Asheville Leaders Unite to Discuss VP Kamala Harris’ Housing Cost Reduction Plan

Asheville leaders, including representatives, city council members and affordable housing advocates, convened at the Buncombe County Democratic Headquarters for a roundtable discussion on Thursday, August 29th, 2024. The discussion revolved around Vice President Kamala Harris’ ambitious proposal for reducing housing costs across the nation.

Vice President’s Proposition for Affordable Housing

In response to the burgeoning housing crisis, the Vice President has proposed a comprehensive plan aiming to construct three million new homes over the course of the next four years. The project is backed by significant government assistance, offering first time home buyers up to $25,000 in aid.

Support From Asheville Leaders

Esteemed attendees of the discussion included Mayor Esther Manheimer, Rep. Caleb Rudow and several Buncombe County Commissioners. They joined voices in recognition of the housing crisis that currently looms over Asheville and the surrounding Buncombe County. Asserting that one-third of local residents are plagued by an exorbitant cost of living, Manheimer said, “the area needs 14,000 units of housing in Asheville by 2050.”

A Call for Investments in the Community

Mayor Manheimer stressed the importance of making collective investments in the community for achieving a society where everyone has access to affordable housing, stating, “We have to level the playing field and provide opportunity to the people who didn’t have or don’t have opportunity and we will reap the reward of that investment across our community.”

An Emphasis on Affordable Housing for Essential Workers

Representative Caleb Rudow, emphasized the necessity of affordable housing for the city’s essential workers. Rudow stressed, “Our police officers, our teachers, our firemen have to have places to stay and places to live and it’s too expensive right now.” Housing, according to his constituents, remains their top challenge.

The Beneficial Ripple Effect of Increased Housing

Buncombe County Commissioner Amanda Edwards underscored the potential for comprehensive benefits throughout the community that the housing initiative could spur in the event of its successful enactment. “I think there’s a really interesting ripple effect under a Harris administration,” she noted.

A Plea for Action

The President and CEO of the Housing Authority in Asheville, Monique Pierre, reiterated the urgency of the situation, advocating for swift action on the housing plan. Dr. Ben Williamson, executive director of Asheville Poverty Initiative, concurred with Pierre’s sentiments, observing that housing is the primary concern for the individuals his organization serves.

The Importance of Federal Support

All roundtable participants agreed on the importance of federal backing in addressing the affordable housing crisis. Leaders conveyed a unanimous belief that the only way to make progress at the local level and mitigate the affordable housing crisis, is through robust support and intervention at the federal level.

The roundtable discussion proved to be a vital platform for key stakeholders in Asheville to unite, share their concerns and insights, and express their support for Vice President’s comprehensive plan for reducing housing costs in the region and across the nation.