# City Council Meeting (In-Person) (May 12, 2026)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** May 12, 2026 5:00 PM EDT (2026-05-12T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518

## Summary

Okay, here's a comprehensive recap of the City Council meeting held on May 12, 2026, synthesizing information from all provided documents.

## City Council Meeting Recap – May 12, 2026

The Asheville City Council meeting on May 12, 2026, was a lengthy and multifaceted session marked by significant debate and community division. The meeting covered a broad range of topics, including budget deliberations, zoning decisions related to development projects, recognition of local events and organizations, discussions about affordable housing, legacy neighborhoods, and the implementation of a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) with Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs).

### Financial Matters & Budget Approval

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed presentation by City Manager D.K. Wesley regarding the proposed budget for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 and the Capital Improvement Program (FY '27 - '31). The presentation outlined financial challenges including one-time savings that couldn't be repeated, rising personnel costs (healthcare being a major driver), inflationary increases for existing operations, and a slowing sales tax rate. The budget aimed to achieve structural balance by prioritizing essential services, workforce strengthening, key infrastructure/capital needs, and financial stewardship. Wesley detailed how a $30 million gap was narrowed through cuts, fee increases, and utilizing one-time revenues. The consent agenda, including the Johnston Boulevard sidewalk project, was approved. A public commenter expressed disappointment with the proposed salary increase in the budget, arguing it doesn't adequately address cost-of-living concerns. The council approved a property tax rate of 37.84 cents per $100 assessed value, and a budget amendment was approved to allocate funds for the Axon contract. A public hearing on the final budget is scheduled for May 26th, with final adoption planned for June 9th.

### Zoning & Development Decisions: A Mixed Outcome

The latter half of the meeting was dominated by discussions and decisions related to zoning requests. Two significant development projects were scrutinized:

*   **Caribou Commons (10-acre parcel on Caribou Road):** This proposal faced considerable debate and community opposition, with concerns raised about traffic, infrastructure strain, neighborhood character, environmental impact, and a perceived lack of community engagement. The council **denied** the initial zoning request but approved a conditional zoning request.
*   **Sweeten Creek Road Affordable Housing Project:** The council **approved** a conditional zoning request for this project, which will feature 126 units of affordable housing. Discussions centered on legacy neighborhoods, gentrification, the need for affordable housing, and concerns about the city’s ability to effectively develop its own projects.
*   **Right-of-Way Closure on St. Dunstan's Road:** A resolution was approved to permanently close a portion of unopened right-of-way.

### Community Planning & Future Directions: Technology and Housing

The most contentious issue of the meeting revolved around funding for an expanded Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) and implementation of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs). A heated debate ensued regarding privacy concerns, civil liberties, data security, and the effectiveness of these technologies. Despite widespread public opposition, the City Council voted 6-1 to approve funding for the RTCC and associated technologies. The council also approved a plan to reallocate CDBG-DR funds from multi-family housing construction to single-family home repair programs, addressing a backlog of requests.

### Other Notable Discussions & Actions

Beyond the major decisions, several other items were addressed:

*   **Legacy Neighborhood Preservation:** A recurring theme was the need to protect legacy neighborhoods from gentrification and ensure equitable development.
*   **City-Wide Zoning Reform:** A proposal was made to explore city-wide zoning changes (eliminating RS2 and implementing RS4) for broader housing density, which was referred to the Housing and Community Development Committee.
*   **Recognition of Events & Organizations:** The council formally recognized several local events and organizations, including World Facilities Management Day, National Public Works Week, and others.

### Next Steps & Important Dates

*   **Public Hearing on the budget:** May 26th
*   **Budget Adoption:** June 9th
*   **Continued discussions on the Caribou Commons and Sweeten Creek Road projects.**
*   **Review of city-wide zoning reform by the Housing and Community Development Committee.**
*   **Public comment period on CDBG-DR funding:** May 15th
*   **Further council votes on the CDBG-DR action plan:** June 9th and June 23rd.
*   **Contract Review:** Following recommendations from the Electronic Futures Foundation, a thorough review of contracts and vendor terms & conditions related to surveillance technology is needed.



This meeting underscored a significant clash between the council's decision to approve surveillance technology implementation and the strong concerns of many residents, highlighting a divided community and raising questions about transparency and accountability. The budget deliberations also revealed the challenges facing the city in balancing financial needs with community priorities.

