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 Actions and presentations at the October 13, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on October 13, 2026October 13, 2026 by Kim Miller City Council considers agenda items including: the funding of new seasonal wreaths and business support for downtown, a public hearing on Costco, and the HOME - ARP program bringing additional affordable housing to Asheville at the October 13, 2026 session. Actions and presentations at the September 22, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on September 22, 2026 by Kim Miller City Council considers agenda items and marks 2 years of Helene related recovery during the September 22, 2026 session Actions and presentations at the August 25, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on August 25, 2026 by Kim Miller Helene recovery continues and amendments to the UDO brings an opportunity for more diverse housing at the latest City Council meeting 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.
Actions and presentations at the October 13, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on October 13, 2026October 13, 2026 by Kim Miller City Council considers agenda items including: the funding of new seasonal wreaths and business support for downtown, a public hearing on Costco, and the HOME - ARP program bringing additional affordable housing to Asheville at the October 13, 2026 session.
Actions and presentations at the September 22, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on September 22, 2026 by Kim Miller City Council considers agenda items and marks 2 years of Helene related recovery during the September 22, 2026 session
Actions and presentations at the August 25, Asheville City Council Meeting Posted on August 25, 2026 by Kim Miller Helene recovery continues and amendments to the UDO brings an opportunity for more diverse housing at the latest City Council meeting
