Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026

Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting Recap: Addressing Asheville's Housing Needs

On January 6, 2026, the Affordable Housing Subcommittee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding affordable housing in Asheville and Buncombe County. The meeting, attended by subcommittee members and staff, focused primarily on updates from the Asheville Housing Authority (HACA) and details regarding the Affordable Housing Support Program (AHSP). This recap provides a clear overview of what was discussed, decided, and the next steps for addressing our community’s housing challenges.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on a presentation from Ella Santos, the newly appointed President and CEO of HACA. Ms. Santos outlined HACA’s mission to provide equitable access to housing and support for residents, detailing their programs including the Housing Choice Voucher Program (often referred to as Section 8). A major point of concern raised was the extraordinarily long waitlists for both project-based and tenant-based vouchers, with over 7,300 households currently waiting – some since 2019. HACA is actively working to address this backlog through "Moving to Work" (MTW) initiatives, which include incentives for landlords, streamlined income verification processes, and a "stepped rent" program. The subcommittee members engaged in thoughtful discussion with Ms. Santos regarding these initiatives and the challenges HACA faces, including limited housing supply, high costs, and community barriers to increased density.

Beyond the HACA update, Jonathan provided information on the AHSP application process, emphasizing a focus on projects that leverage additional funding sources and collaborate with organizations addressing homelessness through the Continuum of Care. The deadline for AHSP applications is January 30th, and projects can seek support for construction, down payment assistance, tenant-based rental assistance, emergency repairs, and innovative new initiatives. Subcommittee members were encouraged to review the application details in preparation for upcoming meetings where project proposals will be evaluated.

The meeting concluded with a few key decisions and action items. The subcommittee unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on December 2nd, and tentatively scheduled four additional meetings in March and April to further discuss AHSP applications and ongoing affordable housing strategies. Following the presentation, HACA committed to providing data on waitlist demographics to better understand who is impacted by these long delays. Staff will also share information regarding landlord participation in voucher programs and the AHSP application process with subcommittee members. Furthermore, HACA will continue to work closely with the Continuum of Care to align voucher strategies and explore options for transitioning Emergency Housing Voucher recipients.

This meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Asheville’s affordable housing landscape, but also showcased efforts to address these issues through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships. The AHSP application process offers a vital opportunity for residents and developers alike to contribute solutions, and the subcommittee’s commitment to reviewing proposals demonstrates a dedication to finding tangible improvements. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the AHSP application process and future subcommittee meetings, as these discussions directly impact the availability of safe and affordable housing within our community.