City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (In-Person) (Aug 26, 2025)

City Council Focuses on Recovery, Tourism, and Long-Term Planning at Recent Work Session

On August 26th, the City Council held a comprehensive work session focused on recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, bolstering tourism, and laying the groundwork for a resilient future. The meeting provided valuable insights into how the city is navigating federal funding, planning for long-term recovery, and supporting local businesses. Here's a breakdown of what transpired and why it matters to you:

Recovery Efforts Take Center Stage: A significant portion of the meeting centered on the city's progress in recovering from Tropical Storm Helene, utilizing federal funding streams like FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), as well as the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). Council members acknowledged the hard work of city staff in navigating complex federal requirements and maximizing cost recovery. Discussions highlighted the need for increased transparency regarding funding requests and project costs, with a commitment to providing more detailed information on the AshevilleRecovers.org website – including project timelines and funding sources. A key action item is investigating the possibility of extending the deadline for HMGP applications, particularly concerning properties impacted by river flooding. Staff will also explore incorporating more data visualization to improve public understanding of the recovery process.

Tourism Development Authority Appointments & Long-Term Vision: The council engaged in a discussion regarding appointments to the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) board, ultimately recommending Amy Kelly for appointment. Formal action on this will occur at tonight’s City Council meeting. Beyond immediate appointments, the council also dedicated time to discussing a draft of Asheville’s chapter for the Buncombe County Unified Long Term Recovery Plan. This plan, developed in collaboration with Buncombe County and other municipalities, aims to guide the city's recovery efforts, prioritize projects, and ensure accessibility for all residents. A public comment period will be held from September 16th to October 31st, providing an opportunity for community input on the plan's direction.

Community Voices Heard: While no formal votes were taken during the work session, Council members emphasized the importance of a transparent and equitable process for distributing recovery funds. Councilman Roney highlighted the need to ensure all residents have access to information and support, particularly those in low-to-moderate income communities. Staff acknowledged the complexity of navigating federal funding requirements and expressed gratitude for council’s support, demonstrating a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges ahead.

What Happens Next? Key Action Items for Residents: Several important steps are underway as a direct result of this work session:

• Increased Transparency: Expect to see more detailed financial information and project timelines on AshevilleRecovers.org.
• Public Input: Participate in the public comment period for the Long-Term Recovery Plan (September 16th - October 31st) to share your thoughts and priorities.
• HMGP Application Support: If you are a property owner impacted by flooding, stay informed about the HMGP program and deadlines.
• TDA Appointment Decision: The formal vote on TDA board appointments will be made at tonight’s City Council meeting.

Why This Matters to You: The decisions and discussions from this work session directly impact the city's ability to recover from recent storms, support local businesses, and build a more resilient community for the future. By prioritizing transparency, engaging in collaborative planning, and actively seeking public input, the City Council is working to ensure that recovery efforts are equitable, effective, and aligned with the needs of all Asheville residents.

This recap aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the meeting, highlighting key decisions, discussions, and action items for residents to understand and engage with.