What we do Last updated or reviewed on February 13, 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. Contact: Megan Owens, Business Services Administrator. Connect Address 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 7148 Phone Number 828-251-4098 Email Address mowens@ashevillenc.gov Business HoursMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.DirectorNikki Reid, nreid@ashevillenc.govBusiness Services AdministratorMegan Owens, mowens@ashevillenc.govAdditional LinksStaff Directory Related Services Find support for issues related to homelessness The goal of this page is to provide information and resources for residents and businesses to understand how to respond to issues related to homelessness. 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. Find Cold Weather Emergency Shelter When extreme cold weather is expected, the Asheville Homeless Coalition issues a Code Purple Alert. Participating homeless shelters voluntarily add space beyond their normal capacity to keep as many people as possible out of the cold. Find financial support for your Asheville business Learn about financial support that may be available for your business. Find or register a minority, women or disabled-owned business Resources for finding or registering a minority, women or disabled-owned business. 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 Asheville City Council approves $15.5M in funding for Small Business Support Program Posted on January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 by Kim Miller In an important next step for small business recovery following Tropical Storm Helene, the Asheville City Council approved a $15.5 million funding recommendation on Tuesday, January 27, to support the City’s Small Business Support Program (SBSP), funded through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. City of Asheville opens an application cycle to developers for $10M under the CDBG-DR Affordable Multi-Family Housing Construction Program Posted on January 22, 2026 by Sam Parada Click to read more. City of Asheville and State of North Carolina Formalize $3M Partnership for Asheville Single-Family Home Repair Program Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Kim Miller The City of Asheville and State of North Carolina have formalized their partnership using $3 million in City of Asheville disaster recovery funding to support home repair and reconstruction for Asheville homeowners impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Explore Community and Economic Development News
Find support for issues related to homelessness The goal of this page is to provide information and resources for residents and businesses to understand how to respond to issues related to homelessness.
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.
Find Cold Weather Emergency Shelter When extreme cold weather is expected, the Asheville Homeless Coalition issues a Code Purple Alert. Participating homeless shelters voluntarily add space beyond their normal capacity to keep as many people as possible out of the cold.
Find financial support for your Asheville business Learn about financial support that may be available for your business.
Find or register a minority, women or disabled-owned business Resources for finding or registering a minority, women or disabled-owned business.
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.
Asheville City Council approves $15.5M in funding for Small Business Support Program Posted on January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 by Kim Miller In an important next step for small business recovery following Tropical Storm Helene, the Asheville City Council approved a $15.5 million funding recommendation on Tuesday, January 27, to support the City’s Small Business Support Program (SBSP), funded through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program.
City of Asheville opens an application cycle to developers for $10M under the CDBG-DR Affordable Multi-Family Housing Construction Program Posted on January 22, 2026 by Sam Parada Click to read more.
City of Asheville and State of North Carolina Formalize $3M Partnership for Asheville Single-Family Home Repair Program Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Kim Miller The City of Asheville and State of North Carolina have formalized their partnership using $3 million in City of Asheville disaster recovery funding to support home repair and reconstruction for Asheville homeowners impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
