COG presents county housing authority option; commissioners authorize manager to pursue more information

Chris Grove of the High Country Council of Governments told commissioners on July 7 that forming a county housing authority could give Avery County additional flexibility to develop housing stock and apply for certain grants that local governments cannot access directly.

Grove said a housing authority could own, improve and sell property, operate rental and homeownership projects, and offer more control over the types of housing built rather than leaving those decisions solely to private developers. He cited typical income thresholds used in such projects: about 60% of area median income (AMI), which he estimated for Avery County around $50,400, and an allowance for up to 10% of units at the 80% AMI level (roughly $67,200). Grove said he would consult the UNC School of Government for more detailed guidance and follow up with specifics.

Commissioners asked whether the county should collaborate with regional authorities rather than create competition. Grove said collaboration was possible but that a local authority could allow a sharper focus on Avery County residents. After discussion, the board directed the county manager to gather additional information and to schedule a workshop or return with findings if warranted; one commissioner expressed an objection during the consensus check but the manager authorization proceeded as an information‑gathering directive.

Next steps reported to the board include a manager‑led fact‑finding effort and a potential workshop to examine structure, process and funding options for any future local housing authority.