City Council regular meeting — March 10, 2026

Background:

• On April 25, 2023, City Council approved a loan to Reasonable Development for $1,052,850, Resolution 23-92.
• The award was for the development of 10 affordable, for-sale cottages on Stewart Street in West Asheville, PINs 9638-51-1711, -1760, -2720, -2679, -3638.
• The project was estimated to have 10 for-sale homes, affordable to households at or below 100% of AMI: 2 for 60% AMI, 6 for 80% AMI, and 2 for 100% AMI.
• The application proposed a 20-year affordability period.
• Loan terms: loan amount $1,052,850; 3-year term, 2% compounding annually, 2nd lien position; a portion of HTF will be repaid from home sale proceeds, another portion of HTF to be used as down payment assistance.
• The loan was to be used for construction and accounted for 43% of the total development cost per unit ($242,500).
• After construction, up to $500,000 of the $1,052,850 would be put towards down payment assistance for buyers.
• Since approval, staff has been working with Reasonable Development (owner, Barry Bialik) to develop an agreement based on the application to close the loan.
• In July 2025, the developer sent a list of requested changes to a draft deed restriction and draft Housing Trust Fund agreement. These requested changes materially altered the project from homeownership units to rental units and included an affordability buyout option in the event the deed restrictions are not upheld by the future owners. These changes are outside of the original Council approval (detailed below) and do not comply with the City’s Housing Trust Fund Policy.
• Change of Project Use: Request to shift the project from for-sale homeownership to have an option to sell to investors for rental housing, with the units still restricted to the original income limits (60%, 80%, and 100% AMI) and a minimum 6-month lease term (no short-term rentals).
• New Deed Restriction Clauses: Request for a flexible deed restriction. If units are sold to a non-eligible buyer, the seller will pay the City twenty-five percent (25%) of the Excess Proceeds. The request also includes an option for the seller to terminate the affordability restriction upon payment of fifty percent (50%) of the Excess Proceeds. “Excess Proceeds” is defined as the portion of the sale price that exceeds the maximum allowable resale price calculated in accordance with this Deed Restriction.
• The developer has already built 2 of the homes and has found funding from other sources to make them affordable without using City funding.

Staff Analysis:

• The complexity of the proposed deal structure is untested in the City’s portfolio and would create significant uncertainty about the future affordability of the units. Traditionally, the agreement between a developer and the City lays out a clear period of affordability, and even if it’s shorter, it is certain.
• It is unclear whether City funding is needed for the construction of the homes.
• The updated proposal is a material change from the original proposal, going from the approved affordable homeownership opportunity to a potentially investor-owned rental structure. It would trigger a new application for the project.
• A funding round for homeownership projects will take place in the second half of 2026. The developer could propose this hybrid approach at this time, and staff would have all the application materials available to make a recommendation.
• If Reasonable Development would like to pursue a rental project, low-interest loans are available through the WNC Affordable Housing Loan Fund, which requires a minimum of 5 units, including single-family homes.

Background:

• The City participates in several funding programs administered by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), CDBG-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) are managed by the Community Development Division within the Community & Economic Development (CED) Department.
• These programs all require that an environmental review be performed before any activity funded with these programs may move forward.
• The City Manager is the official signatory for the City of Asheville, which acts as the Responsible Entity in the environmental review approval process.
• In order to streamline operations, staff is requesting that the CED Director be delegated signature authority on all future environmental reviews that do not require a formal Request for Release of Funds (RROF), as well as ratifying that CED Director’s signature authority on all prior environmental reviews.
• Activities that require an RROF (e.g. new construction) would still require the City Manager’s signature.

Background:

• The City of Asheville contracts with Marathon Health Parent, LLC for oversight and management of the Employee Health Services clinic for employees and their eligible dependents.
• The current contract expired in February 2026 so the City followed procurement protocols and released an RFP for these services.
• The process of receiving and evaluating RFP submissions to select a vendor through the competitive bidding process has been completed and the inter-departmental review committee selected Marathon to continue delivering these services.
• The City of Asheville and Marathon are working to ensure that the deliverables of the new contract meet employee and organizational needs with no disruption to current programs and services. This amendment will extend the current contract through June 30, 2026 and allow those discussions and negotiations to continue. In addition, it will align the new contract with other benefits contracts and the City’s fiscal year.
• The amendment will increase the total contract amount by $534,202.72 to $5,031,202.72. The funds are budgeted in the Health Insurance Fund for this year.

