Rescheduled: Housing Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Aug 19, 2026)

Housing Recovery Board Meeting Recap: August 19, 2026 – Addressing Post-Helene Housing Needs

The Housing Recovery Board convened on August 19, 2026, in a hybrid meeting (both in-person and streamed online) to continue its vital work supporting the city’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. This board, established by the City Council, plays a key role in advising on policies and strategies to ensure housing stability for residents impacted by the storm, with a focus on identifying unmet needs and developing recommendations to guide recovery efforts. The meeting highlighted ongoing challenges, discussed potential solutions, and outlined next steps for the Board’s work, which is scheduled to continue until June 2027.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the winding down of initial rental assistance programs and the growing concerns about displacement as landlords make improvements. Board members expressed worry that rising rents and limited housing options are making it difficult for renters to find new homes, potentially pushing long-time residents out of the area. Alongside this, updates were provided on 36 active construction projects, with 119 more requiring repair and 13 completed. A discrepancy was noted between reported and actual completion numbers, prompting a commitment from staff to investigate further. The Board also discussed the challenges posed by private roads and bridges, which are hindering access to properties for repair and reconstruction. The Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), a key partner, was recognized for their crucial case management services, particularly in addressing complex situations involving vulnerable populations like the elderly, disabled residents, and those experiencing homelessness.

While no formal votes were taken during this meeting, several important discussions shaped the Board’s direction. A presentation on FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) program data revealed that a significant number of homeowners (14,589) and renters (20,633) are still facing unmet housing needs. The data also highlighted that a substantial portion of homeowners (286 uninsured, 1,902 underinsured) face significant financial hurdles in rebuilding their homes. The Board also considered a proposal to reallocate funds from infrastructure and affordable multifamily construction programs to single-family rehabilitation/reconstruction, but ultimately voted against the recommendation (6-4). Instead, they unanimously approved a motion to actively pursue all available state CDBG-DR housing recovery funds for Asheville households, demonstrating their commitment to securing additional resources.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. The Board will be seeking a chairperson for the housing subcommittee and intends to reapply for the VOAD grant, aiming to increase rebuild cost limits. Collaboration with the LTRG will continue to address complex cases and provide case management services, especially as FEMA temporary housing assistance ends in September. Staff will also deliver a separate presentation with more detailed data on repair costs and types, while Robbie from the LTRG will research Renew NC program eligibility for covering right-of-way access to private roads. Finally, the LTRG will focus on improving outreach efforts to reach underserved communities and ensure that all residents have access to available support.

This meeting underscored the ongoing challenges facing Asheville’s housing recovery efforts, particularly concerning limited funding, access issues related to private roads, and the risk of displacement due to rising housing costs. The Board’s commitment to pursuing additional state funding and collaborating with partners like the LTRG demonstrates a dedication to supporting residents and building a more resilient community. Residents can stay informed about the Board’s progress by visiting the Housing Recovery Board webpage on the city's website and attending future meetings, scheduled every other month beginning October 21, 2026.