City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (Jul 28, 2026)

City Council Worksession Recap: July 28, 2026 – Addressing Recovery Boards, Homelessness & Youth Development

On July 28th, the City Council held a worksession focused on several key areas impacting our community: evaluating the progress of recovery boards, addressing concerns surrounding homelessness, and exploring opportunities to expand youth development programs. This session provided valuable insights into ongoing challenges and potential solutions, shaping the direction of city policy moving forward.

Evaluating Our Recovery Boards: The session began with a review of the four Helene Recovery Boards, established last year to guide our city’s recovery efforts in areas like housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. A recent survey revealed that these boards are functioning effectively administratively and their diverse membership is seen as a strength. However, concerns were raised about how recommendations from the boards are being integrated into City Council decision-making. Staff will work to improve this feedback loop, ensuring the valuable insights from these boards reach council members in a clear and actionable format. Looking ahead, each board chair will present an annual report to the council in November 2026. A focus group with the Communications and Public Engagement department will gather further input, and a follow-up survey in Spring 2027 will measure progress. Finally, the boards are slated to sunset in June 2027 as originally planned.

Tackling Homelessness: A Complex Challenge: The majority of the worksession was dedicated to a robust discussion about Asheville's homelessness crisis. Residents voiced concerns regarding public safety, the visibility of homelessness in residential areas and businesses, and a perception that Asheville is attracting individuals seeking to be homeless. Data presented highlighted the complexity of the situation, with approximately 60% of those experiencing homelessness having last resided in Asheville. A critical shortage of shelter beds, exacerbated by the upcoming closure of the Salvation Army shelter, was identified as a major obstacle. The council explored various strategies already in place, including co-responder programs (pairing police and mental health professionals), outreach efforts by the Asheville Buncombe Continuum of Care, and innovative initiatives like a crisis counselor on transit buses. A particularly interesting discussion centered around potentially charging Greyhound for using city property, which could generate funds to support direct services for those experiencing homelessness. The council will review the Greyhound contract and investigate data on housing displacements to better understand the scope of the issue.

Investing in Our Youth: A Potential Expansion: The council also heard a proposal from My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT), a local non-profit dedicated to supporting youth development. MDTMT is requesting the city transfer property at Hunt Hill so they can expand their programs, which currently serve over 160 young people weekly. Council members expressed strong support for MDTMT’s work and the potential impact of a dedicated facility on providing safe spaces and opportunities for our youth.

What's Next? Several key action items emerged from this worksession:

• The City Council will review the Greyhound contract to explore potential revenue generation.
• Staff will investigate data on housing displacements and connect the Asheville Buncombe Continuum of Care with the City Council for better collaboration.
• The council will unpack and discuss internally the issues raised during the session to inform future decision-making.
• The council will consider MDTMT’s request for the Hunt Hill property in a future meeting.

This worksession underscored the challenges and opportunities facing our city, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to address complex issues like homelessness and support vital community programs. By continuing these conversations, the City Council aims to create a more vibrant, equitable, and supportive community for all residents.