Background:

• The William DeBruhl WTP is one of the three City of Asheville water treatment plants that supply drinking water for the City of Asheville’s water distribution system.
• The William DeBruhl WTP is a direct filtration water treatment plant that treats water from the Bee Tree Reservoir. As part of the water treatment process, the William DeBruhl WTP uses sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, zinc orthophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, fluoride, and polyaluminum chloride, to treat the water for customers.
• The use of these water treatment chemicals require onsite storage at the William DeBruhl WTP to allow treatment to continue 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year.
• Both the William DeBruhl WTP fluoride and sodium hypochlorite bulk chemical tanks are at the end of their service life due to age and use.
• As it has also become clear that the Zinc Orthophosphate tank has also reached the end of its service life due to age and use.
• Currently the William DeBruhl WTP needs to replace (1) sodium hypochlorite tank, (1) fluoride tank, and (1) zinc orthophosphate tank to continue to provide core services and to continue to treat drinking water.
• The William DeBruhl WTP also needs to add 1-2 new bulk storage tanks to hold and store a new coagulant product, which will be beneficial to the treatment process.
• The City entered into a Master On-Call Services contract with GHD Engineering in October of 2020.
• The City entered into a Supplemental Professional Services contract/ Change Order with GHD Engineering for Task Order 8-Debruhl Water Treatment Plant Chemical Bulk Storage Project as approved by City Council Resolution No. 24-30 on February 13, 2024 in the amount of $145,000.
• The City Council approved a contract amendment of $7,000 on May 13th 2025 to include additional development of specifications for chemical tanks.
• The Supplemental Professional Services Contract/ Task Order 8 with GHD Engineering needs to be amended to include additional scope of work to include construction phase management services and coordination valued at an additional $145,000.
• Additional scope work as follows: Project Coordination, Construction Phase Services Meetings, Submittals Review, Request for Information Review, Issue Work Change Directives, Construction Inspection Services, Pay Request Review, Start Up Services, Record Drawing Preparation, Project Closeout, and 1 Year Post Closeout Inspection.
• This change retains an engineering firm for the construction phase of the project. Previous on-call services related to this project were just for the design work of the project.
• If not approved, it will limit the ability of the William DeBruhl WTP and the City of Asheville Water Resources Department to provide high quality drinking water to the City of Asheville’s water distribution system and will delay implementation of needed chemical tank replacements.

Background:

• The Fleet Management Division of the Public Works Department maintains over 1,000 City owned vehicles and pieces of equipment.
• Contracted work is used to supplement existing staff resources at times of high demand or to provide services where the Fleet Division does not have suitable facilities or resources.
• APD has a shortage of vehicles due to new hires and unexpected loss of vehicles due to accidents and expensive repairs.
• APD has twenty-four (24) new Ford Police Interceptor SUVs on-hand in need of upfit of police lighting and emergency equipment.
• Fleet Management alongside the City’s Purchasing Division is working on the purchase of twenty-one (21) additional SUV units expected to arrive this calendar year.
• This contract covers the upfit of these 45 vehicles in two phases.
• The BID (298-FY26-PW-BID-APDUpfits) was posted on January 9, 2026, and open for submissions through February 6, 2026.
• Eight submissions were received:
• Global Public Safety $606,638.39
• Carolina Custom Upfitters $639,821.87
• Campbell Brown $641,698.53
• FleetTec $716,785.03
• Cape Fear Customs $764,944.95
• AFI Public Safety $776,446.15
• Brooks Network Services $809,652.05
• Dana Safety $829,823.56
• Global Public Safety LLC was identified as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder in the amount of $606,638.39.

