Special Meeting: City Council Worksession (in-person) (Jan 13, 2026)

City Council Work Session Recap: Planning for Parks Recovery and Addressing a Looming Budget Shortfall

On January 13, 2026, the Asheville City Council held a work session focused on two major priorities: recovering from recent disaster-related damage to city parks and preparing for the upcoming 2027 fiscal year budget. This session, led by Mayor [Mayor's Name] and attended by the full Council alongside newly appointed City Manager Miss Wesley, served as an initial discussion platform rather than a decision-making body.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on recovery efforts for Azalea Park and French Broad Riverfront Parks, both impacted by recent disasters. Parks and Recreation Director Dee Tyrell McGirt presented findings from extensive community engagement, including a survey with over 2300 responses, open houses, pop-up events and focus groups. Residents expressed desires for enhanced flood resilience in Azalea Park, improved multimodal transportation and river access at the French Broad Riverfront Parks, and a focus on ecological stewardship across all projects. Popular recreational amenities like pickleball courts and skating areas were also frequently mentioned, highlighting a desire for updated facilities. While the feedback was valuable, staff acknowledged that future engagement efforts need to prioritize greater representation from BIPOC communities and lower-income residents.

Beyond park recovery, the Council received a preliminary look at the 2027 budget from Budget and Performance Manager Lindsay Spangler. The news was sobering: a projected $30 million shortfall looms due to rising costs (healthcare, retirement, transit contracts, and police staffing) and the unsustainability of current one-time budget measures like FEMA disaster loan usage. Addressing this gap will likely require difficult decisions, including a potential property tax increase – a topic that sparked considerable discussion among Council members. The conversation explored the complexities of securing FEMA funding and underscored a growing interest in adopting a multi-year budgeting approach to better address long-term financial challenges.

Community voices were incorporated throughout the session, primarily through the Parks and Recreation Department's engagement efforts. Council acknowledged the importance of addressing affordability concerns raised by residents, recognizing that any budget decisions will directly impact Asheville’s citizens and businesses.

What's Next?

This work session was the first step in a longer process. Here’s what residents can expect:

• Parks Recovery Continues: The Infrastructure Recovery Board will continue its work, reviewing funding opportunities and developing detailed plans for park projects.
• Budget Discussions Intensify: The City Council will hold further work sessions, culminating in a public comment hearing on February 10th and final budget adoption in May.
• Staff Analysis: City staff will prepare a five-year budget forecast, analyze strategies used by peer cities facing similar challenges, and explore ways to improve demographic representation in future public engagement. They will also analyze the impact of living wage calculations on city finances.
• City Manager Integration: The Council welcomed Miss Wesley, emphasizing a collaborative approach to addressing the budget challenges.

This meeting highlighted significant financial hurdles facing Asheville and underscored the need for careful consideration of how to best support both immediate recovery efforts and long-term financial stability. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming public forums and stay informed as the Council navigates these important decisions.

Why This Matters to You:

The discussions surrounding park recovery and the 2027 budget will directly impact the quality of life for all Asheville residents. The condition of our parks, the availability of city services, and the financial burden on taxpayers are all at stake. Your voice matters – stay engaged in the process to ensure your concerns are heard and considered as the City Council works towards a sustainable future.