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

City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure: June 23, 2026

The City of Asheville held a City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure on June 23, 2026. The session, which ran from 3:00 p.m. to 4:51 p.m., focused on reviewing infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and board appointments to prepare for formal decisions at the official City Council meeting.

Key Decisions The only formal vote taken during the worksession was the approval of the minutes from April 28, 2026. Kim Roney moved to approve the minutes, a motion seconded by Sage Turner, which passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote. No other formal votes were recorded during the session; all other items were for informational purposes or to gather guidance for future meetings.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on major park renovation projects. Staff presented a unified design concept for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project, which includes resilient infrastructure, a paddler’s launch, natural habitat restoration, and community amenities such as a pavilion and dog park. Collaboration with NCDOT is ongoing for associated bridge and road improvements, and a community reveal of the updated design is planned for September. Discussions regarding the Carrier Park Redevelopment centered on balancing recreation with flood mitigation and environmental restoration, including a rebuilt velodrome that may act as a stormwater polder and riparian forest restoration.

The council also reviewed the Anti-Displacement and Affordable Housing (ADAH) Project, a multi-faceted initiative aimed at pairing housing production with protections for at-risk neighborhoods. Staff presented a draft Home Repair Policy funded by the Affordable Housing Bond, which offers grants and deferred, forgivable loans for eligible homeowners. Concerns were raised regarding eligibility requirements, specifically income limits and the potential exclusion of families with "heirs property." Additionally, the council discussed the development of a Displacement Risk Assessment Tool and proposed zoning reforms for "missing middle" housing, such as duplexes and townhomes.

Regarding the Lennie’s Law Resolution, which supports bicycle safety zone legislation, the council agreed to continue consideration at the evening meeting. Staff were directed to contact representatives from the group associated with Lenny’s Law regarding adding Alex Rosos' name to the resolution. On the CDBG-DR Planning Allocation, the council expressed strong support for allocating $100,000 to fund a five-year strategic plan, though no formal vote was taken.

Follow-ups Staff agreed to develop a draft Displacement Resolution for council consideration. They also agreed to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) and contract approval for the CDBG-DR strategic plan following the procurement process. Staff will develop a system to regularly update the community on park renovation progress, such as a dashboard, and will explore temporary park access solutions during renovations. Additionally, staff will monitor state legislation regarding parking minimums, which could preempt city ordinances.

Impact These discussions highlight the city's ongoing efforts to manage post-storm recovery, specifically through the French Broad and Carrier Park projects, while simultaneously addressing the affordable housing crisis. The review of board and commission appointments, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Design Review Committee, and Historic Resources Commission, ensures that civic bodies are staffed with members who reflect the community's diverse expertise and demographics. The work on the ADAH project and Lennie’s Law Resolution signals a continued focus on protecting long-term residents from displacement and improving bicycle safety.