Locunity/Asheville, NC·Other
Advises on housing policy and funding. Works with City leadership and staff to implement the Affordable Housing Plan; considers affordable housing policy issues, develops action steps for plan priorities, and advises on affordable housing funding priorities.
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Recent updates from Governing Board
Members asked staff to simplify jargon such as 'eligible applicants,' 'involuntary displacement' and 'disinvestment' and to add explanatory context before community review.
Why it matters: Residents reading 'eligible applicants' may wrongly think they apply directly, and undefined terms could confuse the public and repair administrators.
AHAC unanimously asked staff to extend forgiveness to five years with prorated payback, add a $1 million value cap and single-property rule, and allow residency waivers.
Why it matters: These terms decide who can tap up to $40,000 in repair aid and what happens if they sell. Members dropped clear-title and insurance rules that could block heirs and storm victims.
After rejecting a ranked-priority list, AHAC required households to include seniors, children or persons with disabilities while keeping 60% AMI, long tenure and vulnerable neighborhoods as priorities.
Why it matters: The change narrows who qualifies for bond-funded repairs. Members split over whether neighborhood-based priorities protect legacy communities or shut out needy residents elsewhere in Asheville.
Staff framed home repair as the first deliverable of a broader anti-displacement project, with stakeholder focus groups and a June 23 council vote planned.
Why it matters: How the home repair policy aligns with the city's pending anti-displacement tool will shape neighborhood targeting. Members warned against stalling repairs while that larger work proceeds.
AHAC recommended that City Council adopt an amended home repair policy offering up to $25,000 in grants and $40,000 in total aid to homeowners at 80% AMI or below.
Why it matters: The chair called home repair a critical tool for stabilizing core neighborhoods and completing Hurricane Helene housing recovery, and it can move now with 2024 housing bond money.
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