What we do Last updated or reviewed on July 15, 2026 The Housing 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 two programs, Business Inclusion Office and City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA). 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 Community invited to attend rescheduled Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing lunch and learn Posted on August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 by Kim Miller Community members are invited to learn more about perserving our history, and how that helps affordable housing efforts in our City. Join us Friday, August 14 11:30AM @the YMI Actions and presentations at the July 28, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Kim Miller At Asheville City Council July 28, council members took considered and took action items ranging from Helene related demolition, affordable housing related home repair policy, a presentation of the ART Draft Plan to a donation for the preservation and restoration of City Hall chimes. Learn more about the actions that are important to you. 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 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.
Community invited to attend rescheduled Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing lunch and learn Posted on August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 by Kim Miller Community members are invited to learn more about perserving our history, and how that helps affordable housing efforts in our City. Join us Friday, August 14 11:30AM @the YMI
Actions and presentations at the July 28, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Kim Miller At Asheville City Council July 28, council members took considered and took action items ranging from Helene related demolition, affordable housing related home repair policy, a presentation of the ART Draft Plan to a donation for the preservation and restoration of City Hall chimes. Learn more about the actions that are important to you.
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
