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

City Council Worksession Recap: Shaping Asheville's Future – February 24, 2026

On February 24th, the City Council held a comprehensive work session focusing on key policy, finance, and infrastructure decisions that will shape Asheville’s future. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity for Council members to delve into complex issues and gather input, ultimately impacting residents across the city. Here's a breakdown of what transpired:

Navigating Recovery & Resilience: A significant portion of the meeting centered around recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene and building a more resilient Asheville. Council members gave strong support to allocating funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery program towards improving French Broad River Park and Azalea Park, enhancing their resilience to future storms while maintaining recreational access. Equally important was the discussion surrounding addressing water quality concerns at North Fork Reservoir, a vital source of drinking water for 80% of the city. While these projects represent crucial steps, staff emphasized that CDBG funds only cover a portion of the overall recovery needs and will require additional funding. The Council stressed the importance of continued community engagement to ensure these projects truly reflect resident priorities and align with federal guidelines. A growing interest in “resilience hubs” – community centers providing support during emergencies – was also noted, with a commitment to exploring funding options and integrating these hubs into existing initiatives like "Rebuilding the Block."

Addressing a Significant Budget Challenge: The Council also confronted a sobering reality: a projected $26.4 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year (FY27). Staff outlined potential solutions, including finding efficiencies through spending reductions, evaluating staffing levels, and exploring revenue increases like adjustments to fees or property taxes. The upcoming transit contract renewal was identified as a key factor impacting city revenue, and discussions highlighted the need to identify legislative opportunities that could support Asheville's financial goals. Council members emphasized a desire for long-term fiscal stability, steering clear of short-term fixes. Residents can expect to see further budget options presented in upcoming work sessions, providing opportunities for public input.

Planning for the Future: Parkside Development & Arts Hub: A long-standing vision for the Parkside property, a city-owned parcel of land, was brought into focus. Council discussed exploring a public-private partnership (P3) with ATG Entertainment to develop a mixed-use project potentially including a performing arts center, parking garage, and public safety station. A key step forward is the upcoming request for a resolution on March 24th to formally hold onto the land, demonstrating commitment to pursuing development opportunities. Community engagement will be crucial in shaping this project’s design and ensuring it aligns with resident priorities.

Filling Important Roles: Advisory Boards & Commissions: The Council reviewed applications for vacancies on several citizen advisory boards and commissions, including those focused on affordable housing, riverfront development, auditing, transportation, and sustainability. While no formal votes were taken at this session, the process highlighted the importance of citizen involvement in shaping city policy. Formal appointments will be made at a future business meeting.

What's Next & How You Can Participate: The Council’s work on these critical issues is far from over. Residents can expect further discussions and opportunities for input in the coming weeks:

• Western North Carolina Resilience Hub Network Summit: February 27th, 8:30 AM at Harris Cherokee.
• Upcoming Council Work Sessions: March 3rd & 10th, focused on providing input on park projects.
• FY27 Budget Discussions: Expect further work sessions in March and April as the Council grapples with the budget gap.

This work session provided a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities facing Asheville, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to addressing them thoughtfully and collaboratively. Stay informed by visiting the City of Asheville website for meeting minutes, agendas, and updates on these ongoing initiatives.

This recap aims to provide a clear and accessible overview of the City Council Worksession, ensuring residents understand the key decisions, discussions, and next steps that will shape our community.