Asheville Regional Housing Consortium – June 5, 2024
June 5, 2024 at 1:33 PM
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Event Recap
Asheville Regional Housing Consortium Meeting Recap – June 5, 2024
The Asheville Regional Housing Consortium (ARHC) convened on June 5, 2024, at the Asheville City Council Chambers. This meeting brought together representatives from various regional entities to discuss critical housing initiatives and planning efforts impacting the Asheville area and surrounding counties. While several key members, including Dennis Newburn and Matt Cable, were absent, a quorum was established thanks to the presence of Matt Card from Buncombe County serving as a temporary substitute. The meeting focused on ongoing programs, future planning, and addressing challenges related to housing affordability and assistance within the region.
A significant portion of the meeting centered on upcoming funding opportunities and planning processes. The ARHC received an update on the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for rental housing development projects, acknowledging delays stemming from a transition to new application software. Members were encouraged to volunteer for a committee tasked with reviewing applications for the 2024 Home program, with interested individuals asked to contact Nikki Reed by the end of June. Sophia Bonilla presented an overview of the Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan), a crucial document outlining housing and community development needs for the next five years. Residents have an opportunity to provide input during a public comment period open until June 30th, with a dedicated public hearing scheduled for June 25th during the Asheville City Council meeting. The ARHC will be providing regional input on this plan, particularly focusing on the needs of communities outside of Asheville.
Discussions also revolved around the status of Home ARP (American Rescue Plan) funding, designated to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. The ARHC previously approved an allocation plan prioritizing supportive services and affordable rental housing development, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released later this fall. A challenge was identified regarding staffing to manage these ARP funds, with the city exploring options including potentially engaging a consultant. The ARHC will play a key role in reviewing applications and providing recommendations for funding distribution under this program.
Beyond these core discussions, the meeting included a bittersweet moment as Robin Merrill, a long-standing ARHC member, announced her departure from the board following her election to District Court Judge. Merrill emphasized the ongoing importance of supporting housing needs in smaller communities within the consortium region, a sentiment echoed throughout the meeting. Finally, the ARHC will be electing a new Vice Chair at their next meeting, likely in July. The public can continue to access ARHC meetings through live streaming (currently under the Mountain Community Capital Fund title on YouTube) and recordings, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
What's Next & Why It Matters: The ARHC’s ongoing work directly impacts the availability of affordable housing and support services for residents across the Asheville region. Citizens are encouraged to consider volunteering for the Home ARP review committee and to participate in the public comment period for the Consolidated Plan. The ARHC’s upcoming focus on reviewing ARP program applications and further developing the Con Plan will shape housing initiatives for years to come, addressing critical needs within our community and surrounding areas. The next meeting is anticipated in July, providing further updates on these important initiatives.