By Itinease McMiller
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville leaders said they’re making progress on one of the city’s biggest challenges, affordable housing.
Asheville Affordable Housing Officer Sasha Vrtunski said hundreds of affordable homes are now complete, under construction or in the pipeline as they work to address a growing housing shortage.
“Really, this is housing for our neighbors, the people we see at the grocery store, our teachers and our service workers in restaurants,” said Vrtunski. “We definitely know that a lot of people are struggling.”
Vrtunski said the city’s investment is aimed at helping working families stay in the community. According to Asheville’s 2024 Housing Needs Assessment, the city needs significantly more rental housing and homeownership options to keep up with demand.
Over the past four years, the Asheville City Council has approved nearly $30 million for affordable housing initiatives. Those investments include rental apartments, homes for first-time buyers, down payment assistance and home repair programs.