## Agenda

- [May 13, 2026, as "World Facility Management Day"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17749)
- [May 17-23, 2026 as "National Public Works Week"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17750)
- [May 15-22, 2026, as "Strive Not to Drive Week"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17751)
- [May 11-17, 2026, as "National Salvation Army Week"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17752)
- [May, 2026 as "National Tennis Month"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17753)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on April 23, 2026, and the formal meeting held on April 28, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17754)
- [Resolution to amend a contract with Diakin Applied Americas Inc. for building automation at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17755)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $1,400,000, to the Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville operating fund to reflect updated Fiscal Year 2025-26 revenue and expenditure projections.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17756)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Creditron for a maintenance agreement for a mail scanner for the Water Resources Department.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17757)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a multi-year Agreement with the Mills River Partnership, Inc., for the Mills River Watershed Best Management Practices project over three fiscal years contingent upon funding each year.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17758)
- [Resolution adopting Bond Order authorizing the issuance of Water System Revenue Bonds of the City of Asheville, North Carolina, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $51,000,000.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17759)
- [Resolution of the City of Asheville, North Carolina, authorizing the approval, execution and delivery of various documents in connection with the issuance of City of Asheville, North Carolina, Water System Revenue Bonds; providing for the sale of the bonds; setting forth the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are to be issued; and providing for certain other matters in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the bonds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17760)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment to the Plante Moran internal audit services contract; and granting authority to execute subsequent amendments up to a maximum not-to-exceed amount for supplementary internal audit program services.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17761)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Utility Relocation Agreement with Duke Energy for utility relocations for the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk Utility Relocations Project; and to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17762)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with VHB Engineering NC PC for design and engineering services for Helene Recovery Project - Citywide Road Structures Repairs and Replacements to repair and replace damaged bridges and large culverts; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project; and approval of a budget amendment of $7,183,008 to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17763)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-38.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17764)
- [Manager's Report - Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Manager's Proposed Budget Presentation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17765)
- [Public hearing on Issuance of 2026 Interim Limited Obligation bonds](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17766)
- [Resolution authorizing the negotiation of an Installment Financing Contract and providing for certain other related matters thereto](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17767)
- [Resolution requesting the release of property from a Deed of Trust related to Limited Obligation Bonds](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17768)
- [Public hearing to permanently close a portion of unopened right-of-way on the western edge of Saint Dunstan's Road between 159 Saint Dunstan's Road and 183 Saint Dunstan's Road.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17769)
- [Public hearing to consider a conditional zoning request for 99999 Caribou Road from RS-4 Residential Single-Family Medium Density to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone for the purposes of constructing a 100-unit multi-family development.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17770)
- [Public hearing to consider a conditional zoning request for 1116 Sweeten Creek Road from RM-16 Residential Multi-Family High Density and CI Commercial Industrial District to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone for the purposes of constructing a 126-unit multi-family development.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17771)
- [Resolution authorizing the award of Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery multi-family housing funds to Mountain Housing Opportunities/South Creek Development (Terrace at River Hills), Commonwealth Development Corporation (District East Commons), and Laurel Street (319B Biltmore).](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17772)
- [(i) Resolution of the Asheville City Council to declare and reaffirm the protection of civil liberties of all residents and visitors in the collection and use of data obtained through the utilization of public facing cameras, license plate readers, and the operation of a real-time intelligence center. (ii) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and sign all of the appropriate application and acceptance documents for the Community Project Funding Award allocated to the City of Asheville as secured through Congressman Chuck Edward's Office and managed through the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, Byrne Justice Grants. (iii) Budget amendment in the City's Special Revenue Fund in the amount of $1,141,255.56.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17773)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute on behalf of the City of Asheville a contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc to bundle all existing agreements for Asheville Police Department's current inventory of Body-Worn Cameras, Tasers, Drones, Lightpost and Interview Room equipment, warranties, licensing, and cloud storage for all, and add FUSUS software, utilizing the pricing offered through Sourcewell cooperative contract.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518/item/17774)

