Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting Nov. 4, 2025

Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting Recap: Addressing the Growing Housing Needs in Buncombe County

On November 4, 2025, the Affordable Housing Subcommittee convened to discuss critical challenges and potential solutions regarding housing affordability in Buncombe County and the broader Landis-Guy region. The meeting, attended by subcommittee members, focused on understanding current housing needs and exploring strategies to address a significant shortage projected for the coming years. This recap summarizes key discussions, decisions made, and upcoming actions that will impact residents across the county.

A major focus of the meeting was a comprehensive presentation by Jacob from the Land of Sky Regional Council, detailing findings from the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment. The assessment paints a concerning picture: Buncombe County is projected to grow significantly, exceeding half a million residents by the next census. Despite this growth, median household income remains below the state average at $74,000. Critically, a shortage of approximately 34,000 housing units is anticipated by 2029 – a staggering figure encompassing 14,000 rental units and over 20,000 for-sale homes. Jacob highlighted that a large portion of renters (around 50%) are considered cost-burdened, struggling to afford housing. The presentation also underscored a concerning trend: construction largely focuses on high-end, luxury properties, leaving a gap for lower and middle-income residents. Discussions also touched on the unique housing dynamics in Transylvania County, where lower rents are paired with high home prices, likely driven by second-home ownership.

The subcommittee took two key votes during the meeting. First, they unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on October 7th. More significantly, members voted to approve revisions to the Affordable Housing Service Program (AHSP) guidelines. These revisions clarify how project-based vouchers will be utilized, ensuring a more streamlined and effective approach to providing housing assistance. Jonathan clarified that county funds will not be used for property acquisition, minimizing financial risk and focusing on supporting development projects.

While there were no public comments during the designated period, the discussion highlighted a clear need for innovative solutions. Members explored alternative housing product types beyond traditional single-family homes and large apartment complexes, with particular interest in smaller-scale developments like accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and duplexes/quadruplexes. The challenges of site selection, due to restrictive zoning and high land costs, were also acknowledged as a significant hurdle. The subcommittee discussed the potential for exploring housing strategies implemented in Durham, North Carolina (specifically their EHC program), and recognized the Land of Sky Regional Council's increasing role in facilitating networking and collaborations related to housing initiatives.

Looking ahead, the subcommittee has several key action items. Members are encouraged to thoroughly review the full 500+ page Housing Needs Assessment to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges. Furthermore, exploring Durham's EHC model and leveraging the Land of Sky Regional Council’s expertise are prioritized. The next meeting, scheduled for December 2nd and chaired by Commissioner Sloan, promises to continue this important conversation. This meeting will be crucial in charting a course toward addressing the growing housing needs of Buncombe County and ensuring that our community remains accessible to all residents, particularly those who contribute so much to our local economy.