Affordable Housing Subcommittee | April 21, 2026

The Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee met on April 21, 2026, to review and approve funding recommendations for affordable housing initiatives within Asheville-Buncombe County. The primary focus of the meeting was the distribution of approximately $2.3 million in general fund allocation, along with an additional potential $1.2 million in expansion funds. Staff presented on the progress of 27 "Affordable Solutions" adopted months prior, noting challenges in meeting 2030 targets but highlighting that some commitments, such as low-tax credit projects, have already exceeded goals. The discussion emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects that align with Affordable Housing Service Program (AHSP) requirements and those continuing ongoing work.

The subcommittee approved a final slate of funding recommendations totaling $2,216,750, leaving $95 unallocated. Specific decisions included supporting funding for the Cox Avenue project, which was recognized as a valuable initiative in a strategic location, while a motion was made and supported to not allocate funding to the Ferry Road project at this time. Additionally, the subcommittee voted to allocate an extra $45,000 to the Council on Aging for senior home repairs and $50,000 to the Energy Savers Network. Staff and subcommittee members acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions due to limited resources, emphasizing that not being recommended for funding does not reflect poorly on the quality of the applications.

Several organizations, including the Asheville-Bottom Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity, presented their applications for funding during the applicant presentations and public comment segments. The meeting enforced specific procedures for public comment, requiring speakers to use the podium and state their name, address, and phone number. There was consistent appreciation expressed towards all applicants and community organizations involved in affordable housing efforts, with staff highlighting the importance of ongoing partnerships between the county, staff, and community groups.

Following the meeting, county staff will issue conditional award letters to approved applicants if needed. The subcommittee’s recommendations will be forwarded to the full Board of Commissioners for consideration as part of the budget process. Staff will also assist with contracting to begin projects, potentially starting as early as July 1st. One subcommittee member suggested exploring a potential separation of funding pots for new construction versus existing programs to address perceived inequities in the current process, though this was presented as a suggestion for future review rather than a decided action.