Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – March 27, 2024

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – March 27, 2024

On March 27th, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) held a special session focused on reviewing progress and providing input on the city's new Affordable Housing Plan. This meeting, open to the public via livestream and in-person attendance, centered around a presentation from Enterprise Community Partners, consultants hired to develop the plan. The discussion was lively and aimed at shaping a comprehensive strategy for addressing Asheville’s ongoing housing challenges, ensuring it reflects community needs and priorities.

A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation from Enterprise Community Partners outlining their research findings, which explored who lives in Asheville today, where people live, and the factors impacting housing affordability. The consultants presented four key priorities for the plan: improving existing programs, addressing broader community needs (especially those most affected by the housing crisis), ensuring equitable outcomes and leveraging city resources for racial equity, and preventing displacement. They also proposed five high-level policy goals to guide the plan's development, sparking considerable discussion among committee members. Specific strategies under consideration included a rental registry, tenant protections (like source of income discrimination prevention and eviction assistance), down payment/mortgage assistance programs, a reparations-oriented homeownership program, and the establishment of community land trusts.

The committee engaged in a robust debate regarding how to prioritize these needs, particularly balancing immediate crises like homelessness with longer-term goals such as promoting homeownership. Concerns were raised about the practicality and potential unintended consequences of incentivizing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), with some members questioning accessibility for low-income residents who rely on public transportation, especially given limitations in routes and evening service. Committee Chair Andy Barnett emphasized the importance of creating a clear roadmap for the committee moving forward, while Vice Chair Brian Methvin stressed the urgent need to address affordable housing for very low-income households. Several members, including Stuart Ziton and David Bartholomew, highlighted the importance of supporting those most in need and ensuring existing programs are accessible.

While no formal votes were taken during this session, the committee provided valuable feedback on the consultant’s findings and proposed strategies. Public comment was accepted beforehand, and committee members actively engaged in discussion reflecting broader community concerns about affordability and displacement.

Looking ahead, Enterprise Community Partners will revise their strategies based on the committee’s feedback, incorporating data and addressing concerns raised during the meeting. They will also host a public event at Harris Cherokee Center on March 27th to gather further community input. The consultants are tasked with developing an implementation roadmap outlining specific actions and timelines, ultimately presenting the finalized plan to City Council in May. Committee members are encouraged to complete a survey providing additional feedback, and the discussion highlighted the need for improved data collection and increased capacity within city departments to effectively address housing challenges.

This meeting represents a crucial step in developing a comprehensive and equitable Affordable Housing Plan for Asheville. The emphasis on community voices, data-driven decision-making, and addressing systemic inequities signals a commitment to creating a plan that truly meets the needs of all residents. The upcoming public event and City Council presentation offer opportunities for citizens to stay informed and engaged in this important process.