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

Okay, here's a comprehensive recap of the Asheville City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (June 23, 2026), synthesizing all the provided document summaries and transcript summaries into a thorough overview.

Meeting Overview & Context:

The June 23, 2026 City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure served as a preparatory session for upcoming decisions at the official City Council meeting. The worksession covered a broad range of topics, including park renovations, anti-displacement efforts, housing initiatives, board and commission appointments, and financial planning. The session aimed to inform council members and gather feedback from staff and stakeholders before formal votes are taken.

Key Discussions & Decisions:

A significant portion of the worksession was dedicated to updates on two major park renovation projects: the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project and the Carrier Park Redevelopment. For the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project, council members reviewed a unified design concept incorporating resilient infrastructure, accessible features, natural habitat restoration, and community amenities. Collaboration with NCDOT is ongoing for bridge improvements. A community reveal of the updated design is planned for September. Discussions surrounding Carrier Park Redevelopment centered on balancing recreation, flood mitigation, and environmental restoration, with community feedback emphasizing kayak beaching and river access.

The council also engaged in discussions surrounding anti-displacement and affordable housing initiatives. A resolution formalizing anti-displacement efforts is being developed, drawing from existing plans like the Missing Middle Housing Study and Affordable Housing Plan. Concerns were raised about eligibility requirements for a proposed Home Repair Policy, particularly regarding potential exclusion of families with "heirs property." Development continues on a Displacement Risk Assessment Tool to identify areas at high risk of displacement. The council discussed proposed zoning reforms allowing duplexes, townhomes, and ADUs in residential neighborhoods.

Regarding board and commission appointments, the council indicated support for reappointing eligible members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. They will consider filling a vacancy on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, given infrequent meetings. A motion to formally appoint a new Design Review Committee member will be needed at the later meeting, considering diversity of expertise. The council also discussed a resolution related to bicycle safety (Lenny’s Law), agreeing to continue consideration at the evening meeting and directing staff to contact associated groups about adding Alex Rosos' name. Strong support was expressed for allocating $100,000 to fund a five-year strategic plan related to CDBG-DR planning. Finally, the council discussed potential impacts from state legislation concerning parking minimums.

Additional Considerations & Profiles:

The worksession included reviews of applicant profiles for various boards and commissions, including the African American Heritage Commission, Design Review Committee, Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, Historic Resources Commission, Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and Planning and Zoning Commission. These profiles highlighted a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, with applicants expressing strong commitments to community engagement, historic preservation, affordable housing, and sustainable development. The profiles also included a detailed overview of Jane Gianvito Mathews’ extensive career and contributions to the region.

Action Items & Next Steps:

Several key action items emerged from the worksession:

• Staff will develop a draft Displacement Resolution.
• Contact groups associated with Lenny’s Law regarding adding Alex Rosos' name to the resolution.
• Proceed with an RFP and contract approval for the CDBG-DR strategic plan.
• Develop a system to regularly update the community on park renovation progress (e.g., dashboard).
• Explore temporary park access solutions during renovations.
• Monitor state legislation regarding parking minimums.
• Formal votes on board and commission appointments at the official City Council meeting.
• Advance to a 30% design phase for Carrier Park Redevelopment, refining cost estimates.
• Community reveal of updated French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project design in September.

This recap provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, decisions (pending formal action), and next steps from the Asheville City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance & Infrastructure (June 23, 2026). The session underscored the council's focus on addressing critical issues related to housing, parks, and community development while ensuring equitable access and sustainable practices.