Asheville Leaders Unite for Final 2025 Housing Policy Roundtable

The North Carolina Housing Table closed out 2025 with a dynamic and solutions-focused Policy Roundtable in Asheville—bringing together leaders from every corner of the region’s housing landscape for a pivotal conversation on how to expand attainable housing across Western North Carolina.

The dialogue included key voices such as Mayor Esther Manheimer, Senator Julie Mayfield, Representative Brian Turner, Susan Bean of MountainTrue, and Megan Carroll of the Home Builders Association, along with advocates, developers, and community stakeholders. Their diverse perspectives created a comprehensive, collaborative discussion on how Asheville can move toward a more inclusive and sustainable housing future.

Moderated by NC Housing Table Executive Director Denzel D. Burnside III, the roundtable explored both immediate challenges and long-range opportunities. Speakers highlighted the region’s mounting pressure from limited inventory, rising rents, and strong in-migration—factors that continue to outpace local housing production.

Participants underscored several pro-housing solutions uniquely suited for Asheville’s market, including:

• Legalizing and expanding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to create more small-scale, neighborhood-compatible homes.

• Allowing smaller homes and cottage courts, helping diversify price points while fitting into existing communities.

• Streamlining permitting and reducing barriers for builders delivering missing-middle housing.

• Encouraging infill development near jobs and transit, strengthening the city’s long-term affordability and sustainability.

• Aligning environmental and housing goals, ensuring growth supports both ecological resilience and community needs.

After the meeting, guests expressed deep appreciation for the roundtable, noting how urgently Asheville — and North Carolina as a whole — needs more solution-oriented gatherings like this to bridge perspectives, accelerate collaboration, and move pro-housing ideas into action.

As 2025 concludes, the NC Housing Table remains committed to elevating local voices, supporting bipartisan collaboration, and advancing statewide policy that empowers communities like Asheville to meet the housing needs of workers, families, and future generations.

This final roundtable of the year affirmed what leaders across North Carolina increasingly recognize: solutions are possible—when we work together.