GAP Report for 6/29/26
QUESTIONABLE
Building on Buncombe County’s Commitment to Preventing Displacement (new)
Last week, Buncombe County responded to GAP’s earlier report, explaining that it already has a number of policies and programs intended to reduce displacement. We agree that the County has taken important steps to expand affordable housing and support vulnerable residents. This special report <link> argues that the next step is to combine these efforts into a coordinated anti-displacement analysis framework—one that helps identify risks before they occur, monitors neighborhood impacts over time, and matches the level of response to the level of risk. Rather than opposing growth or development, the framework is designed to help ensure that public investments strengthen communities without displacing the people who already call them home.
REPORT BACKS
Public land should create the greatest possible public benefit
City Council approved the Oak Hill affordable homeownership proposal while directing staff to continue exploring ways to reach households with even lower incomes.
Asheville should support both affordable housing construction and home repair
City Council approved the amended CDBG-DR funding plan (with the transfer of $19.2 million from building new affordable housing and infrastructure to rehabilitation/reconstruction of existing housing) with a 6-1 vote, with Council Member Hess casting the lone dissenting vote.
The City’s anti-displacement work is beginning to take shape
The Asheville City Council received the first presentation on staff’s emerging anti-displacement analysis framework at their Policy, Infrastructure, and Environment Committee meeting on June 23rd, 2026. The discussion focused primarily on how to develop the tool, with broad support for continuing the work.
The City is taking time to understand data center impacts before moving forward
The Asheville City Council received the first presentation on staff’s emerging anti-displacement analysis framework at their Policy, Infrastructure, and Environment Committee meeting on June 23rd, 2026. The discussion focused primarily on how to develop the tool, with broad support for continuing the work.
Additional housing on vacant land can be part of the solution
City Council unanimously approved the Deaverview Road rezoning, allowing somewhat higher-density housing on a vacant parcel consistent with the City’s comprehensive plan.
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