Asheville -- June 29, 2026: The Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) has announced a significant organizational restructuring that will reduce its workforce from 112 employees to fewer than 50 full-time positions by the end of 2027. Agency officials say the changes are necessary to restore financial stability after approximately 75% of the authority's financial reserves were depleted over the past two years.
The restructuring is intended to streamline operations, reduce administrative costs, and direct more funding toward HACA's primary mission of providing and preserving affordable housing throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. Officials say the plan is designed to strengthen the agency's long-term financial health while ensuring that available resources are used as efficiently as possible.
HACA currently manages approximately 1,525 affordable housing units and administers housing programs that serve low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Under the new organizational model, the authority plans to retain staff focused on housing operations, compliance, development, and asset management while expanding the use of contracted professionals and community partners for certain administrative and support services.
Earlier this year, HACA eliminated 34 positions and transitioned its Positive Opportunities Develop Success (PODS) after-school and summer programs to local community organizations. According to the housing authority, those changes are expected to reduce operating costs by approximately $1.6 million annually while allowing the agency to concentrate more directly on its housing responsibilities.
Financial Challenges Prompt Changes
Housing officials say rising operating costs, inflation, increased maintenance expenses, and limited federal funding have created financial pressures affecting housing authorities across the country. Maintaining adequate financial reserves is essential for preserving local control, funding capital improvements, and ensuring the long-term stability of affordable housing programs.
HACA leadership says the restructuring represents a proactive effort to stabilize the organization before financial conditions become more severe.
"We have a responsibility to be good stewards of public resources," HACA Chief Executive Officer Ella Santos said in announcing the restructuring. "Every dollar we spend should help us provide better housing, serve more families, and strengthen the long-term future of this organization."
Impact on Residents
HACA officials say residents should continue receiving essential housing services throughout the transition. Property management, maintenance operations, housing assistance, and regulatory compliance are expected to continue without interruption, while some non-housing programs will be administered through partnerships with outside organizations.
Although the workforce will be reduced significantly over the next several years, agency leaders say the restructuring is intended to create a more efficient organization capable of meeting the community's growing demand for affordable housing.
Looking Ahead
Affordable housing remains one of Asheville's most significant challenges as home prices, rents, and development costs continue to rise. Demand for affordable housing continues to exceed the number of available units, placing additional pressure on local housing providers.
HACA officials say the restructuring is designed to position the agency for long-term sustainability while allowing more of its financial resources to be invested directly into housing preservation, redevelopment, and future affordable housing opportunities for the Asheville community.
The workforce transition is expected to continue through 2027 as the housing authority implements its new operating model and evaluates additional opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining services for residents.