City Council Agenda Briefing (Virtual) (Jun 18, 2026)

Asheville City Council Recap: June 18th & 23rd, 2026 – A Week of Big Decisions

This recap summarizes the key outcomes and actions taken during Asheville City Council meetings held on June 18th and 23rd, 2026. It's designed to provide a clear understanding of what happened and why it matters to you, the resident.

1. Key Decisions: Building Homes & Rebuilding After Storms

The week’s discussions centered around two major themes: expanding affordable housing options and addressing the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The Council made some significant decisions:

• Moving Forward with Oak Hill Development: A major win for affordable housing! The Council approved a plan to partner with Eden Rock Builders to construct 42 townhomes at 29 Oak Hill Drive. This includes a mix of housing options, prioritizing affordability for those earning at or below 80%, 100%, and 110% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This development will also include 22 market-rate townhomes.
• Investing in Storm Recovery: Recognizing the extensive damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene, the Council approved contracts and budget adjustments totaling millions of dollars. This includes vital repairs to landslides, roadways, sidewalks, and stormwater drainage systems – crucial for keeping our neighborhoods safe.
• Supporting Cyclist Safety: The Council formally endorsed "Lennie’s Law," a state law aimed at improving bicycle safety on our roads.
• Data Center Moratorium: In response to concerns about the rapid growth of data centers and their potential impact on our community, the Council voted to implement a one-year moratorium on approving new data center developments. This will provide time for the city to study these impacts and develop appropriate regulations.

2. Discussion Highlights: Opportunity Zones, Pickleball & More

Beyond the major decisions, several important topics were discussed. Here's a glimpse:

• Opportunity Zones – A Careful Approach: The Council engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the city's participation in Opportunity Zones, expressing concerns about potential displacement and ensuring alignment with local goals. They ultimately decided to nominate only the downtown area, considering Thompson Street and West Asheville as potential additions.
• Pickleball Court Hours: Residents raised concerns about noise levels at Malvern Hills pickleball courts. Parks and Recreation will investigate the issue and provide an update to the Council.
• Municipal Building Improvements: The council approved a plan for renovating and repairing the Municipal Building, including relocating fitness facilities to a former ABC store.
• Eagle & South Market Street Revitalization: The Council approved hiring Perkins + Will to design improvements for Eagle and South Market Streets, a key area of the historic Black business district.

3. Community Input: Voices Heard & Concerns Addressed

While formal public comments weren’t taken during the briefing sessions, resident concerns were clearly heard and factored into discussions. The debate surrounding Opportunity Zones highlighted a desire to ensure equitable development that benefits all residents, and the discussion about pickleball court hours demonstrated the Council's responsiveness to neighborhood concerns.

4. Action Items: What Happens Next?

Several key actions are underway or planned:

• Oak Hill Development: The City Manager will finalize negotiations with Eden Rock Builders.
• Storm Recovery Efforts: City staff are actively pursuing state and federal funding to support recovery efforts.
• Data Center Moratorium: Staff will begin studying the impacts of data centers and developing appropriate regulations.
• Burton Street Stormwater Improvements: The city will apply for a grant to improve stormwater drainage.
• Comprehensive Plan & UDO Update: A consultant is being selected to lead this major project, aimed at modernizing city regulations and improving public access.
• Tunnel Road Rezoning Hearing: A continued hearing will be held on July 28th.

5. Impact: Shaping Our City’s Future

These decisions will have a lasting impact on Asheville:

• Increased Affordable Housing: The Oak Hill development represents a significant step towards addressing the critical need for affordable housing in our city.
• Safer & More Resilient Neighborhoods: The investments in storm recovery will help protect our communities from future disasters and improve the quality of life for residents.
• Thoughtful Development: The data center moratorium provides an opportunity to carefully consider the impacts of new development and ensure it aligns with our community’s values.
• Revitalized Historic District: Improvements to Eagle and South Market Streets will support the revitalization of a vital part of Asheville’s history and culture.

This was a busy week for the City Council, with decisions that will shape our city’s future. Stay informed by visiting the City of Asheville website and attending upcoming council meetings!