June 24, 2026 - Hendersonville City Council Meeting

Hendersonville City Council Recap: June 24, 2026

The Hendersonville City Council convened on June 24th for a meeting packed with significant discussions and decisions impacting the city's economic future, budget, and community character. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, from supporting local industry to finalizing the city's financial plan for the upcoming year. This recap summarizes those key points, outlining what was discussed, decided, and what residents can expect moving forward.

Boosting Local Industry & Downtown Revitalization: A major focus of the meeting was economic development, particularly surrounding Project Energized/Bort Warner – a planned industrial expansion that promises to bring 193 jobs and $57 million in equipment investment to Hendersonville. The Council unanimously approved pursuing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help fund the project, alongside Golden Leaf and State SRF grants. A key condition of this funding is ensuring that a significant portion of these new jobs are initially and long-term filled by residents from low-to-moderate income categories, a commitment the council strongly supported. Beyond this specific project, discussions centered on revitalizing downtown Hendersonville through a proposed Downtown Design Overlay District. This district aims to preserve the area’s historic charm while encouraging vibrant economic activity, with proposed guidelines addressing everything from street design to building aesthetics. The Council directed staff to gather more public input and refine parking regulations, with a GIS map planned to help property owners understand the new guidelines. Finally, exploring opportunities along Hendersonville’s trails, drawing inspiration from successful models like the Swamp Rabbit Trail, was also considered as a potential avenue for economic growth.

Budget & Tax Rate: Prioritizing Affordability The Council voted to maintain the current property tax rate of 52 cents per $100 of assessed value for Fiscal Year 2027. While the city anticipates a decrease in sales tax revenue due to recent county tax changes, the council opted to proceed with the budget as originally presented. This decision reflects a commitment to affordability for residents and businesses alike. To ensure the city can continue attracting and retaining talented employees, a pay and classification study will be initiated in the coming year to evaluate competitive salary levels.

Community & Governance Updates: The Council addressed a number of important appointments to various boards and committees, ensuring diverse representation across key areas like animal services, tourism development, and environmental sustainability. In a move to ease parking congestion on Sundays, the Council approved an agreement with First Baptist Church allowing free public parking in their deck. A proposed Public Art Plan, developed by the Downtown Advisory Board and Community Character Committee, was also introduced. This plan aims to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal, boost economic activity, and establish a clear process for incorporating public art into Hendersonville. A Public Art Advisory Committee will be formed to oversee its implementation.

What's Next? Key Action Items & Dates: Several key actions will be taken in the coming months as a result of this meeting. The city will proceed with submitting the full CDBG application for Project Energized/Bort Warner, including a second public hearing. The approved budget is now in effect, and the pay and classification study will begin shortly. Residents can expect further engagement regarding the Downtown Design Overlay District, with opportunities to provide feedback on proposed guidelines. Finally, a Public Art Advisory Committee will be established, and the First Baptist Church parking agreement will go into effect on July 5th.

This meeting demonstrated the Council's focus on balancing economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing initiatives by visiting the city's website and attending future council meetings.