City Council Meeting (Apr 28, 2026)

City Council Meeting Recap: April 28, 2026 – Recognizing Achievements & Addressing Homelessness

The City Council convened on April 28, 2026, for a meeting that balanced ceremonial recognition with crucial discussions about addressing homelessness and approving a significant affordable housing development. The meeting, attended by Mayor Esther Manheimer, Vice Mayor Antoinette Mosley, and Council Members Bo Hess, Maggie Ullman, Turner, and Allman, aimed to inform the public on key decisions and ongoing efforts within Asheville.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing important community contributions through proclamations. The Council unanimously approved proclamations honoring law enforcement during National Police Week, recognizing public servants for Public Service Appreciation Week, and raising awareness about Huntington’s Disease and ALS. These recognitions highlighted the city's commitment to acknowledging vital roles within Asheville.

A major focus of the meeting was a comprehensive update from Emily Ball on the Continuum of Care (COC), Asheville’s planning body for addressing homelessness. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count showed a slight increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, largely attributed to factors like a lack of affordable housing and impacts from Hurricane Helene. The COC is actively working on its strategic plan, with early successes including the expansion of Code Purple shelters and a crucial memorandum of understanding with the Housing Authority to prioritize admissions preferences for permanent housing. The city is also participating in the national "Right at Home" program aimed at preventing homelessness, with a Request for Proposal (RFP) planned to secure service providers.

The Council also held a public hearing and ultimately approved the conditional zoning request for 50 Cox Avenue, a proposed development that would bring 203 affordable multi-family units and approximately 5,000 square feet of retail space to the area. While neighbors voiced concerns about traffic flow and parking, Council Member Allman emphasized providing developers with flexibility while ensuring affordability goals are met. The approved plan includes a modified condition requiring the applicant to use their best efforts to meet specific affordability targets (20%, 30%, 60%, and 80% Area Median Income), demonstrating a commitment to inclusive housing options.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about the efficiency and accessibility of Asheville's bus system (ARTS), advocating for improvements to reliability. Concerns were also voiced regarding the city’s surveillance infrastructure, with calls for greater public transparency and community involvement in decisions about public safety measures.

What's Next? Several key action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents directly. The COC will continue implementing its strategic plan and expanding capacity to address homelessness. The city will collaborate with the Housing Authority on admissions preferences for affordable housing and move forward with implementing the "Right at Home" program. The City Transportation Department will evaluate traffic and noise impacts on Ravenscroft and Hilliard, responding to concerns raised during the 50 Cox Avenue discussion. Finally, a review of the Asheville Regional Transit System (ARTS) is planned to address concerns about its efficiency and reliability.

This meeting underscored the City Council’s commitment to both recognizing community achievements and tackling complex challenges like homelessness. Residents can expect ongoing efforts from the COC, increased collaboration with the Housing Authority, and a review of public transportation options. The approval of the 50 Cox Avenue development represents a significant step towards expanding affordable housing opportunities in Asheville, though continued dialogue about traffic and parking concerns will be vital.

This recap aims to provide a clear overview of the City Council meeting, ensuring residents are informed about key decisions and ongoing initiatives impacting their community.