## Votes

- Resolution requesting the release of property from a Deed of Trust related to Limited Obligation Bonds — Passed, 7-0
- (1) Resolution of the Asheville City Council to declare and reaffirm the protection of civil liberties of all residents and visitors in the collection and use of data obtained through the utilization of public facing cameras, license plate readers, and the operation of a real-time intelligence center; (2) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and sign all of the appropriate application and acceptance documents for the Community Project Funding Award allocated to the City of Asheville as secured through Congressman Chuck Edward's Office and managed through the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, Byrne Justice Grants; and (3) Budget amendment in the City's Special Revenue Fund in the amount of $1,141,255.56 regarding the Community Project Funding Award. — Passed, 6-1
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute on behalf of the City of Asheville a contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc to bundle all existing agreements for Asheville Police Department's current inventory of Body-Worn Cameras, Tasers, Drones, Lightpost and Interview Room equipment, warranties, licensing, and cloud storage for all, and add FUSUS software, utilizing the pricing offered through Sourcewell cooperative contract. — Passed, 6-1
- Resolution to amend a contract with Diakin Applied Americas Inc. for building automation at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville. — Passed, 7-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $1,400,000, to the Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville operating fund to reflect updated Fiscal Year 2025-26 revenue and expenditure projections. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Creditron for a maintenance agreement for a mail scanner for the Water Resources Department. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a multi-year Agreement with the Mills River Partnership, Inc., for the Mills River Watershed Best Management Practices project over three fiscal years contingent upon funding each year. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution adopting Bond Order authorizing the issuance of Water System Revenue Bonds of the City of Asheville, North Carolina, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $51,000,000. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution of the City of Asheville, North Carolina, authorizing the approval, execution and delivery of various documents in connection with the issuance of City of Asheville, North Carolina, Water System Revenue Bonds; providing for the sale of the bonds; setting forth the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are to be issued; and providing for certain other matters in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the bonds. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment to the Plante Moran internal audit services contract; and granting authority to execute subsequent amendments up to a maximum not-to-exceed amount for supplementary internal audit program services. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Utility Relocation Agreement with Duke Energy for utility relocations for the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk Utility Relocations Project; and to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with VHB Engineering NC PC for design and engineering services for Helene Recovery Project - Citywide Road Structures Repairs and Replacements to repair and replace damaged bridges and large culverts; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project; and approval of a budget amendment of $7,183,008 to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the negotiation of an Installment Financing Contract and providing for certain other related matters thereto — Passed, 7-0
- Public hearing to consider a conditional zoning request for 1116 Sweeten Creek Road from RM-16 Residential Multi-Family High Density and CI Commercial Industrial District to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone for the purposes of constructing a 126-unit multi-family development. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the award of Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery multi-family housing funds to Commonwealth Development Corporation (District East Commons), and Laurel Street (319B Biltmore). — Passed, 7-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-38. — Passed, 7-0
- Public hearing to permanently close a portion of unopened right-of-way on the western edge of Saint Dunstan's Road between 159 Saint Dunstan's Road and 183 Saint Dunstan's Road. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfdrH-a92As
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1886/segments

## Documents

- [Presentation - Public Comment - Axon Investor - Aaron Dahlstrom.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7910)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7920)
- [Presentation A - Manager's Proposed Budget .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7903)
- [Public Hearing C - CZ - 99999 Caribou Road.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7896)
- [New A - Presentation- CDBG-DR Multi-Family Housing.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7912)
- [New B1 - Policy for Public Safety Tools; Community Project Funding Award and Budget Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7928)
- [Public Hearing B - Close a portion of ROW St. Dunstans .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7905)
- [Presentations A - FY27 Proposed Budget Document.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7919)
- [city-council-meeting-materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=8566)
- [minutes_2026-05-12.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=8221)
- [action_agenda_2026-05-12.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7178)
- [New B2 - Axon contract re-write and FUSUS addition.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7939)
- [Consent J - Tax Releases and Refunds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7936)
- [New B - Presentation - Roney Surveillance Tech Slides with ACLU](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7899)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7930)
- [Consent F - 2026 Water Revenue Bonds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7955)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7888)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7887)
- [Public Hearing C - Presentation - CZ 99999 Caribou Commons.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7894)
- [Public Hearing D - CZ 1116 Sweeten Creek Apartments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7895)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7942)
- [Public Hearing A -  Asheville 2026 LOBS Draw Program.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7944)
- [Consent D - Creditron Mail Scanner Contract Amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7947)
- [Consent I - Helene City-wide Road Structures Repairs.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7956)
- [Consent E - Mills River Partnership Agreement .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7959)
- [Consent H - Johnston Blvd Duke Energy Utility .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7962)
- [Consent G - Internal Audit Contract Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7963)
- [Consent B - Harrah's Bldg Automation Contract Amendment .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7964)
- [Consent C - Harrah's Operating Budget.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7967)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation - St. Dunstans ROW Closure.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7970)
- [New A - CDBG-DR Multifamily Housing.docx](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7954)
- [New B - Presentation - Policy for Public Safety Tools; APD Award & Axon Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7925)
- [Public Hearing D - Presentation - 1116 Sweeten Creek Apartments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1518?document=7933)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-in-person-may-12-2026/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DRgEklmqXP3muuUl3uGpIzMOFwYSvmmB/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8wQIA7RqoRXO4hT1uYFVjcRyX0FLBIr/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)