City Council Worksession on Budget (Apr 14, 2026)

City Council Worksession Recap: Shaping Asheville's 2027 Budget

On April 14, 2026, the Asheville City Council held a work session dedicated to preliminary discussions surrounding the city's 2027 budget. This meeting provided a vital opportunity for council members and staff to review the financial health of various city operations, identify priorities, and address potential challenges before presenting a formal budget proposal in May. The session covered a wide range of topics, impacting everything from parking fees to support for vulnerable populations.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on Asheville’s “enterprise funds,” which are essentially city-run businesses like water, stormwater management, public transit, parking services, and the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. The council received positive reports on most of these funds, indicating financial stability. Discussions centered around adjustments to fees for water and stormwater services – increases previously approved will contribute additional revenue. Regarding parking, a presentation sparked debate about potential changes to fees and meter locations. Council members generally agreed on expanding parking meters into the South Slope neighborhood, a move expected to boost revenue. However, they deferred a decision on extending meter hours until 8 pm and maintaining the first hour free, seeking further input.

Beyond enterprise funds, the council explored options for utilizing increased sales tax revenue generated by the Business Improvement District (BID) fund, which manages improvements downtown. A consensus emerged to restore funding for holiday events and the AVL Arts Grant Program, demonstrating a commitment to supporting local arts and festive community traditions. Discussions also covered the general fund, which supports core city services. The proposed budget includes a cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, and plans to gradually reduce the city’s financial contribution to the county-run 911 program. Furthermore, an additional $200,000 will be allocated to the Housing Authority for increased police presence, and $50,000 more will go towards supporting the Code Purple program, which assists individuals experiencing homelessness.

Looking ahead, a significant portion of the budget will be dedicated to recovery efforts related to Hurricane Helene, leveraging federal funds. The council also reviewed a five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which includes the construction of a new Transit Maintenance Center, a major project spanning multiple years. While no formal votes were taken during this work session, the council did signal support for expanding parking meters to South Slope and restoring funding for holiday events and arts grants.

The meeting included some public commentary, with council members sharing their perspectives on the proposed changes and addressing concerns about potential impacts of tax adjustments on residents and businesses. Throughout the discussion, a commitment to transparency and public engagement was emphasized.

What’s Next? City staff will finalize the revenue-neutral tax rate for the BID and coordinate with downtown stakeholders to explore options for utilizing any remaining sales tax revenue. The City Manager will present a formal proposed budget in May, and staff is preparing a document clarifying the breakdown of personnel costs and funding sources for various programs. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as this important budget process continues, shaping the future of Asheville's services and community investments.