Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (Dec 16, 2025)

Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting Recap: December 16, 2025

On December 16, 2025, the City of Asheville’s Housing and Community Development Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss ongoing housing initiatives, particularly those funded through federal disaster recovery grants. The meeting provided a crucial update on the city's efforts to address housing needs following Hurricane Helene, but also highlighted some challenging decisions ahead.

A Funding Gap & Potential Shifts in Focus

The primary focus of the meeting was an update on the City’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) housing programs. Staff presented information on the Renew NC program, which assists homeowners with single-family home repairs, but revealed a significant challenge: demand for these repairs is far exceeding available resources. Initial estimates suggest a potential $12 million shortfall, despite only being allocated $3 million for single-family repairs. This situation has sparked a discussion about potentially reallocating funds from the multifamily housing program – which aims to build new affordable apartments – to address the single-family repair backlog. This potential shift raised concerns from both Committee members and the Housing Recovery Board, who emphasized the importance of supporting renters and leveraging tax credits for multifamily development. David Greenston from People's Plates/GAP AVL, during public comment, urged the committee to gather more data on multifamily housing needs and learn from other municipalities' experiences with similar programs like Renew NC.

What’s Next: Data, Discussion & Potential Votes

While no formal votes were taken during the meeting, a clear path forward was established. The Committee agreed to revisit the CDBG-DR funding allocation in January 2026, with a potential vote scheduled for March 2026. In the meantime, city staff will be diligently gathering additional data to inform this decision. This includes detailed assessments of single-family home damage, understanding why homeowners are opting out of the Renew NC program (often due to relocation challenges), and gaining a clearer picture of unmet needs for multifamily housing. Staff will also incorporate feedback from the Housing Recovery Board and provide an update on the Archer Collaborative, a local partnership providing immediate home repair services. A presentation from SECU and LNC is also planned to discuss their work in January, further informing the discussion.

Beyond Immediate Repairs: Looking at Long-Term Solutions

The meeting wasn’t solely focused on immediate crisis response. Councilwoman Sage Turner initiated a discussion about revisiting the city's "missing middle" housing initiatives and legacy neighborhood protections. This suggests a broader conversation about how to address Asheville’s long-term housing needs and ensure equitable development across all neighborhoods.

Why This Matters to You

The decisions made by the Housing and Community Development Committee directly impact access to safe, affordable housing in Asheville. The potential shift in funding priorities could affect both homeowners seeking repairs and renters looking for affordable apartments. By gathering more data, engaging with community partners, and carefully considering the long-term implications, the Committee aims to make informed decisions that best serve the needs of all Asheville residents. Residents can expect further updates and opportunities to provide input as this process unfolds in January and March 2026.

Stay Informed:

• Check the City of Asheville's website for updates: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-committees/housing-and-community-development-committee/
• Watch recordings of committee meetings on the City's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofAsheville