Neighborhood Advisory Committee – March 25, 2024

Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – March 25, 2024

The Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) held a comprehensive meeting on March 25th, focusing on critical community issues including affordable housing, neighborhood engagement, and access to information. The meeting was well-attended by NAC members (Bobette Mays – Chair, Jo Taylor, Moira Belongate, Sandra Frempland, Elise Marder, Elizabeth Likas, Jake Smith, and Dane Barriger) and livestreamed for wider community access. The meeting centered on updates to ongoing initiatives, preliminary recommendations from consultants, and plans for future community engagement.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the 2024 Affordable Housing Plan, presented by Jarrah Smith and Bithnia Ratnasamy-Palmer from Enterprise Community Partners. Their research, based on surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, painted a concerning picture: persistent structural racism impacting housing access, a decline in Asheville’s Black population, rising homelessness (a 17% increase), and limited pathways to homeownership. The consultants emphasized the need for long-term affordability, racial equity in housing initiatives, and addressing concerns about displacement due to new development. Following the presentation, NAC members strongly encouraged residents to attend a crucial community meeting on Wednesday, March 27th at the Harris Cherokee Center at 6:00 PM, where these findings and preliminary recommendations will be further discussed. Childcare, parking, and Spanish interpretation will be provided to ensure broad participation.

Beyond affordable housing, the meeting highlighted efforts to improve community access to information through the "Simplicity" data portal. Sustainability Manager Kira Bulan showcased key features including neighborhood-specific information (trash pickup, maintenance reporting), property details, crime data, and development updates. A notable addition is the integration of climate risk and vulnerability data at the census block group level, allowing residents to understand potential impacts in their area. NAC members encouraged all residents to explore the portal and provide feedback, emphasizing its potential as a valuable tool for community engagement and climate action.

The committee also discussed the upcoming Community Engagement Leadership Academy, a program designed to empower residents with civic engagement skills and connect them with decision-making opportunities. A stipend will be provided to participants, aiming to cultivate community connectors and strengthen neighborhood voices within city government. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for this valuable program. Finally, the NAC received updates on several ongoing working group initiatives, including strategies to engage new members, efforts to improve transit connections (particularly for those outside city limits), and plans to recognize dedicated neighborhood volunteers through a monthly newsletter spotlight and potential "Volunteer of the Year" award.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. NAC members are strongly encouraged to attend the Affordable Housing Plan community meeting on March 27th. Residents are invited to explore and provide feedback on the Simplicity data portal, while those interested in civic engagement should consider applying for the Community Engagement Leadership Academy. The committee will continue to monitor developments regarding “flag lots,” with a dedicated discussion scheduled for April 22nd. Finally, NAC members were reminded to review the upcoming City Council agenda, particularly items related to the Affordable Housing Plan, findings of the Cease the Harm Audit, and a potential Business Improvement District (BID) for downtown Asheville. This meeting demonstrated a strong commitment from the NAC to addressing critical community needs and fostering greater resident involvement in shaping Asheville’s future.