Affordable Housing Last updated or reviewed on March 12, 2024 About Us The City of Asheville understands that a healthy affordable mixed-income community needs a variety of housing types at a variety of price points, both homeownership and rental, for the variety of incomes, wages and salaries produced in Asheville. Unfortunately, many wages, salaries & incomes produced in our area don’t support the average housing costs in Asheville, both homeownership and rental. The City of Asheville recognizes that it can play a valuable role in providing affordable housing within the City and eliminating this affordability gap. The current housing market has a significant lack of affordable units and presents a variety of challenges, including housing’s connection to a thriving local economy for our residents who live and work in Asheville. The City is committed to utilizing the policy tools at its disposal, listed below to produce, preserve and protect affordable housing. The City’s recognizes its role in the solution towards affordable housing as – Funder Convener / Collaborator City-owned Land Regulatory For questions – please email Sasha Vrtunski, svrtunski@ashevillenc.gov Current Projects An update to the Affordable Housing Plan. Affordable Housing Tools Resources and Information Local Homeownership Calculator 2022 Affordable Housing Guide in both English and Spanish for local rental properties and resources Homelessness Resources Guide 2023 Affordable Housing HUD Area Median Income (AMI) Rents / Appendix 1 – Updated 6/5/2023 2021 Homeownership Expense Calculator with HUD Area Median Income (AMI) / Appendix 2 Homeowner Property Tax Grant Program to help qualified homeowners in the City of Asheville, up to $500. Read more here on how to qualify & application. For additional information & resources, please see the Community Development News & Updates Tab Developer Investment Tools City Owned Land Utilizing City Owned Land to preserve, protect & produce affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund (HTF) The City’s Low Rate Loan Program for affordable housing. Land Use Incentive Grant ( LUIG) City incentive grant program based on tax assessments for affordable housing. Fee Rebates Policy A Discount on many Fees associated with the production of affordable housing working with the Development Service Department. Expedited Review Development projects with Affordable Housing are prioritized by the Development Services Department. Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) Connection Discount A Discount on your sewer connection per affordable unit. Contact Information Sasha Vrtunski , Affordable Housing Officer Email: svrtunski@ashevillenc.gov Phone: 828-259-5560 If you are looking for affordable housing, suffering a housing crisis, in need of rental assistance or down payment assistance, or you have concerns about our homeless community, Please Call 211. The service is free, confidential, and available in any language.
