Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (May 20, 2025)

Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting Recap: May 20, 2025

On May 20th, the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and address an important funding request. The committee, led by Chair Antoinette Mosley and including Councilwomen Sage Turner and Shanika Smith, plays a vital role in advising the City Council on affordable housing initiatives, support for those experiencing homelessness, and broader community development efforts. This recap outlines the key outcomes of the meeting and what they mean for Asheville residents.

Significant Funding Approved for Fairhaven Summit: The most significant decision of the meeting was a unanimous vote to recommend an additional $607,000 in funding for the Fairhaven Summit project. This development, nearing completion on Sweeten Creek Road, will provide 77 much-needed affordable housing units for families. The additional funding is necessary to cover increased construction costs due to unforeseen delays and design adjustments. This recommendation will now go before the City Council for final approval on May 27th. Supporting this project demonstrates the committee's commitment to expanding housing options and promoting stability for Asheville families.

Planning for FY26: Aligning with City Priorities: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to outlining the HCD Committee's scope and work plan for Fiscal Year 2026. The presentation, delivered by Nikki Reed and Ben Woody, emphasized alignment with the City Council’s four priority recovery areas: supporting residents, ensuring business recovery, building resilient infrastructure and environment, and addressing housing challenges. Discussions centered on how the committee can best contribute to these goals through policy recommendations related to affordable housing, services for unhoused individuals, and disaster preparedness. Councilwoman Turner suggested incorporating updates on county initiatives into the committee's planning, highlighting a desire for broader collaboration.

Community Voice: While no public comments were received during the meeting, residents are encouraged to participate in future meetings and share their perspectives on housing and community development issues. Information on how to provide public comment can be found on the city website.

What's Next? The HCD Committee is actively working to refine its FY26 work plan, ensuring it effectively supports the City Council's priorities. Key next steps include:

• Advisory Board Engagement: Chairs and vice-chairs of the advisory committees will meet in mid-June to coordinate efforts.
• City Council Vote: The Fairhaven Summit funding request will be on the City Council agenda for next Tuesday, May 27th.
• CED Departmental Work Plan Update: The committee will receive an update on the Community Economic Development (CED) department's work plan in the coming weeks.

Why This Matters to You: The HCD Committee's work directly impacts the availability of affordable housing, access to support services for vulnerable populations, and overall community well-being in Asheville. By supporting projects like Fairhaven Summit and developing a comprehensive FY26 work plan, the committee is working to build a more equitable and resilient city for all residents. Stay informed about future meetings and opportunities to engage in this important process by visiting the City of Asheville website.