Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting | Dec. 2, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Buncombe County Affordable Housing Committee held a subcommittee meeting on December 2, 2025. The session focused on administrative updates regarding the Affordable Housing Support Program (AHSP) and announcements concerning upcoming federal funding opportunities.

Key Decisions

The only formal vote recorded at this meeting was the approval of the minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with a tally of 4-0. No other formal votes were taken during the session.

Discussion Highlights

Staff presented revised award letters for three ongoing AHSP construction loan projects: Redwood Commons, Rocky River, and Pine Lane. These projects have experienced delays, partially attributed to government shutdowns. Staff recommended extending the loan commitments from December 31, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to allow the projects to continue without interruption. The subcommittee agreed to support this recommendation, which will be handled as an administrative change at the staff level rather than through a formal vote.

The committee also reviewed proposed revisions to the AHSP program guidelines, specifically regarding recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene. The proposed changes include prioritizing projects that assist households permanently displaced by the storm, aligning with the Helene Recovery Plan. Additional revisions aim to streamline administrative processes by removing the program’s expenditure approval threshold to align with existing county procurement policies. Staff noted that these revisions will be presented to the full board for final approval later that evening.

In announcements, staff informed the committee that the City of Asheville has opened its 2025-2026 HOME Investment Partnership Program application. This funding, totaling $1,340,197, covers Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties and prioritizes down payment assistance, homeowner rehabilitation, tenant-based rental assistance, and support for community housing development organizations. The application deadline is December 10, 2025. Staff also announced that the World Health and Service Program (WHSP) application process will be released after board approval of provisions, with the application window expected to open in late December or early January.

Community Input

The meeting included a brief attempt to solicit public comment, but technical difficulties prevented online participation. No members of the public spoke during the session.

Follow-ups

Staff indicated they will participate in the Home Consortium’s process to help make funding recommendations for the HOME program. Additionally, staff will release the WHSP application process following board approval. The AHSP revisions discussed will be presented to the full board for final approval.

Impact

These discussions address the continuity of affordable housing projects that have faced external delays, ensuring that funding remains available for the construction of units in East Asheville, Woodfin, and South Asheville. The proposed program revisions aim to better align county resources with the recovery needs of residents displaced by Tropical Storm Helene and to reduce administrative duplication. The announcement of the HOME application provides a timeline for residents and organizations to seek federal funding for housing stability and rehabilitation.