Special Meeting: Neighborhood Advisory Committee (In-Person) (Jun 2, 2026)

Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – June 2, 2026

On June 2nd, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) convened for a special meeting to discuss ongoing recovery efforts and key initiatives impacting Asheville’s neighborhoods. The meeting, held in person at City Hall and streamed live for public access, covered a wide range of topics from affordable housing to traffic calming and environmental resilience. Here's a breakdown of what was discussed, decided, and what it means for you as a resident.

Affordable Housing & Preventing Displacement: A Focus on Change

A significant portion of the meeting centered around the Anti-Displacement and Affordable Housing (ADAH) Project. Dawa Hitch from CAPE presented an overview of the project, emphasizing its goal to strategically pair new housing development with measures that protect existing residents and preserve neighborhood character. A key discussion point revolved around three proposed “early affordable housing amendments” – eliminating parking minimums, allowing duplexes by-right in all residential areas, and increasing the size of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Committee members voiced concerns about potential traffic impacts from reduced parking requirements, highlighting the need for improved multimodal transportation infrastructure. While no formal votes were taken at this meeting, the NAC’s feedback will be crucial as these amendments move forward to the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) later this summer, followed by a City Council vote. What it means for you: These changes could significantly alter the landscape of your neighborhood, potentially increasing housing options and affordability. Your voice matters – stay informed as these proposals move through the approval process (see "What Happens Next").

Housing Recovery Board: Prioritizing Home Repair Assistance

The Housing Recovery Board (HRB) is considering a significant shift in how Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds are allocated. Currently, $3 million is designated for single-family home repair, but demand far exceeds availability (over 100 applications versus estimated assistance for only 8 households). The HRB is proposing to reallocate $10 million from infrastructure and $9.2 million from multifamily construction to bolster single-family home repair assistance. A 30-day public comment period is underway, concluding soon (June 23rd), and the City Council will vote on this reallocation on June 23rd. A key point raised was the potential for Asheville homeowners to access a larger state housing recovery fund ($807 million), but clarification is being sought on how the city’s current interpretation may be restricting access. What it means for you: If you or someone you know needs assistance repairing your home, be sure to participate in the public comment period and learn more about eligibility for state funding.

Beyond Housing: Environmental Resilience & Traffic Calming

The meeting also included updates from the People & Environment Recovery Board (PERB) and discussions on traffic calming strategies. The PERB is working on updating the Urban Forest Master Plan and Fee-in-Lieu policy, as well as supporting Thrive Asheville’s resilience hub mapping project. The NAC also discussed efforts to streamline the city's traffic calming policy, which currently faces a lengthy approval process. The focus group is benchmarking best practices from other cities to develop recommendations for improvement. What it means for you: These initiatives aim to improve Asheville’s environmental sustainability and make our streets safer.

Community Voices & Participation

While there were no public comments submitted prior to the meeting, residents are strongly encouraged to participate in ongoing discussions and provide feedback. The Housing Recovery Board’s reallocation proposal offers a particularly important opportunity for citizen input, with the deadline approaching.

What Happens Next?

• Public Comment Deadline: June 23rd for the Housing Recovery Board’s CDBG-DR reallocation. Visit ashvillenc.gov/recovery to submit your comments.
• Planning & Zoning Commission Review: Expect updates on the “early affordable housing amendments” as they move towards a vote later this summer.
• City Council Vote: Following the PZC review, City Council will consider and vote on these amendments.
• Traffic Calming Focus Group: Continue to share your thoughts and ideas on traffic calming strategies.
• Joint Meeting: Join the joint meeting of People & Environment and Infrastructure Recovery Boards on June 23rd to discuss plans for the French Broad River Park.

The Neighborhood Advisory Committee plays a vital role in shaping our community’s future. By staying informed and participating in these discussions, you can help ensure that Asheville remains a vibrant and equitable place to live.