# Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting: September 2, 2025

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Affordable Housing Committee
**Date:** September 2, 2025 1:00 PM EDT (2025-09-02T13:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/592

## Summary

The Buncombe County Affordable Housing Committee held a subcommittee meeting on September 2, 2025. The session focused on updates regarding federal tax credit programs, the recovery plan following Tropical Storm Helene, and revisions to the Affordable Housing Services Program (AHSP) guidelines.

## Key Decisions
The committee recorded one formal vote during the meeting. The minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting were approved by a vote of 3-0. No other motions or decisions were recorded in the transcript summary.

## Discussion Highlights
Staff and external presenters provided three main updates to the committee. First, Matthew Card of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) presented an overview of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. He explained how the federal tool provides dollar-for-dollar tax credits to incentivize affordable housing development, noting that the program prioritizes new construction. Card highlighted two local projects that received 2025 awards: Villas at Swannanoa, which received $1,300,000 in 9% credits, and Rocky River Apartments, which received $2,153,232 in 4% credits. Committee members discussed the complexities developers face when navigating this program and expressed interest in understanding how LIHTC funding works within a project’s capital stack.

Second, Kathleen Blackney presented an update on the Helene Housing Recovery Plan. She clarified that the plan is a list of projects the county can reasonably expect to deliver, rather than a comprehensive solution for all housing issues. The plan identifies three key housing-related initiatives: affordable housing development at Coxe Avenue, Ferry Road, and Valley Street; a down payment assistance program for low-to-moderate income households displaced by the storm; and a home repair grant program. Committee members raised questions about ensuring coordination with other municipalities and partners to maintain a unified approach to recovery.

Third, Jonathan Jones presented proposed revisions to the AHSP guidelines. Key changes include clarifying restrictions on combining awards from multiple years, defining eligible expenses to exclude pre-development costs, and allowing nonprofit partners to request 0% interest loans during the construction phase if funds convert to downpayment assistance. Jones also provided an update on the AHSP budget, noting that $1,162,161.00 in funds are potentially available for housing-related projects.

## Follow-ups
Several staff members explicitly agreed to take next steps following the discussion. Matthew Card agreed to provide additional information and presentations on LIHTC program complexities upon request. Kathleen Blackney agreed to present the draft Helene Housing Recovery Plan, which includes projects from all municipalities, for public comment in September. Jonathan Jones agreed to revisit the AHSP guideline revisions at a later date, potentially in November or December, to align with the broader recovery plan and application cycles.

## Impact
These discussions provide residents with insight into the mechanisms funding local affordable housing and the county’s strategy for post-storm recovery. The review of the LIHTC program offers transparency into how federal incentives support new housing construction in the area. Additionally, the update on the Helene Housing Recovery Plan outlines specific projects and assistance programs intended to support households affected by the storm, while the proposed AHSP revisions aim to clarify how county funds can be utilized for construction and repair efforts.

## Agenda

- [Approve minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/592/item/24753)
- [Adjourn the meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/592/item/24754)

## Votes

- Resident Member Austen motioned to approve the minutes from the August 5[th] meeting. Commissioner Sloan seconded the motion. — Passed, 3-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCiCK1-GMY8
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/157/segments

## Documents

- [supporting_2025-09-02_3.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/592?document=15427)
- [minutes_2025-09-02.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/592?document=15424)
- [supporting_2025-09-02.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/592?document=15425)
- [supporting_2025-09-02_2.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/592?document=15426)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCiCK1-GMY8)