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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PREVIOUS REPORTS
GAP Report for 2/10/25
0 items 60,000 North Carolina ballots in danger of being thrown out (unresolved) Lack of clarity or transparency around changes at the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (new) Asheville City Council considers changes in cottage and flag lot standards that...
GAP Report for 1/27/25
0 items 60,000 North Carolina ballots in danger of being thrown out (unresolved) Is Buncombe County’s rental assistance program being administered equitably? (unresolved) 0 items
GAP Report for 1/20/25
0 items 60,000 North Carolina ballots in danger of being thrown out (unresolved) County considering $4.8 million cut in school budget to address Helene expenses (new) Is Buncombe County’s rental assistance program being administered equitably? (unresolved) 0...
GAP Report for 1/13/25
0 items 60,000 North Carolina ballots in danger of being thrown out Is Buncombe County’s rental assistance program being administered equitably? Housing Authority to increase from seven to eleven Commission seats
GAP Year-End Report 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we offer you this recap of the issues we’ve been tracking - and taking collective action for - this year. These reports and the community awareness and advocacy they facilitate are only possible because of the generous support of GAP...