# City Council Meeting (Aug 25, 2026)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** August 25, 2026 5:00 PM EDT (2026-08-25T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Asheville City Council convened for a regular meeting on August 25, 2026, at City Hall. The session covered a broad agenda including proclamations, consent items, public hearings, and new business. The meeting focused on approving numerous operational contracts, budget amendments, and zoning changes, while also addressing significant policy decisions regarding public safety technology and housing regulations.

**Key Decisions**
The Council approved the vast majority of agenda items unanimously. These approvals included contract renewals for cloud computing services (CDW-G), arts funding (Asheville Area Arts Council), and software support for the Harrah’s Cherokee Center (Fiserv). The Council also authorized agreements with Buncombe County for public safety systems, paratransit services, and the City of Asheville Leadership Academy. Financial actions included accepting federal grants for disaster recovery and justice assistance, approving a budget amendment for sidewalk improvements, and adopting the Buncombe Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The most notable decision was a 5-2 vote to terminate the City’s contract with Flock, a provider of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. Councilmembers Mosley and Smith voted against the resolution. The Council also approved significant changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), including allowing duplexes as a by-right use in several residential districts, updating regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and eliminating minimum parking requirements for new developments in alignment with state law. Additionally, the Council approved the rezoning of a property at 23 Heritage Drive to Highway Business zoning to support ASPCA operations.

**Discussion Highlights**
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the debate surrounding Flock Safety and Axon surveillance technology. A presentation by James Risner argued against the use of these systems, citing high error rates, potential for wrongful stops, and high costs. Risner proposed open-source alternatives, such as Raspberry Pi-based bodycams, suggesting a potential savings of $3.85 million over five years. The Interim Police Chief provided a counter-perspective, detailing the effectiveness of Flock in solving serious crimes and outlining existing privacy safeguards. The City Manager was directed to conduct a comprehensive review of the technology’s use, including data retention, access, and civil liberties implications, before any decision is made to resume use or purchase new hardware.

Regarding housing, the Council considered amendments to the UDO to increase housing options. Staff recommended expanding duplex allowances and relaxing ADU size and parking restrictions. The Planning & Zoning Commission had previously recommended approval for these changes. The Council also discussed the ART Place Project, which involves expanding the transit center and adding affordable housing, and authorized planning contracts for the project.

**Community Input**
James Risner, a presenter, testified against the use of Flock and Axon surveillance technology, highlighting incidents of wrongful detentions due to inaccurate data and advocating for open-source alternatives. The transcript summary does not record any other members of the public speaking during this meeting.

**Follow-ups**
The City Manager is responsible for executing the approved contracts and agreements resulting from the resolutions. Specifically, the City Manager is directed to conduct a thorough review of Flock Technology use and provide recommendations on appropriate safeguards, data policies, and whether to resume use. The City Manager will also notify the Council when all Flock data has been deleted. Staff will analyze opportunities for affordable housing as part of the ART Place project. Additionally, staff will present information on upzoning RS-2 districts and potential zoning text amendments to reduce minimum lot sizes at the September 15 Housing and Community Development Committee meeting.

**Impact**
These decisions affect residents by altering how public safety technology is used and regulated, with a pause on Flock usage pending a policy review. The zoning changes to allow duplexes and ADUs, along with the removal of minimum parking requirements, aim to increase housing supply and diversity within the city. The approval of various grants and contracts supports ongoing infrastructure, public safety, and community services, including homelessness programs and transit improvements.

