Special Meeting: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (Hybrid) (Jan 8, 2026)

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting Recap: Shaping a Future Home Repair Policy

On January 8, 2026, the Asheville Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) convened a special meeting to advance discussions surrounding a crucial new home repair policy, directed by the Housing and Community Development Committee. This hybrid meeting, accessible both in-person and online, brought together committee members, city staff, and community representatives to explore potential approaches for preserving affordability and preventing displacement within our city.

Focusing on a Draft Policy: Key Discussions & Debates

The primary focus of the meeting was developing a workable draft policy for addressing home repairs, particularly for vulnerable homeowners. Committee members revisited previous discussions and dove deeper into several key areas. A significant portion of the conversation centered on income eligibility, with considerable debate surrounding whether to prioritize households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as initially considered, or to focus on lower income brackets like 60% or even 50% AMI. A tiered approach was also explored as a potential solution. The committee also considered whether to prioritize specific neighborhoods facing gentrification and displacement, referencing the city's "Missing Middle" study. Another point of contention was determining appropriate funding caps for individual repair projects, balancing deep investment in fewer homes versus a broader reach with smaller interventions.

Community Voices Heard: Prioritizing Net Income & Rental Repairs

The meeting included valuable public comment from Lexi Aaron of Disability Partners, Center for Independent Living. She strongly advocated for considering “net” income (after deductions) rather than gross income when determining eligibility, a crucial point for accurately assessing financial need. She also suggested a vote be required to add permanent pin for rental housing repair, highlighting the unique challenges renters face and the need to address landlord-owned properties.

No Formal Votes, But Clear Directions Forward

While no formal votes were taken during this meeting, the discussions yielded several important commitments and action items. The committee unanimously agreed to continue gathering data on existing repair programs, exploring the potential of tax assessment data in conjunction with current records. Recognizing the complexity of existing repair programs, they acknowledged the need to understand how these various initiatives interact. A key decision was a commitment to continue exploring rental repair strategies and potential funding models, specifically investigating bond-eligible options.

What's Next for Home Repair in Asheville?

Following the meeting, several action items were assigned to ensure progress continues. City staff (Sasha Verchinsky) will lead research into rental repair programs, exploring bond funding possibilities. Jane and Chris volunteered to assist with this research, reaching out to repair program providers for more information. The Community Development Division will also analyze tax assessment data and cross-reference it with existing repair program records. The next AHAC meeting, scheduled for March, will focus on presenting a draft framework for the home repair policy based on these ongoing efforts.

Why This Matters to You:

This meeting represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable and accessible housing landscape in Asheville. The development of a comprehensive home repair policy will directly impact the stability and affordability of housing for many residents, particularly those facing financial hardship or living in vulnerable neighborhoods. By addressing critical repairs and preventing displacement, this policy aims to preserve the character of our city while ensuring that everyone has a safe and decent place to call home. Stay tuned for updates as the AHAC continues its work on this vital initiative!