Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (Feb 17, 2026)

Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting Recap: February 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, the City of Asheville’s Housing & Community Development Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss key initiatives aimed at addressing housing needs and supporting community development. The meeting, attended by committee members Councilwoman Sage Turner, Councilwoman Shanika Smith, and others, centered on recovery efforts from past disasters, affordable housing projects, and future funding strategies. Here’s a breakdown of what transpired:

Moving Forward with Housing Recovery & Prioritizing Vulnerable Residents: A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) housing programs. Committee members confirmed their alignment with the state’s prioritization of Phase 1, Priority 1 applicants – those facing the greatest vulnerabilities and lowest incomes. They also agreed to provide feedback to the state, emphasizing the importance of considering displacement risk and home value when allocating resources. This means that efforts will be focused on assisting those most at risk, ensuring a targeted approach to recovery.

Addressing Challenges with the Stewart Street Cottages Project: A key decision was made regarding a planned development of 10 affordable cottages on Stewart Street. Due to significant changes proposed by the developer, Reasonable Development, that would move away from a homeownership model towards rental housing, the committee unanimously voted to rescind (cancel) the previously approved loan of $1,052,850. This decision allows the city to reallocate these funds towards other housing initiatives that better align with its affordable homeownership goals. The developer may reapply in the future, but under a revised plan.

Supporting Affordable Housing Initiatives: Grant Reimbursement Approved: The committee approved a reimbursement of $43,500 to the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust (ABCLT) for their purchase of a property at 32 Olive Street. This action resolves an administrative issue related to grant procedures, ensuring the ABCLT can continue their work in providing permanently affordable housing options.

Looking Ahead: Funding Landscape & Future Discussions: Committee members discussed the remaining $18 million within the CDBG-DR housing program, currently allocated to multifamily projects. In April, they will revisit this allocation, considering data from the Renew NC program and analyzing the effectiveness of single-family programs. Staff will also compile a comprehensive overview of funding sources for multifamily housing, including city, county, and other organizations. Additionally, the committee will review grant agreement procedures to prevent similar reimbursement situations in the future.

What This Means for You: The committee's decisions reflect a commitment to responsible use of city funds and aligning local priorities with state programs. By prioritizing vulnerable residents, addressing challenges in ongoing projects, and planning for future funding needs, the committee is working to ensure that Asheville remains a place where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.

Stay Informed: The next meeting will be held in April, where the committee will discuss potential reallocation of CDBG-DR funds. You can find more information and meeting recordings on the City of Asheville's website.