Affordable Housing Committee Meeting | Nov. 4, 2025

Affordable Housing Committee Addresses Growing Regional Needs – Recap of November 4th Meeting

The Landis-Guy region’s affordable housing crisis was the central focus of the Affordable Housing Committee meeting held on November 4, 2025. The committee, comprised of local officials and stakeholders, convened to discuss the findings of a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and consider revisions to existing programs aimed at addressing the escalating challenges. This meeting provided a crucial update on efforts to ensure more residents have access to safe and affordable housing options.

A major outcome of the meeting was the unanimous approval of revisions to the Affordable Housing Service Program (AHSP) guidelines. This update clarifies that rent standards established by the housing authority for project-based vouchers are acceptable within the AHSP program, streamlining access to assistance for those utilizing voucher programs. Additionally, the committee unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on October 7th.

The bulk of the discussion centered around a detailed presentation from Jacob of the Land of Sky Regional Council, outlining findings from their 500+ page Housing Needs Assessment. The assessment painted a stark picture: the region is projected to grow significantly, exceeding half a million residents by 2029. Crucially, the study revealed a substantial housing shortage – over 34,000 units are needed by that year, with a significant portion (14,000) being rental units. The report also highlighted that nearly half of renters in the region face a “cost burden,” spending over 30% of their income on housing, and noted the limited availability of rental options due to a focus on luxury apartments. Committee members raised questions about discrepancies in housing costs across different counties, specifically noting the relatively higher home prices and lower rental rates observed in Transylvania County. The discussion also touched on the potential of manufactured housing to address affordability concerns, acknowledging the need to combat negative stigmas associated with this type of housing.

Beyond specific data points, committee members engaged in a broader discussion about the need to rethink current housing strategies. There was considerable agreement on the importance of encouraging a wider range of housing types, including duplexes and quadplexes, to move beyond the current dominance of single-family homes. The restrictive nature of existing zoning regulations was identified as a significant barrier, and the committee discussed exploring underutilized commercial properties that could be repurposed for housing development.

While there were no public comments during the meeting, the discussions underscored a shared concern among committee members about the difficulty essential workers face in finding affordable housing within the region. Jacob from the Land of Sky Regional Council emphasized that many vital members of our community – teachers, healthcare workers, and service providers – are struggling to afford to live where they work.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Committee members are encouraged to thoroughly review the full Housing Needs Assessment report for a deeper understanding of regional challenges. The committee also agreed to explore housing strategies implemented in Durham, North Carolina (known for its innovative EHC model), and to seriously consider zoning reform as a crucial step towards allowing more diverse housing options. Finally, the Land of Sky Regional Council will continue exploring a housing trust to incentivize development and networking with existing resources. The next meeting is scheduled for December 2nd, where Commissioner Sloan will be chairing the proceedings.

This meeting clearly demonstrated a commitment from local officials to address the critical affordable housing needs within the Landis-Guy region. The discussions and decisions made will directly impact efforts to create a more equitable housing landscape for all residents, ensuring that essential workers and families have access to stable and affordable homes.