Background:

• The Office of State Budget and Management is administering the Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, authorized through multiple legislative acts including the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 to directly address impacts experienced during Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters.
• The program funds capital projects to repair, renovate, or replace damaged infrastructure that is ineligible or denied for FEMA Public Assistance.
• Grant prioritization favors communities with populations under 300,000 and projects ineligible under FEMA PA Categories C–G, verified in coordination with NC Emergency Management.
• Nearly $50 million in funding is available, with OSBM awarding grants according to statutory caps of 20% per county and 5% per eligible recipient or qualifying zip code.
• Grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2030, are disbursed as a lump sum up front, and recipients must report project expenses to OSBM.
• The City was awarded $2,487,500 through this grant program to support the relocation of assets that were not directly damaged by Tropical Storm Helene but will need to be moved and reconstructed outside of the FEMA Public Assistance program.

Background:

• The City is seeking funding to design and construct a pre-treatment solution and an alternative transmission line at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant as a direct result of changing conditions and damage from Tropical Storm Helene.
• The City has been working with, and will continue to work with, FEMA Public Assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and the Community Development Block Grant -Disaster Recovery and other funds to support this work.
• The NC Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Infrastructure can provide funding assistance to local governments, nonprofit water/wastewater providers, and investor-owned drinking water companies that were impacted by Hurricane Helene using State Revolving Fund (SRF) Helene (SA-HMW) Loans.
• Based on the number of water customers, the City may be eligible for 30% principal forgiveness.

Background:

• The City of Asheville has the opportunity to apply for a United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grant, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to implement a Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) that strengthens APD’s use of gun intelligence to reduce firearm violence.
• This BJA expects grant awards up to $700,000 for a new CGIC over 36 months, with the application due March 30, 2026.
• Asheville had 12 firearm-related homicides in the past two years (2024: 9, 2025: 3) and 206 firearm assaults or discharge-into-property incidents. The CGIC model is designed to reduce violent gun crime by accelerating and improving investigations.
• APD already uses NIBIN and eTrace, and this grant would expand those capabilities into a fully integrated CGIC that supports coordinated investigative and prosecutorial action.
• The goal is to cut ballistic lead turnaround to 24 to 48 hours, reducing weeks to hours by making Forensics a NIBIN site and expanding RTIC support.
• Success will be measured by outputs such as NIBIN entries and leads, firearms test-fired, eTrace submissions, and arrests and convictions tied to CGIC intelligence, as well as personnel, technology, and training added.
• This grant allows personnel expenses to be funded. Although no decisions have been made about adding staff, the funding could support personnel assigned to enhance the activities of the Realtime Intelligence Center and strengthen investigative follow-up.
• APD staff will continue to engage with the community to share information about the implementation of program enhancements made possible by these grant funds.
• Routine updates, such as the APD quarterly reports, will continue to be provided to community members, informing them of the impact of the APD team's efforts.
• The grant does not require local matching funds.

Principal Planner Will Palmquist said that this is the consideration of an ordinance to conditionally rezone 230 Sardis Road from Industrial District to Residential Expansion

• Conditional Zone. This public hearing was advertised on February 27 and March 6, 2026. Project Location and

Contacts:

• The project site totals 9.19 acres located at 230 Sarids Rd (PIN 9627-00-3429)
• Owner: Enplas America Inc Summary of Petition: Project Site
• The project area consists of one property totalling 9.19 acres located at 230 Sardis Rd and is identified in the Buncombe County land records as PIN 9627-00-3429)
• The site is currently zoned Industrial (IND), and is the site of Enplas Life Tech, a plastics manufacturing company.
• Given the size of the project (over 50 residential dwelling units) a conditional zoning to the Residential Expansion
• Conditional Zone (RES EXP
• CZ) district is required.
• Based on the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM) the property is currently designated “Industrial/Manufacturing”, which reserves land with good access to transportation systems to support the economic section for light industry and office or business incubators. While Industrial/Manufacturing may include opportunities for housing for workers who may live amongst or adjacent to the industry or other businesses in the area, a change of the Future Land Use designation to “Residential Neighborhood” would be more appropriate and consistent with the land use regulation in the area. Overall Project Proposal
• New building construction includes a new four-to-five-story multi-family building with a total of 180 units.
• Other site improvements include surface parking, new sidewalks, playground, dog park, and a pool and amenity area.

