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 What’s Up AVL! This week, learn more about 2026 Juneteenth and 2027 input opportunities Posted on June 2, 2026 by Kim Miller Learn more about what's on tap for the Juneteenth 2026 - and how YOU can inform how the festival will look in 2027 City of Asheville launches $15.5 million in small business disaster recovery grants; Applications open June 15 Posted on June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 by Kim Miller Asheville City Council approved $15.5 million in funding to local subrecipients through the City’s Small Business Support Program as part of Asheville’s broader disaster recovery strategy. The programs are designed to help stabilize Asheville’s small business community, support job retention, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. City of Asheville announces public comment period for CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendment focused on housing recovery Posted on May 14, 2026May 14, 2026 by Kim Miller Community comment opportunity on proposal to amend CDBG-DR recovery fund allocations to housing May 15 - June 14. 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.
What’s Up AVL! This week, learn more about 2026 Juneteenth and 2027 input opportunities Posted on June 2, 2026 by Kim Miller Learn more about what's on tap for the Juneteenth 2026 - and how YOU can inform how the festival will look in 2027
City of Asheville launches $15.5 million in small business disaster recovery grants; Applications open June 15 Posted on June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 by Kim Miller Asheville City Council approved $15.5 million in funding to local subrecipients through the City’s Small Business Support Program as part of Asheville’s broader disaster recovery strategy. The programs are designed to help stabilize Asheville’s small business community, support job retention, and strengthen long-term economic resilience.
City of Asheville announces public comment period for CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendment focused on housing recovery Posted on May 14, 2026May 14, 2026 by Kim Miller Community comment opportunity on proposal to amend CDBG-DR recovery fund allocations to housing May 15 - June 14.
