Government Accountability Project of Asheville

GAP Report for 6/29/26

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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.

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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 11/3/25

0 items 0 Items Asheville and Buncombe County need to take action on the reparations recommendations (resolved) Buncombe County needs to set clear targets for deeply affordable housing (new) Buncombe County’s 2030 Strategic Plan sets compelling goals for addressing...

GAP Report for 10/20/25

0 items Asheville reparations process needs a clear timeline (new) Asheville’s public transit needs to prioritize those who need it most 0 Items

GAP Report for 10/13/25

0 items 0 Items Asheville’s public transit needs to prioritize those who need it most Asheville and Buncombe County need to take action on the reparations recommendations 0 Items

GAP Report for 10/6/25

0 items 0 Items Asheville’s public transit needs to prioritize those who need it most (new) Asheville and Buncombe County need to take action on the reparations recommendations 0 Items

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Meetings this Week

  • Week of 8/24/26

    The Asheville City Council meets this Tuesday, August 25th at 5 pm for their regular meeting. You can attend the meeting in person on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Alternatively, you can access the meeting online (live or recorded) at the City's YouTube Channel. The agenda for the meeting is here.