Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting | March 5, 2026

Meeting Overview The Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee convened on March 5, 2026, to review funding applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (AHSP) and to receive updates on major affordable housing developments. The subcommittee reviewed eleven non-construction applications, including requests for tenant-based rental assistance, emergency home repairs, and administrative support. Additionally, staff presented updates on two significant Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects: the Coxe Avenue and Ferry Road developments.

Key Decisions The only formal vote taken at this meeting was to approve the minutes from the February 3, 2026 meeting, which passed with a 5-0 vote. The subcommittee deferred final decisions on all funding recommendations for the FY27 AHSP applications. Members agreed to wait for an update from the Board of Commissioners on March 17, 2026, before finalizing their recommendations, with final action scheduled for a special meeting on March 31, 2026. No action was taken on the Coxe Avenue and Ferry Road updates presented under New Business.

Discussion Highlights The meeting began with a discussion on the urgent need for housing repairs, balancing existing backlogs with damage resulting from recent tropical storms. Brad Rouse of Energy Savers Network presented on the organization’s work, noting that they completed over $250,000 in repairs last year and highlighting that Duke Energy funding for their repair program appears to be ending.

The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing eleven FY27 AHSP applications. Staff recommended that the subcommittee consider full or partial awards for all applicants, noting that most projects appear eligible and financially healthy. Key applications included:

• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: Requests from ARC of Buncombe County ($45,000), Eblen Charities ($600,000), Community Health & Wellness Collective Services ($100,000), and The Salvation Army of Asheville ($150,000).
• Emergency Repair: Requests from Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ($1,470,000), Colaborativa La Milfa/PODER Emma ($379,500), Council on Aging of Buncombe County ($250,000), Energy Savers Network ($300,000), and Mountain Housing Opportunities ($400,000).
• Administrative Support: Requests from Energy Savers Network ($50,000) and United Community Development of North Carolina ($30,000).

Staff noted specific concerns for some applicants, such as United Community Development of North Carolina, where a full award would increase administrative costs to 47% of AHSP funds, and Community Health & Wellness Collective Services, which did not provide enough information to determine its financial health.

The meeting concluded with updates on the Coxe Avenue and Ferry Road developments. Staff outlined the current funding gaps: $26.9 million for Coxe Avenue (with the county committed to $9.8 million) and $21.5 million for Ferry Road (with the county committed to $5 million). Staff proposed that the Board of Commissioners designate specific funds and approve loans with fixed 2% interest rates to support these projects.

Community Input Residents expressed concerns about traffic flow related to the Coxe Avenue development. Staff indicated that these concerns will be addressed through a city study.

Follow-ups Staff agreed to follow up with applicants regarding their willingness to accept partial funding awards. The subcommittee will present an update to the Board of Commissioners on March 17, 2026, and will finalize funding decisions to present to the Board on March 31, 2026.

Impact This meeting highlighted the significant demand for affordable housing and repair assistance in Buncombe County, particularly in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. While no funding was approved at this meeting, the subcommittee’s review of eleven applications and the detailed updates on the Coxe Avenue and Ferry Road projects underscore the county’s ongoing efforts to address housing stability and preserve naturally occurring affordable housing. The deferral of funding decisions allows the subcommittee to incorporate feedback from the Board of Commissioners before making final recommendations.