Advancing Housing Across Municipal Lines: A Regional Approach to Zoning Reform
HBA: Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Category: Government Affairs
Location: Asheville, N.C.
Size: 601+ members
Year: 2025
The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) initiated a coordinated effort to approve zoning reforms across multiple municipalities in western North Carolina, including policies that would enable construction of missing middle housing, efficient land use, increased housing density and expansion of housing options for home builders. BABRM sought approval of these reforms with the long-term goal of generating more opportunities for attainable housing and reducing regulatory construction and development barriers. BABRM advocacy strategies included facilitating a collective effort from its members and industry stakeholders, targeted outreach, public engagement strategies and direct collaboration with local government officials to support the adoption of zoning changes. The effort was successful, and the resulting reforms collectively increased housing capacity and allowed for more diverse and attainable housing options.
This initiative also encouraged BABRM members to engage in new advocacy efforts and grow productive relationships between development stakeholders and elected officials to shift politically driven discussions related to housing and construction toward actionable solutions. BABRM was able to achieve meaningful policy outcomes as a result of its campaigns, in addition to demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated regional approaches to addressing housing challenges.
