Special Meeting: Asheville Regional Housing Consortium (In-person) (Aug 27, 2025)

Asheville Regional Housing Consortium Meeting Recap – August 27, 2025

On August 27, 2025, the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium convened a meeting open to the public via live stream and phone participation (855-925-2801, code 8763). Vice Chair Ricky Hurley led the meeting in place of Sage Turner, and the session focused on updates to regional housing programs, addressing membership issues with several municipalities, and presenting a critical assessment of the region's future housing needs. This recap highlights key decisions, discussions, and next steps for residents interested in understanding the region's housing landscape.

Addressing Membership & Securing Funding: A significant portion of the meeting centered on clarifying membership status with HUD and securing funding for crucial housing initiatives. The board voted to move forward with a plan that will formally add Mars Hill and Marshall as full members of the consortium once the fiscal year resets in July 2026. While these towns currently participate in housing programs, formal HUD recognition ensures long-term eligibility and stability. Separately, the City of Asheville received approval to contract with ICF International to manage a $4 million American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund. This funding will be dedicated to constructing deeply affordable rental housing and providing supportive services for residents in need – a vital step towards addressing the growing demand for affordable options.

Understanding Our Region's Housing Needs: Patrick Bowen presented a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities facing our region. The assessment projects an increase of approximately 7,000 households by 2029, alongside a growing senior population. A major concern highlighted was the difficulty many residents face affording rental housing and achieving homeownership, with rising median home prices putting homeownership out of reach for many. The assessment also revealed a significant number of households living in overcrowded or substandard housing, and a large proportion struggling with high housing cost burdens. This data underscores the urgent need for diverse solutions, including new construction, preservation of existing housing stock, and supportive services.

Program Updates & Community Collaboration: The meeting included updates on several ongoing housing programs across the region. Habitat for Humanity in Henderson County successfully closed two homes using existing funding and is progressing with new applications. The "Fair Haven Meadows" project in Transylvania County, a significant affordable housing development, recently broke ground. The City of Asheville is allocating additional funding to the Apple Ridge project, and Community Housing Coalition in Madison County completed environmental reviews for several projects. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the consortium is actively recruiting volunteers from Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties to participate in an Application Review Committee, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives are considered when allocating housing funding.

What's Next & Why It Matters: Following the meeting, several key actions will be taken. A vote to formally add Mars Hill and Marshall as full members is scheduled for the next meeting, solidifying their participation in regional housing initiatives. Volunteers will begin participating in the application review process to help allocate funding for deserving projects. The City of Asheville is finalizing its contract with ICF International to implement the ARP housing funds, marking a significant investment in deeply affordable rental options. Finally, staff will develop a communication plan to ensure residents are aware of available housing programs and resources – a crucial step in connecting those in need with the support they deserve. The discussions surrounding preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing, alongside new construction, highlight a growing recognition that addressing the region’s housing challenges requires a multifaceted approach.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to tackling the complex issue of affordable housing in our region, and these ongoing efforts will directly impact the lives of many residents struggling to find safe, stable, and affordable places to call home.