Staff Recommendation:

• Staff recommends approval of this rezoning request based on the reasons stated below. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Other Plans: Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan (2018)
• The proposed development supports a number of goals in the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan, including:
• Encourage Responsible Growth
• by prioritizing greater densities of development overall, throughout the city as appropriate.
• Increase and Diversify the Housing Supply
• by increasing the rental housing supply.
• Make Streets More Walkable, Comfortable and Connected
• by eliminating gaps in the city-wide sidewalk network.
• The proposed rezoning is compatible with the proposed Future Land Use designation of "Residential Neighborhood", which is proposed, in part, that “the types of housing in residential neighborhoods generally offer little variation of building types throughout the neighborhood, such as townhomes, duplexes or an apartment complex,” and that, “over time, residential neighborhoods can benefit from having more housing diversity” (p. 346).

Compatibility Analysis:

• The proposed multi-family project is compatible with the surrounding land uses, including:
• Existing multi-family residential uses to the south, known as Greymont Village.
• Single-family residential neighborhoods further to the east of the project site.
• Proposed multi-family development across from the project site, known as Sardis Apartments, which received a conditional zoning approval in 2022 for 297 residential units. Committee(s):
• Technical Review Committee (TRC)
• January 5, 2026
• approved with conditions.
• Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC)
• February 4, 2026
• approved with conditions. Mr. Palmquist reviewed the existing and proposed zoning, the aerial imagery, and the existing and future land use map. About the site plan, (1) New 4/5 story multi-family building with 180 units; and (2) Other site improvements include: Sidewalks; Parking lot; Playground; Dog Park; and Pool and amenity area. He then showed the building elevations. The Project includes technical modifications: (1) Sidewalk widths of 5’ on Sardis Rd, 5’ on Greymont Ln, and 5’ internally, instead of the 10’-wide standard; and (2) Street trees planted on Sardis Road in excess of the 20’ maximum distance from the edge of pavement, ranging approximately between 30’ and 40’. He then explained how the project was consistent with the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan. He said the Technical Review Committee approved the project with conditions. The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the project with the condition that project condition #12 be amended to state a minimum sidewalk width of 5’ along Sardis Road. He said that staff concurs with the Planning & Zoning Commission and recommends approval of the proposed conditional zoning. When Councilwoman Roney asked if there is a plan for renewable energy or anything that would prohibit that from being installed in the future, Mr. Derek Allen, attorney for the applicant, said that the HVAC units are on top of the building. Councilwoman Roney suggested that if the HVAC could be removed to one side, the roof of the building could be solar ready. When Councilwoman Turner asked if Planning staff had any concerns of the loss of industrial land, Mr. Palmquish said that as far as a conditional zoning, it supports goals in our Comprehensive Plan and Planning staff has no concerns. Mr. Palmquist noted that project condition 12 should read “Sardis Road”, not “Greymont Lane.” Mr. Allen spoke in support of this project in that Asheville needs housing. Mr. Allen responded to Councilwoman Turner when she asked what the projected revenue of this building will be. Mayor Manheimer opened the public hearing at 5:37 p.m. Andrew Paul spoke in support for this project as we need housing Mayor Manheimer closed the public hearing at 5:39 p.m.

Urban Planner Sam Starr-Baum said that this is the consideration of an ordinance to conditionally rezone 383 N. Louisiana Avenue from Office District to Office District

• Conditional Zone.This public hearing was advertised on February 27 and March 6, 2026. Project Location and

Contacts:

• The project site totals 3.13 acres on one parcel addressed as 383 N Louisiana Avenue, and identified in the Buncombe County Tax Record as PIN: 9638-29-1363
• Owner(s): Betty Hampton, Marlisa Faris, John Drake, and Mark Drake
• Applicant: Civil Design Concepts/Warren Sugg, P.E. Summary of Petition: Project Site
• The project site totals 3.13 acres on one parcel addressed as 383 N Louisiana Avenue
• The site is currently zoned Office (OFF I).
• The site is designated “Traditional Neighborhood” on the city’s Future Land Use (FLU) Map. A change in the FLU designation will not be required.
• The project includes 89 affordable housing units in one apartment building.
• The current site is undeveloped, and is within the neighborhood boundary of the Poder Emma Legacy Neighborhood
• This project qualifies for a reduced review threshold given the size and affordability components being met under UDO Section 7-5-9. Accordingly, this is a level II conditional zoning to the Office
• Conditional Zone (OFF I-CZ) district, rather than the usual level III conditional zoning to a Residential Expansion (RES-EXP) District.
• This project is proposed as a Conditional Zoning because the underlying zoning district, OFF I, has a 4,000 square foot building footprint maximum. The proposed building exceeds this by 27,898 square feet Overall Project Proposal
• New building construction includes a total of 89 units on one 3/4 story building.
• 100% of the units will be designated affordable at 80% AMI or below.
• Other site improvements include off-street parking, new sidewalks, and amenities such as a playground and pavilion near open space for recreation