## Votes

- Councilwoman Turner moved for the adoption of the Consent Agenda.  This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ullman and carried unanimously. — Passed, 7-0
- Councilwoman Turner moved to approve the rezoning request for a portion of the property located at 23 Heritage Dr from from Residential Multi-Family High Density (RM-16) to Highway Business (HB) and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: 1) Ensures that new development has the appropriate infrastructure to support it; and, 2) Establishes accessible and well-connected commercial nodes consistent with strategies outlined in the plan's growth areas.  This motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Mosley and carried unanimously. — Passed, 7-0
- This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Turner and carried unanimously. — Passed, 7-0
- The motion made by Councilwoman Roney and seconded by Councilwoman Turner carried on a 5-2 vote, with Vice-Mayor Mosley and Councilwoman Smith voting "no." — Passed, 5-2
- Regarding the duplex amendment, Councilwoman Ullman moved to  approve the proposed wording amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances, and find that the proposed amendments are reasonable, are in the public interest, are consistent with the City's comprehensive plan and meet the development needs of the community in that the amendments will: 1) Promote zoning policies to encourage more housing; 2) Implement one of the suggested anti-displacement housing supply strategies identified in the Missing Middle Housing Study; and 3) Promote small-scale residential units on residential lots to encourage neighborhood compatibility and create flexibility within the planning, permitting, and construction process. This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Roney and carried unanimously. — Passed, 7-0
- Regarding the ADU amendment, Councilwoman Roney moved to approve the proposed wording amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances, and find that the proposed amendments are reasonable, are in the public interest, are consistent with the City's comprehensive plan and meet the development needs of the community in that the amendments will: 1) Promote zoning policies to encourage more housing; and 2) Promote small-scale residential units on residential lots with limits aimed at encouraging compatibility and creating flexibility within the planning, permitting, and construction process.  This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ullman and carried unanimously. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqtBJA39khI
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2084/segments

## Documents

- [Consent Q -ParaTransit FY27 Funds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12614)
- [Consent R - Sidewalk Fee-In-Lieu.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12608)
- [Consent C - Event Support Grant Agreement with Arts Council.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12617)
- [Public Hearing B- Presentation - UDO Housing Amendments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12596)
- [Consent U  - DEQ Grant Application for Debris Recovery & Disposal Grant Program.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12606)
- [Consent J - PSIP/ID Bureau Interlocal Agreements .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12607)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12602)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12706)
- [Presentation - Flock - James Risner.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12598)
- [Consent M - Duke Energy Fire Protection Shelters Grant .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12623)
- [Consent F - CoC Funding .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12624)
- [Fiscal Year 2026 Insolvent Tax Bills.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12709)
- [Consent D - ByPass Mobile for Point of Sale at Harrah's.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12610)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12597)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12600)
- [Consent N - Town of Black Mountain/Route 170.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12605)
- [Consent T - 2025 JAG grant .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12613)
- [Consent H - Grievance Procedure.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12622)
- [Public Hearing B-3 - UDO - Minimum Parking.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12626)
- [Public Hearing B-2 - UDO ADU Updates.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12599)
- [Consent S - Parking Garage CIP Amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12616)
- [Consent G - CDBG-DR Planning & Infrastructure MOAs.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12619)
- [Consent P -ParaTransit FY26 Increase .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12611)
- [Consent L - Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12615)
- [Consent I - Annual Tax Settlement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12620)
- [Consent V - Tax Releases and Refunds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12629)
- [Public Hearing A - Rezone 23  Heritage Dr.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12627)
- [Exhibit A1](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12712)
- [Exhibit B](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12713)
- [Exhibit C](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12714)
- [Draft Ordinance](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12715)
- [Rezoning Application](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12716)
- [PZC Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12717)
- [PG Budget Phased.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12697)
- [Missing Middle Housing Study and Displacement Risk Assessment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12702)
- [Mark-Up Strike Through Document.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12705)
- [July.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12710)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12703)
- [Public Hearing B-1- UDO Duplex Entitlement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12625)
- [Consent E -  CAYLA - Buncombe FY27.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12621)
- [Manager's Report - Alana York.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12604)
- [Consent K - Ratify Agreement with Reem's Creek.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12612)
- [update.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12698)
- [Public Engagement Summary Report - Exhibit B.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12701)
- [New A - APD Flock ALPR Program Memo.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12601)
- [New A - Terminate Flock Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12603)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - Rezone 23 Heritage Dr.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12628)
- [Consent O - Contract for ART Place.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12618)
- [Consent A - 7-20-26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12632)
- [Consent A - 7-28-26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12630)
- [Consent B - Cloud Computing Services.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12609)
- [Consent A - 7-23-26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12631)
- [minutes_2026-08-25.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=13096)
- [Strike Through Document.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12699)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12700)
- [action_agenda_2026-08-25.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12595)
- [Fiscal Year 2026 Unpaid Bills.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12708)
- [Markup Document with Strike Throughs.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12704)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12696)
- [Exhibit A.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12711)
- [Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Tax Settlement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2924?document=12707)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-aug-25-2026/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZQCfYuh4r2n_yBQau-byWt6BmBghki91/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IUdbXjJNELk-0zGgZFcqx5O2UBR02eKl/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)