City Council Work Session – June 25, 2024

City Council Work Session Recap: Addressing Asheville’s Affordable Housing Challenges (June 25, 2024)

On June 25th, the Asheville City Council held a work session dedicated to updating the city's Affordable Housing Plan – a critical step in addressing one of Asheville’s most pressing challenges. This session brought together the City Council, the Housing and Community Development Committee, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), a consulting team from Enterprise Community Partners, and city staff to collaboratively explore solutions for ensuring everyone in Asheville has access to safe and affordable housing. The meeting served as a crucial opportunity to gather input, discuss current challenges, and chart a course for future action.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on Asheville’s rapid growth and its impact on housing affordability. Projections indicate a need for 14,000 new homes by 2050, and the influx of residents is putting a strain on the housing market. Council members expressed concern about “equity migration,” where rising incomes from new residents can displace long-term, lower-income individuals and families. The historical decline of Asheville’s Black population was also a key point, underscoring the need for equitable housing solutions that prevent further displacement and ensure opportunities for all residents. Participants explored existing city tools like the Land Use Incentive Grant (LUIG), Housing Trust Fund, Affordable Housing Bond, and utilizing city-owned land for development. While these tools have been utilized, the discussion highlighted a need to refine and expand their effectiveness.

Community voices were central to the session, with residents, stakeholders, and a realtor sharing their perspectives. Many emphasized the need for “deeper affordability,” extending beyond the current focus on households earning 60% or below Area Median Income (AMI) to include those struggling at 50-60% AMI. Concerns were raised about the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability, and a neighbor proposed repurposing demolition permit fees to fund home repairs – an idea aligning with placemaking efforts and preventing displacement. The realtor highlighted a barrier to voucher acceptance by landlords, suggesting repair programs as an incentive.

While no formal votes were taken during this work session, several key action items emerged as a roadmap for moving forward. The City Council staff will finalize the updated Affordable Housing Plan, incorporating all feedback received. The Housing and Community Development Committee will prioritize how the Housing Trust Fund is utilized in July, while staff will develop a detailed work plan for implementing the plan’s strategies within its first year. Importantly, the Planning and Economic Development Committee will review proposed zoning changes in August, including those related to multifamily housing and parking. Further engagement with residents of legacy neighborhoods will be prioritized, as well as exploring the possibility of a “funders collaborative” to attract additional resources. Finally, the city committed to improving data collection and tracking to better assess the impact of housing programs and continue monitoring the effects of short-term rentals.

This work session was a significant step in addressing Asheville’s affordable housing crisis, demonstrating the city's commitment to finding solutions that benefit all residents. The next few months will be crucial as the City Council and staff translate these discussions into concrete actions, aiming to create a more equitable and accessible housing landscape for Asheville. Residents can expect further opportunities to engage in the process as the updated plan is finalized and implemented, ensuring their voices continue to shape the future of housing in our city.