimed at lower-income households) and the Ferry Road project (a larger development including both family and senior housing). Both projects currently face significant funding gaps – $26.9 million for Cox Avenue and $21.5 million for Ferry Road – highlighting the ongoing challenge of securing resources to complete these vital housing developments. Staff also detailed the application process for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) funds, a crucial potential funding source that organizations are actively pursuing through the City of Asheville. Brad Rouse from Energy Savers Network delivered a compelling presentation emphasizing the vital role his organization plays in identifying and addressing housing issues through energy efficiency upgrades, often uncovering safety concerns that residents may not be aware of. He also raised concerns about potential funding cuts from Duke Energy, a key supporter of their home repair program.

While the meeting was information-gathering and review-focused, several key decisions were made. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without objection. Importantly, no final funding decisions were made at this meeting. The subcommittee acknowledged the substantial increase in applications received, a positive indicator of both need and community engagement. Recognizing the complexities involved, they agreed to postpone final funding decisions until a future meeting on March 31st. Prior to that, the subcommittee will hold a special meeting on March 17th for further discussion. They also plan to present recommendations to the Board of Commissioners regarding funding levels and loan terms at their March 31st meeting.

What's Next for Buncombe County Residents?

This meeting underscored the ongoing commitment to addressing affordable housing needs in Buncombe County. Here's what residents can expect:

• Further Review: Staff will share detailed reports and applications with the subcommittee for continued review.
• Upcoming Meetings: Mark your calendars for March 17th (special subcommittee meeting) and March 31st (subcommittee recommendation to the Board of Commissioners).
• CDBGDR Pursuit: Local organizations are actively pursuing CDBGDR funding, which could significantly impact affordable housing initiatives.

The discussions highlighted the critical need for both emergency repairs and long-term solutions to address the growing demand for affordable housing in Buncombe County. The subcommittee’s upcoming decisions will directly impact the availability of safe, stable housing for many residents and their families.