Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting: September 2, 2025

Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting Recap: September 2, 2025

On September 2, 2025, the Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee convened to discuss ongoing initiatives and potential changes impacting affordable housing options in our community. The meeting, attended by subcommittee members and representatives from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) and county departments, centered on updates to existing programs, recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, and proposed revisions to the Affordable Housing Service Program (AHSP).

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to understanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, a crucial federal tool for developing affordable housing. Matt Card from NCHFA presented an overview of how the program works, explaining that it incentivizes private investment in affordable housing projects by offering a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. The committee gained insight into the complexities of securing LIHTC funding, with discussion focusing on the challenges developers face and potential opportunities for sharing information about past project financing. Two local projects, Villas at Swannanoa and Rocky River Apartments, were highlighted as examples of successful LIHTC developments.

The subcommittee also received an update on the Helene Housing Recovery Plan, a response to damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Kathleen Blackney outlined projects identified for recovery within Buncombe County, including new affordable housing developments planned for Cox Avenue, Ferry Road, and Valley Street. The plan also includes a down payment assistance program to help displaced low-to-moderate income households and a grant program for storm-related home repairs. Committee members emphasized the importance of coordinating recovery efforts with other municipalities and partners to ensure a unified approach, recognizing that community-led initiatives should be at the forefront.

Finally, Jonathan Jones presented proposed revisions to the Affordable Housing Service Program (AHSP) guidelines. These changes aimed to clarify program restrictions, define eligible expenses for reimbursement, and streamline loan structures for construction projects. A notable proposal would allow nonprofit partners to request 0% interest loans during the construction phase, potentially easing financial burdens for these vital organizations. While the committee acknowledged the need for revisions, they ultimately decided to defer final approval until a later date – potentially in November or December – allowing for further consideration alongside the broader recovery plan and application cycles. Jones also reported that over $1.1 million in available funds within the AHSP budget could be designated for housing-related projects, highlighting a significant opportunity to address critical needs.

What's Next for You?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting: Matt Card will provide additional information on the LIHTC program upon request, allowing for deeper understanding of its intricacies. Kathleen Blackney will present a draft of the comprehensive Helene Housing Recovery Plan, incorporating projects from all municipalities, for public comment in September. And Jonathan Jones will revisit the AHSP guideline revisions at a later date, providing another opportunity for community input.

This meeting underscored the county’s commitment to addressing affordable housing challenges and supporting recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, transparency, and community voice in shaping these initiatives, ultimately impacting the availability of safe, affordable housing options for Buncombe County residents. Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to provide feedback on the Helene Housing Recovery Plan and future AHSP guideline revisions.