Locunity/Buncombe County, NC·Other
Advises on county affordable housing priorities and funding. Engages with community partners, solicits public input, and makes housing affordability policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County.
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Recent updates from Governing Board
Denied CDBG-DR, the county's 203-unit Cox Avenue project needs new funding as members back briefing the Board and pressing state agencies.
Why it matters: Buncombe lost the most housing in Helene yet LIHTC recovery covers about 20% of roughly 372 lost units, while other counties see near-full replacement.
Buncombe won one 9% tax credit project with the lowest CDBG-DR award, while none of its eight 4% applications were funded.
Why it matters: Stacked state rules guaranteed Buncombe one small 9% project but pushed it behind every other county for the larger 4% deals that produce volume.
Staff reported eviction filings normalized after a post-Helene court-closure spike, with settlements rising and granted evictions below pre-moratorium rates.
Why it matters: Filings equal 8% of renter households with 3% granted, unchanged from last year, while larger metros like Wake and Mecklenburg saw steep drops.
Subcommittee voted 4-1 to recommend loan terms giving the county 50% of project cash flow after deferred developer fees, without an exceptions clause.
Why it matters: County repayment positions have ranged as low as 35% of leftover cash; the new standard prioritizes repayment of loans that total millions but could deter some developers.
Members endorsed requiring a minimum 10% deferred developer fee at application, with county loans cut to match any later fee reductions.
Why it matters: Staff data showed some funded projects deferred up to $1 million less than promised; capturing those savings frees county money for repair and other unfunded programs.
Members agreed to combine the New Start and Administrative Support grants and standardize a 10% administrative cost allowance across AHSP grants.
Why it matters: Few awards went to New Start or admin grants in recent years, and consolidating them reduces time nonprofits spend on applications that often go unfunded.
Members amended bylaws to select chair and vice chair at the start of each calendar year, formalizing last month's postponement.
Why it matters: Timing now follows the Board's December organizational meeting, when commissioners receive committee assignments, avoiding leadership picks before membership is settled.
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