Staff Recommendation:

• Staff recommends approval of this rezoning request based on the reasons stated below in the “Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Other Plans” section. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Other Plans: Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan (2018)
• The proposed development supports a number of goals in the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan, including:
• Encourage Responsible Growth
• by providing infill development in targeted growth areas.
• Increase and Diversify the Housing Supply
• by providing lower housing prices relative to incomes and providing greater choice in housing options.
• Promote the Development and Availability of Affordable and Workforce Housing
• by supporting more housing supported through grant funds and other housing programs and provide for affordable housing closer to jobs and other services.
• The proposed use and design is consistent with the existing Future Land Use designation of

Traditional Neighborhood:

• In a traditional neighborhood, the types of housing can vary and often include a mix of housing types such as single family with accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes and multifamily apartments usually located seamlessly together.
• Traditional neighborhoods offer opportunities for infill housing in order to improve the supply and mix of housing options. The traditional neighborhood development pattern is also encouraged in other residential neighborhoods throughout the city, such as the residential neighborhood future land use category, to improve connectivity and access. Commercial uses will be inappropriate in a traditional neighborhood.
• Appropriate zoning districts within the Traditional Neighborhood Future Land Use Category may include: RS4, RS8, RM6, RM8, RM16, NB, Office, and , corresponding conditional zoning (CZ) districts, Residential Expansion and the future Neighborhood Center District.

Compatibility Analysis:

• In addition to the compatibility with surrounding residential land uses, this development is within 1,500 ft. of an identified “Urban Center” (Living Asheville, P 341.) that exists along the corridor of Tunnel Road. The Urban Center is currently served by a transit line that connects to the site as well as auto and pedestrian connectivity. The proposed use is compatible with both the underlying Traditional neighborhood Future Land Use District and the adjacent Urban Center that provides multiple services, employment, and recreational/entertainment opportunities for residents.
• The proposed multi-family residential project is compatible with the surrounding land uses, including:
• The identified Urban Center immediately to the south of the subject site. The urban center includes a mix of retail and restaurants, and includes the grocery store at the intersection of Patton Ave and New Leicester Highway. This area is also serviced by the West 5 (W5) and West East 1 (WE1) Asheville Rides Transit lines.
• Residential single-family uses to the north and east of the project site buffered by landscaping and topography, providing a transitional area for the uses.
• Commercial and mixed-uses along Patton Avenue. Committee(s):
• Technical Review Committee (TRC)
• December 1, 2025
• approved with conditions.
• Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC)
• February 4, 2026
• recommend approval (7-0) with the addition of the following conditions: 1) That Condition #4 of the Exhibit E
• Project Conditions be revised to specify the range of off-street parking spaces from 104 to 128 spaces 2)That the following condition be added to the Exhibit E
• Project Conditions: -All units (100%) shall be leased to households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Asheville, NC as established by HUD. The minimum affordability period for all units shall be 30 years and shall commence on the date of issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the property -All of the affordable units will also accept, but are not restricted to, HUD (Housing Choice) vouchers. -Prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for the property, the Developer shall record a Declaration of Restrictions setting forth the Affordability Terms, which shall become effective upon the execution and recording thereof. The Affordability terms must be met as evidenced by the North Carolina Finance Agency's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program-qualified occupancy of all units in the development; and, 3) The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that the applicant team work with the City Transportation Department to explore widening of external sidewalks along North Louisiana Avenue and Hazel Mill to 6 feet. Mr. Starr-Baum reviewed the existing and proposed zoning, the aerial imagery and the future land use map. According to the site plan, there will be 89 units (100% AH @ 80% AMI or below; ¾ story split
• maximum height of 48’; 27,898 square foot footprint
• 4,000 allowed in Office; and 116 parking spaces
• 178 maximum. Regarding the conditions, (1) Project proposes a minimum 5’ wide sidewalk within the internal site layout instead of the required 10’ width; (2) Project proposes a minimum 5’ wide sidewalk along N. Louisiana Ave instead of the required 10’ width.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that the applicant team work with the City Transportation Department to explore widening of external sidewalks along North Louisiana Avenue and Hazel Mill to 6 feet; (3) Project proposes exceeding the minimum Office-1 district building footprint maximum of 4,000 s.f, with a footprint of 31,898; and (4) Project proposes 8’ of additional building height in excess of the 40’ maximum standard in the OFF-I zoning district. He then showed building elevations. He said the Technical Review Committee approved the project with conditions. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve the project. He then explained how the project was consistent with the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan. He said that staff concurs with the Planning & Zoning Commission and recommends approval of the proposed conditional zoning. In response to Councilwoman Turner, Mr. Starr-Baum said that sidewalk modifications requested by applicants are, in part, due to cost, room, availability, and right-of-way challenges. In response to Councilwoman Ullman, Mr. Palmquist said there are 31 one-bedroom units, 36 2-bedroom units, and 22 3-bedroom units. Mr. Derek Allen, attorney for the applicant, passed out an apex on Hazel Mill unit mix and rents. In response to Councilwoman Roney about if there is a renewable plan or anything that would prohibit a renewable plan in the future, Mr. Allen said that there are incentives that may be available in this project, but they are yet to be determined. Mayor Manheimer opened the public hearing at 6:01 p.m. Two individuals, one being Andrea Golden, representing the Emma Neighborhood Council, spoke in support of the conditional zoning for this affordable housing project. Mayor Manheimer closed the public hearing at 6:06 p.m.

