City Council Meeting – September 10, 2024

City Council Recap: Addressing Housing, HR Assessment & Future Development – September 10, 2024

The Asheville City Council convened on September 10th for a lengthy and detailed meeting, focusing heavily on housing affordability, workforce improvements within city government, and ongoing discussions about future development strategies. The meeting was attended by all council members and included presentations from city staff, as well as significant public input. This recap provides a clear overview of the key discussions and decisions made, outlining what residents can expect moving forward.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing two key reports: the Human Resources Department Assessment and the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report. The HR assessment, presented by City Manager Deborah Campbell and Learning & Development Specialist Maida Cummings, identified areas for improvement within the department, including a need for a more people-centric approach and 22 recommendations to enhance retention, recruitment, training, and compliance. Notably, Emily Provence will be joining the team as HR Director on September 16th, a key step in implementing these improvements. The FY24 Annual Report highlighted progress made on equitable and affordable housing, homelessness initiatives, neighborhood resilience, community safety, and equity advancements. Council members acknowledged the report's data-driven approach and committed to incorporating its findings into future budget planning.

The meeting also featured public hearings regarding two significant zoning matters. The first concerned a conditional zoning amendment for the property at 179 & 144 Riverside Drive. After a discussion addressing concerns about ADA accessibility and the vision for commercial spaces, Council agreed to move forward with the amended request, concurring with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. A final vote is scheduled for September 24th. The second, and perhaps more far-reaching, hearing focused on proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) concerning cottage development and flag lot regulations. Citizen advocate Barry Bialik passionately argued that these changes are crucial to unlocking more housing options, particularly affordable ones, and addressing the city’s ongoing affordability crisis. He also raised a critical point about the strain on the city's aging water and sewer infrastructure, highlighting it as a barrier to development. While the hearing was opened for extensive discussion, no vote was taken at this meeting; further public hearings and discussions are planned.

Public comment throughout the meeting underscored residents’ deep concern about housing affordability. While many expressed support for increased development to address the shortage, several speakers emphasized the need for a greater commitment to affordable housing units within new projects. Concerns were also raised about the design and placemaking aspects of the Riverside Drive development, with residents wanting to ensure vibrant public spaces and commercial activation. The recurring theme of aging infrastructure resonated strongly, with Bialik’s concerns about water and sewer lines echoed by other speakers.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The city will begin developing the FY25 budget and organizational work plan, incorporating feedback from both reports. The Council will vote on the Riverside Drive conditional zoning amendment on September 24th. Most importantly, discussions surrounding UDO amendments for cottage development and flag lots will continue in subsequent meetings, requiring further public hearings and votes. Finally, the city leadership acknowledged the urgent need to address its aging infrastructure—a critical factor impacting future development and quality of life for residents. This ongoing conversation will undoubtedly shape the city's growth trajectory in the years to come, and residents are encouraged to stay engaged as these important decisions unfold.