Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting, Aug. 5, 2025

Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting Recap – August 5, 2025

On August 5, 2025, the Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee convened to discuss ongoing initiatives and set priorities for addressing the county's affordable housing needs. The meeting, attended by existing members as well as newly appointed Megan Austin and Joe DiCretico (joining virtually), showcased a strong commitment to finding solutions for residents struggling with housing affordability. Key discussions centered around innovative financing, supporting aging in place, and tracking progress toward established goals.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on existing programs and initiatives. Tracy Thompson from Self-Help Credit Union presented detailed information about the Western North Carolina Affordable Housing Loan Fund, a public-private partnership designed to provide flexible financing for affordable housing projects. The fund aims to leverage subsidies and offer terms that traditional lenders may not, focusing on acquisition, gap financing, and maximizing community benefit. Separately, Billy Breed from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided an overview of the "Housing Options for Aging in Place" (HOPE) work group, highlighting their focus on supporting aging residents through initiatives like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and a forthcoming Aging in Place Planning Guide. The subcommittee also received an update on progress toward their FY24 goals, which include increasing affordable rental and ownership units, preserving existing affordable housing options, and working towards functional zero homelessness.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The subcommittee formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting in June, welcomed Megan Austin and Joe DiCretico as new members – with Mr. DiCretico noting his extensive background in affordable housing architecture and eagerness to contribute, and re-elected Amanda Edwards as chair and appointed Parker Sloan as vice chair. A particularly poignant moment came from Jeffrey Barton of Mountain Housing Opportunities, who expressed gratitude for the county's support in enabling the reopening of 408 Depot Street, a vital affordable apartment complex. He specifically acknowledged Commissioner Ball's attendance at the reopening, highlighting the importance of county partnership in these crucial efforts.

The meeting concluded with a focus on next steps and future priorities. Tracy Thompson will coordinate with the Buncombe County development team to explore partnership opportunities related to taxpayer-funded initiatives. County staff will continue working with Commerce regarding ARPA funding and explore options for utilizing those funds in conjunction with the county's recovery plan. The subcommittee will dedicate future discussions to strategies for increasing affordable homeownership, especially within BIPOC communities, a challenging but critical goal. Finally, staff will share the Housing Needs Assessment report and provide a walkthrough at a future meeting to ensure all members are well-informed.

This meeting underscored Buncombe County’s ongoing dedication to addressing the affordable housing crisis. The discussions and decisions made demonstrate a collaborative approach, leveraging innovative financing models and partnerships to support residents across various needs – from seniors seeking options for aging in place to families struggling to find affordable rental and ownership opportunities. Residents can expect further updates on these initiatives at future subcommittee meetings, as the county continues to prioritize finding sustainable solutions for a more equitable housing landscape.