City Council Meeting (In-Person) (Apr 14, 2026)

City Council Meeting Recap: April 14, 2026 – Key Updates for Asheville Residents

The Asheville City Council convened on April 14, 2026, for a meeting covering a wide range of important topics impacting our community. This recap provides an overview of the key discussions, decisions made, and what residents can expect moving forward.

Supporting Second Chances & Recognizing Progress: The Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing April 12th-18th as Fair Chance Hiring Week, highlighting the benefits of providing employment opportunities to individuals with criminal records. This initiative aims to reduce recidivism and strengthen our local workforce, supported by testimony from Brent Bailey of the local reentry council. Additionally, the Council received a positive update on Asheville Regional Airport’s performance from Executive Director Lou Blywise. The airport saw a 3.1% increase in passenger traffic (2,240,877) and continues to expand with new airlines, destinations, and construction projects like the North Concourse and FAA control tower.

Addressing Abandoned Properties & Refining Graffiti Definitions: The Council took action to improve neighborhood safety and clarity in city ordinances. An amendment to Chapter 4 was approved, granting the compliance team expanded authority to address abandoned structures that pose health and safety hazards. This includes options for repair, closure, or demolition when necessary. The Council also approved an amendment to the graffiti ordinance, clarifying that chalk markings on streets and sidewalks are not considered graffiti unless they create a public safety risk. Sprayable chalk was added as a separate category within the ordinance.

Navigating Digital Accessibility Requirements: A significant portion of the meeting focused on the city's ongoing efforts to comply with Department of Justice mandates regarding digital accessibility. By April 24th, all online content – websites, apps, and social media – must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This will involve a redesign of the city website and apps, removal of some older content to archived sections, changes in presentation formats (reducing reliance on images and increasing descriptive text), and a temporary shutdown of the Asheville App with a transition to an interim solution. While necessary, these changes prompted concerns from Drew West (Council of Independent Business Owners) and Matt Allen (Local Realtor Association) about potential impacts on local businesses.

Community Project Funding Put on Hold: A resolution authorizing the city manager to apply for funding through Congressman Chuck Edwards’ office was tabled and will be discussed further by the Policy & Finance Committee on April 28th. Concerns were raised about transparency and a lack of understanding regarding the funding’s implications, particularly concerning surveillance technology. Council members emphasized the need for more information and a thorough review of potential costs beyond the first fiscal year.

Public Voices Heard: Throughout the meeting, residents shared their perspectives. Paul Howell voiced concerns about transparency surrounding the Community Project Funding, while Dennis Justice questioned the city's motives regarding a potential name change for McCormick Field. Public comments also highlighted concerns about the impact of digital accessibility changes on local businesses, a topic Council members acknowledged and pledged to address through clear communication.

What's Next?

• The Policy & Finance Committee will meet on April 28th to delve deeper into the Community Project Funding proposal.
• The city will continue implementing digital accessibility changes, including launching a replacement app and remediating online content.
• The Policy & Finance Committee will review current usage and policies regarding flat cameras, a topic linked to the Community Project Funding discussion.
• The city team will continue working with Home Trust Bank on the naming rights agreement for McCormick Field.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to addressing key challenges facing Asheville, from supporting second chances for residents to ensuring neighborhood safety and adapting to evolving legal requirements. Stay informed about future Council meetings and opportunities for community engagement by visiting the city's website.