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

Meeting Overview The Asheville Housing Recovery Board held a rescheduled hybrid meeting on August 19, 2026, focusing on transitioning its operational focus from direct CDBGDR fund allocation to addressing "unmet needs" and policy recommendations through June 2027. The board adopted a new meeting schedule and reviewed updates on current housing investments, including the Renew NC program and multifamily housing initiatives. Staff also introduced a new funding stream, "Housing and Economic Security Support Services" (HES), designed to fund wraparound support services rather than physical construction. Presentations included an updated unmet needs assessment using FEMA Individual Assistance data and an overview of the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Group’s (LTRG) operations.

Key Decisions The board took two primary actions during the meeting. First, members voted to approve the minutes from the June 3, 2026, meeting; the motion passed with all present members voting "Aye," while Andy Barnett and Reb Haslip were absent. Second, the board voted to officially adopt a new regular meeting schedule, changing the timing to the third Wednesday of every other month at noon. This motion was made by Rebecca Chaplin and seconded by the Chair, and it passed with the same voting pattern as the minutes approval.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the discussion centered on the shift in the board’s strategic focus. The Chair noted that while previous conversations regarding CDBGDR funds were productive, the board is now moving toward examining unmet needs. Staff member Nikki Reed clarified the parameters of the new HES program, stating it "can only be used not for sticks and bricks, it has to be used for support services," covering case management and legal services rather than construction.

Robbie Bizot presented data from FEMA, highlighting disparities in inspection rates and the specific impacts on Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) homeowners and renters. Bizot noted that FEMA data is limited because it represents a "point in count" and does not reflect recovery that has occurred since the effort began. Brian Methvin added that property damage not covered by the program often renders apartments unaffordable, driving displacement.

Representatives from the LTRG, Sarah Roth and Miguel Hernandez, described their role in filling gaps left by federal programs. Roth emphasized that their work is funded entirely by private dollars, with no state or federal funding. Hernandez warned of a shrinking rental housing supply and an influx of clients expected when FEMA’s temporary housing assistance ends in September. He also noted challenges regarding ADA compliance in private rental stock, though Roth added that LTRG partners can sometimes fund accessibility modifications if homeowners agree.

Community Input There were no in-person public comments; one comment was received via email, though its content was not detailed in the transcript. During the question-and-answer period, community members raised concerns about displaced residents who remain unhoused, asking if they would be included in the new HES program and emphasizing the need for impacted individuals to be part of the solution. Another community member inquired about the LTRG’s "boots on the ground" work with families facing housing barriers. A third community member praised the LTRG’s rental assistance for keeping thousands housed in Buncombe County but expressed concern about the program running out of funds and asked if the LTRG was still seeking a subcommittee chairperson.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Several specific follow-up actions were agreed upon by staff and board members. The Chair requested that staff update the city website and send calendar invites reflecting the new meeting schedule. Staff member Nikki Reed agreed to follow up on details regarding how the HES program interacts with Continuum of Care (COC) support services. Robbie Bizot agreed to conduct further research on whether private road access was included in the unmet needs numbers for renters and to report back to the board. Additionally, Sarah Roth of the LTRG agreed to send contact information for the LTRG to Nikki Reed for distribution to board members. The next scheduled meeting is set for October 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.