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 focused on key policy, finance, and infrastructure decisions that will significantly impact Asheville’s future. This session provided a deep dive into recovery efforts, budget challenges, and long-term planning for our city. Here’s a breakdown of what was discussed, decided, and what it means for you:

Recovering from Tropical Storm Helene & Investing in Resilience: A major focus was on how to best utilize funds received through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery program, stemming from recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. Council members expressed strong support for prioritizing projects that improve resilience and access to recreational amenities, particularly along the French Broad River. Staff recommended allocating funds towards improving French Broad River Park and Azalea Park, as well as addressing water quality issues at the North Fork Reservoir – a vital source of drinking water for 80% of Asheville residents. Importantly, discussions highlighted the need to continue engaging with the community and ensuring these projects truly reflect their priorities. Beyond immediate recovery, Council showed considerable interest in developing "resilience hubs" – community centers that provide support during emergencies. While a specific funding amount wasn’t finalized, the Council committed to revisiting this in future discussions and exploring grant opportunities.

Facing a Budget Challenge & Planning for FY27: The Council also grappled with the reality of a projected $26.4 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year (FY27). Staff outlined potential solutions, including exploring spending reductions, evaluating staffing needs, and considering revenue increases like adjustments to fees or property taxes. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the upcoming transit contract renewal and its potential impact on city revenue. Council members emphasized a desire for long-term financial stability, steering clear of short-term fixes. You can expect further discussions on this critical topic in upcoming work sessions, with a focus on presenting concrete options for Council consideration.

Parkside Development: A Vision for the Future: The Council engaged in a forward-looking discussion about the potential development of city-owned land known as Parkside. The City is exploring a partnership with ATG Entertainment to create a mixed-use project that could include a performing arts center, parking garage, and even a public safety station. Council stressed the importance of incorporating community input throughout this process to ensure the development aligns with Asheville’s values and supports initiatives like "Rebuilding the Block." A key next step is a request for Council to formally hold onto the land, demonstrating commitment to pursuing development opportunities. This will be presented on March 24th.

Citizen Input & Upcoming Opportunities: Several residents offered comments during the session, particularly regarding the prioritization of community feedback in recovery efforts and budget decisions. The Council acknowledged these concerns and reiterated their commitment to transparency and community engagement.

What Happens Next?

• Resilience Hubs: Staff will continue mapping potential locations for resilience hubs and exploring funding opportunities.
• Budget Discussions: Expect further work sessions in March and April focusing on budget projections, potential revenue increases, and capital improvement projects.
• Parkside Development: Council will vote on a resolution to hold the Parkside land on March 24th.
• Stay Informed: Be sure to check the City of Asheville website for updates and opportunities to participate in upcoming public hearings and workshops.

This work session demonstrated the Council’s commitment to addressing critical challenges and shaping a vibrant, resilient future for Asheville. Your voice matters – stay engaged as these important decisions unfold!