Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (Jan 20, 2026)

Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting Recap: January 20, 2026

On January 20th, the City of Asheville’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) Committee held a virtual meeting to tackle critical issues facing our community, particularly regarding housing affordability and neighborhood preservation. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents to stay informed about these important developments.

Key Decisions & Moving Forward:

The committee made a significant step towards streamlining the process for homeowners to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to their properties. After careful discussion, they voted to move forward a recommendation to City Council that would remove the requirement for homeowners with existing non-conforming structures (like garages or sheds) to obtain a variance before converting them into ADUs. This change aims to increase housing options and potentially address affordability challenges by allowing more homeowners to generate rental income or provide space for family members.

Discussion Highlights: Protecting Legacy Neighborhoods & Addressing Housing Needs

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing anti-displacement efforts and supporting Asheville’s “Legacy Neighborhoods” – East End, Emma, Burton Street, Shiloh, and Southside. Representatives from the Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition presented challenges these historically significant areas face, emphasizing the need for accurate boundary definitions, improved access to federal funding programs, and a system to assess displacement risks before major projects. While the committee didn't make definitive decisions on these complex issues, they committed to supporting the Coalition’s upcoming retreat and exploring data-driven solutions.

Updates were also provided on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) housing programs. The committee approved an amendment to allocate additional funds for storm-related home repairs through the Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair, and learned about progress in processing applications for single-family home repairs through the Renew NC program. Crucially, they also discussed plans to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) in January 2026, seeking projects that address affordable housing needs and incorporate disaster resilience – a vital step in rebuilding our community.

Community Input: Voices Heard & Concerns Addressed

The meeting included a public comment period where residents shared their perspectives. David Greenson from GAP AVL and People’s Place AVL, for example, emphasized the importance of tracking affordable housing development through a publicly accessible report. Concerns were raised about potential unintended consequences from ADU developments, and the committee acknowledged these concerns, committing to ongoing monitoring and adjustments as needed.

Action Items & What's Next:

Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• Legacy Neighborhood Coalition Retreat: The LNC will hold a retreat at the end of January to further refine their priorities and provide input.
• City Staff Support: City staff will work to support the LNC with data analysis, review notification triggers, and explore ways to simplify information dissemination.
• ADU Regulation Review: The approved ADU regulation recommendation will now be forwarded to City Council for consideration.
• CDBG-DR RFP Release: The Request for Proposals (RFP) for multi-family affordable housing construction will be released in January 2026, providing an opportunity for developers to propose projects that address our community’s needs.

Why This Matters to You:

The discussions and decisions made during this meeting directly impact the future of housing affordability, neighborhood preservation, and disaster recovery in Asheville. By streamlining ADU regulations, supporting Legacy Neighborhoods, and investing in affordable housing construction, the City is working to ensure that Asheville remains a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents. Stay informed about these ongoing efforts by visiting the City of Asheville's website and following updates from the HCD Committee.