Housing Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Jun 3, 2026)

Housing Recovery Board Meeting Recap: June 3, 2026

On June 3, 2026, the Housing Recovery Board convened in a hybrid meeting (both in-person and virtual) to discuss how best to allocate federal disaster recovery funds received following Hurricane Helene. This citizen advisory board, established to provide input on housing recovery strategies for the City of Asheville and ensure community voices are heard, grappled with a significant question: how to balance the urgent need for single-family home repairs with ongoing efforts to create more affordable multi-family housing.

The primary focus of the meeting centered on a proposed amendment to reallocate $22.2 million in CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery) funds. City staff initially suggested shifting $9.2 million from the multi-family construction program and $10 million from infrastructure funding to address a backlog of single-family home repair applications, potentially assisting an additional 53 households. This proposal sparked considerable debate among Board members and during the public comment period, with discussions revolving around the long-term impact on Asheville’s affordable housing landscape.

During public comment, several speakers voiced concerns about prioritizing single-family repairs over multi-family housing. Representatives from Habitat for Humanity advocated for a balanced approach, suggesting utilizing alternative funding sources for repairs while preserving the existing multi-family allocation. A speaker from Mountain Housing Opportunities underscored the critical need for long-term affordable housing solutions through multi-family projects, particularly given Asheville’s ongoing affordability crisis and increasing homelessness. Mayor Manheimer highlighted the state's Renew NC program, emphasizing its focus on rapid rebuilding to prevent issues seen in past recovery efforts. Ultimately, after extensive discussion and consideration of community input, the Board voted against recommending the proposed reallocation. This means they are advising the City Council to maintain the current funding allocation between single-family repairs and multi-family construction.

Beyond the vote on the amendment, the Board unanimously approved a motion directing the city to actively pursue all available state CDBG-DR housing recovery funds for Asheville households, including engagement with state agencies and the General Assembly. This demonstrates a commitment to exploring all potential avenues for assistance beyond the initial federal allocation.

Looking ahead, several key actions are underway. The City Council will consider the Board’s recommendation (or lack thereof) on June 23rd, following a public hearing regarding the reallocation scheduled for June 9th. The city will also submit a revised action plan, incorporating public comments received, to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for approval. The Board will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide ongoing guidance as needed, with their next meeting scheduled for August 5th. This meeting highlighted a complex challenge facing Asheville: balancing immediate disaster recovery needs with long-term affordable housing goals. The Board’s decision reflects a commitment to preserving multi-family housing opportunities while acknowledging the urgent need for single-family repairs, demonstrating a focus on both immediate relief and sustainable community development.