The availability of housing that is affordable across a wide range of incomes has become a major concern among residents, businesses, elected officials, and many community stakeholders and decision-makers in Asheville, Buncombe County, and western North Carolina. The region’s growth is threatened by an expensive housing market that fails to meet the needs of many of its residents. The housing crunch potentially affects economic development, education, land use, health, business, neighborhood vitality, the environment, transportation, and other aspects of the community. Without a workable housing strategy, housing costs will continue to increase and the region’s housing stock will continue to become less and less affordable to Asheville and Buncombe County’s residents.