Public Safety Committee (Virtual) (Mar 26, 2026)

Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: March 26, 2026

On March 26, 2026, the City of Asheville’s Public Safety Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss a range of critical public safety issues. The committee, comprised of Chair Bo Hess and Councilmember Sheneika Smith (with Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley absent), considered several proposals, heard public input, and ultimately made recommendations that will impact residents across Asheville.

Addressing Abandoned Properties & Graffiti: Modernizing City Codes

A significant portion of the meeting centered on updating city ordinances. The committee unanimously recommended approving an amendment to the Abandoned Building Ordinance, giving the City’s Compliance Team more tools to address unsafe and neglected buildings. This update will allow them to pursue remediation and closure of problem structures, going beyond just demolition – a move aimed at improving neighborhood safety and property values. Additionally, the committee voted to recommend changes to the graffiti ordinance, clarifying what constitutes graffiti and removing chalk from that definition (except for sprayable industrial chalk). This change aims to reduce staff time and align with current legal guidance, making enforcement more efficient.

Police Department Updates & Community Partnerships:

The committee also reviewed several proposals related to the Asheville Police Department (APD). These included renewing a contract for background checks and polygraph testing, accepting $1.4 million in federal funding to establish a real-time intelligence center (RTIC), and approving a sole-source purchase for radio subscription services. Perhaps most notably, the committee unanimously recommended approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the APD and the Housing Authority. This agreement formalizes a partnership where the Housing Authority will provide funding for overtime officers to serve public housing neighborhoods, enhancing safety and security within these communities. All of these APD-related items will move forward to the full City Council for consideration on April 14th.

Traffic Safety Concerns & Community Voices:

The meeting included a passionate public comment from Brad Pressler, representing the Biltmore Park HOA Neighborhood Safety Committee and a parent at Estes Elementary. Mr. Pressler raised serious concerns about traffic safety on several roads serving schools in South Asheville, highlighting two recent school bus crashes and citing concerning NCDOT data. He urged the committee to direct city staff to take immediate action, including restricting parking and installing a flashing crosswalk beacon. The committee acknowledged these concerns and agreed to collaborate with Buncombe County Schools, the Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to explore solutions.

Addressing Gun Violence & Future Steps:

Chief Hess provided an update on the recent spike in gun violence incidents, noting that law enforcement, along with state and federal partners, have made arrests and seized firearms. The Police Department is working closely with community partners to interrupt violence and prevent future incidents, including plans to relaunch a housing team.

What Happens Next?

The recommendations made by the Public Safety Committee will now be considered by the full City Council on April 14th. Residents are encouraged to attend this meeting or visit the City of Asheville website for more information and updates. The committee will continue to collaborate with various agencies (NCDOT, Buncombe County Schools, Sheriff's Office) to address traffic safety concerns and work with community partners to prevent violence.

Why This Matters to You:

These discussions directly impact the safety and well-being of our community. By modernizing city codes, strengthening partnerships with organizations like the Housing Authority, and addressing traffic safety concerns, Asheville is working to create a safer environment for all residents. The ongoing efforts to address gun violence demonstrate the city’s commitment to proactive measures and community engagement in ensuring a secure future for our neighborhoods.

For more detailed information, please visit the Public Safety Committee webpage or contact Talia Stepp at [email protected].