What we do Last updated or reviewed on March 9, 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 ProjectsCommunity and Economic Development News City Council Commits $8.39 Million to Develop 205 Affordable Housing Units Posted on May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 by Kim Miller Council takes action May 12 to fund multi-family affordable housing as part of Asheville's continued Helene recovery Actions and presentations at the May 12, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on May 12, 2026 by Kim Miller At the May 12 City council meeting, Council members were presented multiple agenda items related to Helene recovery projects, community safety, affordable housing, and a presentation of the proposed FY27 budget by City Manager Wesley. Actions and presentations at the April 28 Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on April 28, 2026 by Kim Miller At the April 28 City council meeting, Council members were presented multiple agenda items related to Helene recovery projects and funding, as well as housing and homelessness. Explore Community 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.
City Council Commits $8.39 Million to Develop 205 Affordable Housing Units Posted on May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 by Kim Miller Council takes action May 12 to fund multi-family affordable housing as part of Asheville's continued Helene recovery
Actions and presentations at the May 12, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on May 12, 2026 by Kim Miller At the May 12 City council meeting, Council members were presented multiple agenda items related to Helene recovery projects, community safety, affordable housing, and a presentation of the proposed FY27 budget by City Manager Wesley.
Actions and presentations at the April 28 Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on April 28, 2026 by Kim Miller At the April 28 City council meeting, Council members were presented multiple agenda items related to Helene recovery projects and funding, as well as housing and homelessness.