Background:

• In Spring of 2025, the NC General Assembly enacted SL 2025-2 known as "The Disaster Recovery Act
• Part 1", which included a $55 million funding allocation for infrastructure that supports small businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
• The subsequent Small Business Infrastructure (SmBIZ) Grant Program is being administered by the NC Department of Commerce Rural and Economic Development Division.
• The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance for recovery and resilience to communities specifically impacted by Helene by restoring and repairing critical infrastructure, allowing small businesses to resume function and operations to support economic recovery; and to assist in restoring or expanding small businesses' ability to attract customers to business districts to help retain business, expand access, spur private investment to create stability, and leverage resources to create resiliency and economic growth.
• To restore and provide reliable sanitary sewer service to the park, the sewer line must now be extended approximately 3,000 linear feet along Hominy Creek, exclusively due to the storm-related damage.
• This gravity sewer extension is essential to supporting occupancy of the newly constructed speculative industrial building and enabling current and future small business tenants to operate.
• The sewer infrastructure will serve over 100,000 square feet of existing, completed speculative industrial space that is currently available for lease.
• The extension also unlocks approximately 30 additional acres of industrial land, planned for more than 500,000 square feet of future Class A industrial space designed to accommodate small businesses.
• This investment strengthens the long-term viability of Enka Commerce Park and supports responsible economic development, job creation, and business growth in the surrounding area.

Community Development Division Manager James Shelton said that this is the consideration of a resolution approving the proposed amendment of the City’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to add affordable rental construction as a priority need and goal and submission to the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution. Background:

• The City develops a Consolidated Plan every five years, which establishes the five-year needs, priorities, strategies, and performance targets for housing and community development for implementing federal formula grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Partnership Act (HOME) programs.
• City Council approved the submission of the City’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan in Resolution 25-145.
• The 2025-2029 Asheville Area Housing Needs Assessment (the Bowen Report) indicated a profound need for new affordable rental units.
• Currently, the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan does not include Affordable Rental Construction as a goal and priority need, meaning no such projects, like multifamily new construction, may be undertaken.
• This activity type was not included because other activities (down payment assistance, rental assistance, and homeowner rehab/repair) were prioritized in the 2025-2026 program year, however, new rental construction will be prioritized in future years of the plan.
• On January 14th, 2026, the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium voted unanimously to recommend amending the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to add Affordable Rental Construction as a goal and priority need.
• City Council held a public hearing and received Council feedback on February 24, 2026. Mayor Manheimer said that this public hearing was held on February 24, 2026.