City Council Meeting (In-Person) (Jan 13, 2026)

Okay, here's a comprehensive recap of the City Council meeting held on January 13, 2026.

Meeting Overview and Context

The City Council convened an in-person meeting on January 13, 2026, addressing a wide range of municipal matters. The meeting included both procedural housekeeping items and substantive discussions related to budget, public safety, zoning, and infrastructure. A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to consent items requiring collective approval, as well as public hearings and presentations. The meeting followed a combined worksession format, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and transitioning to a formal meeting at 5:00 p.m..

Key Discussions, Decisions, and Actions Taken

The meeting commenced with standard procedural items, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a review of Council decorum. A motion was swiftly passed to reschedule the budget public comment period from January 27th to February 10th. The Council then proceeded with the consent agenda, approving a series of routine items alongside public comments regarding the proposed relocation of the Asheville Police Department (APD) to the Tanger Outlet Mall. Michelle Myers, representing the East West Asheville Neighborhood Association, voiced concerns about community safety and potential division, advocating for investment in alternative support systems. Police Chief Stepp responded by clarifying that the move is an expansion of services, with a civilian-staffed front desk at Tanger and continued patrol presence in West Asheville.

The meeting then moved into public hearings and ordinance amendments. Eric Kreger from the Buncombe County Tax Assessor’s Office delivered a presentation on the 2026 reappraisal process, emphasizing its legal requirement and importance of accurate property records. Council members raised concerns about potential displacement risks associated with rising property values, prompting discussion on the development and application of a “displacement risk analysis” for future zoning decisions. The Council approved rezoning 13 Baldwin Street to allow for the construction of two smaller homes, and also approved an amendment to strike Section 7-7-7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances, aligning with new state legislation that prohibits waiting periods for reapplied-for development applications.

Beyond the formal agenda, public comment was received from a District 10 resident advocating for increased affordable housing and Connor Brown, introducing himself as the new field representative for Congressman Edwards. The Council also approved several significant contracts and agreements, including a stormwater asset assessment contract with Ardurra Group, Inc., a contract for Res Q Jack rescue equipment for the Asheville Fire Department, and an agreement with Buncombe County for access to the Emergency Services Training Facility. The Council also ratified a contract extension with Remix/Via for transit scheduling software and approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with NCDOT regarding the Craven Street Bike/Ped Bridge Project.

Notable Outcomes and Future Steps

Several key decisions emerged from the meeting, including a rescheduled budget comment period, support for the APD expansion plan (though with concerns raised), approval of residential development at 13 Baldwin Street, and alignment with state law regarding development application timelines. The Council also approved significant funding for the Fairhaven Meadows affordable housing project and authorized a comprehensive assessment of the city’s stormwater system.

Looking ahead, residents will receive property value notices in February. The city is exploring the development and implementation of an anti-displacement policy, and a missing middle housing study with a displacement risk assessment is expected to be presented for Council consideration in the future. The city is also grappling with a significant budget gap, necessitating difficult decisions regarding revenue increases and potential service reductions. The Council will continue to engage in discussions about housing affordability, neighborhood development, and the ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.

For more detailed information, residents are encouraged to review the full transcript and related documents available on the City of Asheville website.