4th Annual Affordable Housing Panel
Speakers
Opening — Zac Ruiz
Data analysis of Asheville housing affordability crisis. Buncombe median household income of $70k supports ~$290k purchase at 40% housing budget, yet July 2025 median sale price is ~$512k. Zac Ruiz clarifies workforce vs. affordable housing definitions, demonstrates affordability math, and presents actionable policy and investment levers.
Panel Discussion
4th annual Affordable Housing panel exploring durable, investable, scalable models. Ross E. Hamilton (SavingHomes.org) on foreclosure prevention. Beth Silverman (Lotus Campaign) on private capital plus services. Anna Zuevskaya (Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust) on deed restrictions. Tackles investor incentive alignment, reactive-to-proactive preservation shifts, and overcoming policy friction at scale.
