Special Meeting: City Council Worksession (in-person) (Jan 13, 2026)

Meeting Overview On January 13, 2026, the Asheville City Council held a special in-person worksession. As a worksession, the meeting was dedicated to discussion and planning rather than formal voting. The agenda focused on two primary areas: the recovery of parks and infrastructure following recent disasters, specifically along the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, and an early preview of the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Parks and Infrastructure Recovery Parks and Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt presented findings from Phase One of public engagement regarding the rebuilding of riverfront parks, greenways, and public infrastructure. The engagement process included a community open house, pop-up events, an online survey that received over 2,300 responses, and focus groups. For the Azalea Parks & Infrastructure Recovery, the top themes identified were flood resilience, swimming pool/water access, and alternative sports and lifestyle. For the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery, the top themes were multi-modal transportation, dedicated cycling/skating spaces, and "third space" for social health. Staff noted that while feedback was valuable, demographic representation—particularly among BIPOC communities, lower-income residents, renters, and younger adults—could be improved in future phases. City Manager DK Wesley emphasized the goal of rebuilding parks in a "better, smarter, more resilient" way, while McGirt stressed the importance of avoiding a simple reconstruction of previous conditions.

FY2027 Budget Preview Lindsay Spangler, Budget and Performance Manager, presented an initial look at the FY2027 budget, highlighting a projected shortfall of approximately $30 million. This gap is attributed to rising costs in healthcare, retirement, new transit contracts, security upgrades at community centers, and police department staffing needs. Additionally, the city cannot repeat the one-time financial measures used in the current fiscal year, such as spending cuts, FEMA disaster loans, and fund balance usage. Spangler indicated that the city will need to consider a property tax increase to bridge the gap. Council members expressed concern about the shortfall and the impact on affordability, with some advocating for the exploration of multi-year budgeting strategies to address long-term financial challenges.

Decisions and Votes No formal votes were taken during this worksession. The Council discussed the need to address the budget shortfall and the importance of continuing public engagement with improved demographic representation. While the Council acknowledged the possibility of a property tax increase, no final decision on tax rates or specific budget line items was made.

Follow-ups Staff members explicitly agreed to several follow-up actions during the meeting. They will prepare a five-year budget forecast to provide a longer-term financial outlook and gather data on peer cities' budget challenges and strategies. Staff will also explore options for improving demographic representation in public engagement efforts and provide analysis on living wage calculations and potential impacts. Additionally, staff will continue to monitor revenue projections, particularly related to property taxes. The Infrastructure Recovery Board will continue to review funding opportunities and design plans, with the City Council and the Board scheduled to review design concept alternatives in March.

Impact on Residents This meeting serves as the initial step in developing the FY2027 budget and the long-term recovery plan for riverfront infrastructure. Residents should note that the city is facing a significant financial challenge that may result in property tax increases and potential changes to service fees, such as those for water, solid waste, and stormwater. The design of future parks and riverfront spaces will be influenced by the community feedback gathered in Phase One, with a focus on resilience, accessibility, and ecological stewardship.