City Council Meeting (In-Person) (Jun 9, 2026)

Meeting Overview The Asheville City Council held its regular in-person meeting on June 9, 2026, addressing a wide array of municipal operations, financial planning, and disaster recovery initiatives. The session focused on finalizing the city’s operating budget, adjusting parking fees, advancing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and approving various administrative contracts.

Key Decisions The Council approved the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget Ordinance by a 4-3 vote, establishing a property tax rate of 37.50 cents per $100 of assessed value. This budget addresses an $8.9 million revenue shortfall through measures including reduced community center hours and adjustments to employee 401k contributions. The Council also approved an ordinance amending the Fees and Charges Manual to expand parking meter services into the South Slope area, increase monthly garage permit fees, and introduce a "failure to pay" fee, passing by a 5-2 vote. Additionally, the Council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring June as National Gun Violence Awareness Month and adopted the CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan, which includes a last-minute amendment shifting funds to Homeward Bound. A resolution authorizing $9.5 million in CDBG-DR funds for the Terrace at River Hills affordable housing development passed by a 6-1 vote. Routine consent agenda items, including various employee benefit contracts and project agreements, were approved unanimously.

Discussion Highlights Significant debate surrounded the budget, with Council members expressing diverse perspectives on balancing community needs against financial constraints. The City Manager presented detailed budget options, receiving praise for her work in navigating the shortfall. During the discussion on the Terrace at River Hills project, Councilman Henson raised specific concerns regarding Partnership Property Management’s responsiveness to tenant maintenance requests and alleged threats of eviction. The Council also discussed a pending state bill that could freeze property tax reappraisals, creating uncertainty for financial planning, and agreed to monitor the legislation. Mayor Manheimer emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting those affected by gun violence during the proclamation discussion.

Community Input Public comment was received on several agenda items. During the Gun Violence Awareness Month proclamation, brief remarks were offered by the Sheriff and Chief. Regarding the CDBG-DR public hearing, community members raised concerns about the impact of fund reallocation on multifamily housing and potential displacement. Public comment on the budget highlighted the need to prioritize renters, concerns about Renew NC’s efficiency, and the potential impacts of budget cuts on community centers. Regarding the Terrace at River Hills project, tenant concerns were noted, and Sean Scheider delivered a critique of the city's prioritization of developers and wealthy individuals over addressing poverty, homelessness, and violence impacting trans individuals.

Follow-ups The City Council will vote on the proposed amendment to the CDBG-DR Action Plan reallocating funds for single-family home repair at their next meeting. Citizens are encouraged to submit written comments on this amendment by June 14th. City staff will manage the implementation of the approved budget and continue working to secure FEMA reimbursement for Hurricane Helene-related expenses. The city will conduct public engagement and planning for the South Slope parking expansion. Mountain Housing Opportunities will address concerns regarding Partnership Property Management, implement a resident service program, and release architects and engineers to finalize detailed design plans for the Terrace at River Hills project. City staff will evaluate floodproofing measures on a site-by-site basis to eliminate unnecessary costs while ensuring the project supports renter households.

Impact These decisions directly affect Asheville residents through the implementation of the new fiscal year budget, which includes changes to service levels and tax rates. The parking fee adjustments will alter costs for garage users and expand enforcement in the South Slope area starting July 1, 2026. The approval of the Terrace at River Hills funding allows Mountain Housing Opportunities to move forward with construction bidding for 126 affordable housing units. The pending vote on the CDBG-DR amendment will determine how federal disaster recovery funds are distributed between single-family home repairs and other housing programs, a decision that will influence support for homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Helene.