City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (In-Person) (Jun 23, 2026)

City Council Worksession Recap: Shaping Our Future – Policy, Finance & Infrastructure (June 23, 2026)

On June 23rd, 2026, the City Council held a work session focused on key areas impacting our community: Policy, Finance, and Infrastructure. This meeting served as a crucial opportunity for council members to gather information, discuss potential solutions, and prepare for upcoming votes on significant initiatives. While no formal votes were taken during the work session itself, the discussions laid the groundwork for important decisions that will shape our city’s future.

A Focus on Safety, Recovery & Affordable Housing: The session covered a wide range of topics, but several key themes emerged. Council members dedicated significant time to discussions surrounding bicycle safety following recent tragedies on Riverside Drive, exploring strategies for a robust recovery plan utilizing Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) funds, and addressing concerns about displacement within our community. A particularly important focus was the development of policies and tools to support affordable housing options, ensuring that our city remains accessible to all residents.

Key Discussions & Decisions: Several projects received detailed attention. The Council approved the minutes from their previous meeting and began exploring options for a resolution honoring Alex Rosos, lost in a bicycle accident. Regarding recovery planning, the council is leaning towards commissioning a consultant to develop a five-year strategic plan that prioritizes data-driven decision making and community input. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and its impact on "missing middle" housing – duplexes, townhomes, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). While recognizing the need for increased housing options, council members voiced concerns about preserving neighborhood character and ensuring a smooth transition. The development of a publicly accessible "Displacement Risk Assessment Tool," utilizing data and potentially incorporating AI, was presented as an important step in identifying vulnerable areas and proactively addressing potential displacement. Finally, a draft Home Repair Policy was reviewed, with discussions centering on expanding eligibility criteria to include more homeowners facing critical repair needs.

Community Voices & Future Directions: Throughout the session, staff highlighted extensive community engagement efforts already underway. A stakeholder workshop held on May 20th regarding anti-displacement provided valuable insights, and recurring themes from community feedback included concerns about neighborhood character changes, a desire for broader eligibility in home repair programs, and the need for clear communication throughout redevelopment projects. The French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project was also a major topic, with discussions ranging from velodrome options to flood mitigation strategies and community engagement plans. A potential land swap with Sand and Gravel was also explored as a possible funding source.

What's Next? (Action Items & Upcoming Dates): Several key actions will be taken in the coming weeks and months:

• Lenny’s Law Resolution: Staff will consult with Alex Rosos' family and the associated group before bringing a final resolution forward for a vote at an upcoming council meeting.
• CDBGDR Planning: A procurement process will begin to select a consultant for the five-year strategic planning effort.
• Anti-Displacement Resolution: Staff will draft a resolution for council consideration, potentially in July or August.
• UDO Review: The Planning and Zoning Commission will review proposed text amendments related to "missing middle" housing in August.
• Home Repair Policy: Staff will revise the draft policy based on council feedback, with a focus on expanding eligibility.
• Riverfront Parks Project: Sasaki Associates will continue developing the park redevelopment concept plan, with a community review scheduled for September.
• Project Pages: The city will launch online project pages to provide the public with more information on these initiatives.

This work session demonstrated a commitment from our City Council to address critical challenges and opportunities facing our community. By prioritizing data-driven decision making, robust community engagement, and a focus on equitable outcomes, the council is working to build a more resilient, affordable, and vibrant city for all residents. Stay informed by visiting the City Council website for updates on these projects and opportunities to participate in future discussions.