City Council Agenda Briefing (Virtual) (Mar 19, 2026)

City Council Meeting Recap: March 19, 2026 Agenda Briefing – Preparing for a Busy March 24th

On March 19, 2026, the City Council held a virtual agenda briefing to discuss items slated for their upcoming full meeting on March 24th. While no formal votes were taken during this briefing (it was purely informational), the discussion provided valuable insight into key decisions facing our city. Mayor Manheimer was absent due to travel.

What's on the Horizon: Key Decisions & Discussions

The March 24th meeting promises to be a significant one. Council members spent considerable time reviewing the agenda, including a separate budget work session scheduled for 2 p.m. that day. Several key items were highlighted, including recognizing Procurement Month, Social Work Month, and Arbor Day in the River Arts District. A smaller consent agenda was reviewed, which includes extending embedded behavioral health services for first responders and their families (a crucial support system), seeking a state grant to improve Walton Street Park, and adding new functionality to the city's strategic planning software.

A major focus of the briefing was a presentation on the "Anti-Displacement and Affordable Housing Project." This ambitious project aims to address Asheville’s housing challenges by pairing new housing development with protections against displacement, drawing on findings from recent studies. Council members engaged in a detailed discussion about potential regulatory changes (like eliminating minimum parking requirements and expanding Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations), funding for homeowner repair programs, and the development of a "displacement impact tool." This project represents a significant commitment to ensuring equitable housing opportunities for all residents.

Beyond affordable housing, the Council also discussed a resolution creating a land hold at Parkside for an arts and entertainment facility/mixed-use development near City Hall, allowing time for community engagement and pre-development work. A key decision will also involve authorizing a four-year contract (with two-year options) for the operation and maintenance of our city's transit system.

Voices Heard: Community & Council Perspectives

While no public comment was taken during the briefing, council members shared their perspectives. Council Member Kim Roney emphasized the importance of community safety and accountability within our transit system, reflecting years of advocacy efforts. Council Member Maggie Ullman raised the possibility of exploring a city-county transit authority to potentially improve service, reduce costs, and address climate concerns. Council Member Bo Hess voiced concerns about the compensation for embedded behavioral health clinicians, highlighting a need to ensure adequate support for those providing vital services.

What Happens Next: Action Items & Important Dates

Following the briefing, several action items were assigned. Council members are expected to attend both the full City Council meeting and the budget work session on March 24th. Staff will follow up on Council Member Hess’s inquiry regarding pay for embedded behavioral health clinicians, provide additional information about the potential impacts of not funding the proposed transit contract (as requested by Council Member Turner), and outline a full list of potential actions from the Missing Housing Study and Displacement Risk Assessment. Finally, staff will explore a council prioritization conversation to determine which actions from these studies should be pursued first.

Why This Matters to You: The Big Picture

The discussions from this briefing highlight the City Council’s focus on addressing critical issues facing Asheville. From supporting our first responders to tackling affordable housing challenges and ensuring a reliable public transit system, these decisions will directly impact the quality of life for residents. The upcoming March 24th meeting promises to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of our city. Be sure to attend or follow updates to stay informed and engaged!