What we do Last updated or reviewed on July 1, 2026 The Community and Economic Development department works to preserve and increase the availability of affordable housing, improve access to services, create paths toward economic mobility, promote resiliency, and support sustainable growth. We collaborate with community partners, other government agencies, businesses, and residents to enhance the quality of life and availability of opportunities for all in Asheville. The department includes four divisions, Affordable Housing, Community Development, Homeless Strategy, and Economic Development; and three programs, Business Inclusion Office, City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA), and City Real Estate Office. Connect Address 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 7148 Phone Number 828-251-4098 Business HoursMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.DirectorNikki Reid, nreid@ashevillenc.govBusiness Administration SpecialistMegan Owens, mowens@ashevillenc.gov Related Services Minority / Woman Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification Find information to register for certification as a Minority, Woman, and/or Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) with the City of Asheville. Business Inclusion (ABI) The Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city. Explore Related ServicesRelated Projects Oak Hill Housing Click to read more. Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care Click to read more. Affordable Housing Plan The project will update the 2008 Affordable Housing Plan that was created by the Mayor’s Taskforce on Affordable Housing, which was last updated in 2015. Explore Related ProjectsHousing and Economic Development News What’s Up AVL! This week’s episode addresses CDBG-DR small business support programs Posted on July 10, 2026July 10, 2026 by Kim Miller Listen to our latest episide of What's Up AVL! to learn more about Helene Recovery Small Business Support programs available to aid our community's economic recovery Actions and presentations at the June 23, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on June 23, 2026 by Kim Miller All City Council sessions are open to the public. Live streams and recordings of meetings are available on the City's YouTube. channel. The June 23 session addressed both Helene recovery and non recovery related items in the areas of infrastructure and housing, and proposed reallocation of federal disaster recovery funding as related to housing. There are also a public hearings on a proposed data center moratorium. Asheville City Council approves CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendment to accelerate home repairs Posted on June 23, 2026 by Kim Miller Council approves suggested reallocation of Helene Disaster Recovery funding: Adjusted plan to be sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for final review and approval. Explore Housing and Economic Development News
Minority / Woman Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification Find information to register for certification as a Minority, Woman, and/or Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) with the City of Asheville.
Business Inclusion (ABI) The Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city.
Affordable Housing Plan The project will update the 2008 Affordable Housing Plan that was created by the Mayor’s Taskforce on Affordable Housing, which was last updated in 2015.
What’s Up AVL! This week’s episode addresses CDBG-DR small business support programs Posted on July 10, 2026July 10, 2026 by Kim Miller Listen to our latest episide of What's Up AVL! to learn more about Helene Recovery Small Business Support programs available to aid our community's economic recovery
Actions and presentations at the June 23, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on June 23, 2026 by Kim Miller All City Council sessions are open to the public. Live streams and recordings of meetings are available on the City's YouTube. channel. The June 23 session addressed both Helene recovery and non recovery related items in the areas of infrastructure and housing, and proposed reallocation of federal disaster recovery funding as related to housing. There are also a public hearings on a proposed data center moratorium.
Asheville City Council approves CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendment to accelerate home repairs Posted on June 23, 2026 by Kim Miller Council approves suggested reallocation of Helene Disaster Recovery funding: Adjusted plan to be sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for final review and approval.
