City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (In-Person) (Feb 24, 2026)

City Council Worksession Recap: Shaping Our Future – February 24, 2026

On February 24th, the City Council held a comprehensive work session focused on key policy, finance, and infrastructure decisions that will significantly impact Asheville's future. This session provided a valuable opportunity for council members and staff to discuss complex issues, gather input, and chart the course for upcoming priorities. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

Investing in Resilience & Recovery: A major focus was on how to best utilize funds received from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery program, stemming from Tropical Storm Helene. After careful consideration and community feedback, the Council expressed strong support for prioritizing improvements to French Broad Riverfront Park & Azalea Park and addressing water quality issues at North Fork Reservoir – a vital source of our city’s drinking water. While these projects will receive significant funding, staff acknowledged that additional resources are needed and emphasized the importance of aligning future efforts with federal guidelines to benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

Planning for a Stronger Tomorrow: Resilience Hubs & the Budget Challenge: Council members demonstrated keen interest in developing community-based “resilience hubs” – centers that provide support and resources during emergencies. Staff is currently mapping potential locations, with a seed allocation of funding being considered for these hubs. Simultaneously, the Council grappled with the reality of a projected $26.4 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions centered on exploring all options, including efficiency improvements, revenue increases (potentially involving property tax adjustments), and a thorough review of the upcoming transit contract. The Council directed staff to present detailed budget options in future work sessions, emphasizing a need for long-term financial stability.

A Vision for Parkside: Arts & Entertainment and Public Safety: A significant portion of the session was dedicated to discussing potential development opportunities at the Parkside site (formerly known as TWA). The Council is exploring a public-private partnership with ATG Entertainment to create a mixed-use project that could include a performing arts center, parking garage, and public safety station. The Council is expected to vote on a resolution in March formally holding onto the land, demonstrating commitment to pursuing this development opportunity. Community engagement will be crucial throughout this process, ensuring that the project aligns with resident priorities and complements existing initiatives like "Rebuilding the Block."

Filling Key Roles: Advisory Boards & Commissions: The Council reviewed applications for vacancies on several important advisory boards and commissions, including those focused on affordable housing, auditing, riverfront development, and sustainability. While no formal appointments were made during this session, the process is underway, and citizens can expect announcements in the coming weeks.

What's Next & How You Can Get Involved:

• Resilience Hub Summit: On February 27th, learn more about resilience hubs at the Western North Carolina Resilience Hub Network Summit.
• Park Project Feedback: Attend work sessions on March 3rd and 10th to provide input on park projects.
• Budget Discussions: Stay informed about upcoming work sessions focused on the FY27 budget, where you can learn more and share your thoughts.
• Parkside Development: As the Parkside project progresses, be sure to follow updates and opportunities for community engagement.

This work session highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing our city, demonstrating a commitment to building a more resilient, vibrant, and financially stable Asheville for all. Your participation in upcoming meetings and discussions is vital as we work together to shape our community’s future.

Important Note: For more detailed information, including meeting minutes and recordings, please visit the City of Asheville website: [Insert Website Link Here]