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

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** January 13, 2026 5:00 PM EST (2026-01-13T17:00:00-05:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295

## Summary

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.

## Agenda

- [Approval of the (1) minutes of the special meeting held on December 5, 2025; (2) combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on December 4, 2025, and the formal meeting held on December 9, 2025; and (3) minutes of the special meeting held on January 8, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17678)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with TP Howard Plumbing Co. Inc. for the Neighborhood Enhancement Project Area 8 - Water Distribution Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17679)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Azteca Systems, LLC to continue hosting the Cityworks enterprise asset management system software license, maintenance, and support.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17680)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to make a second amendment to a contract with Hamilton Stephens Steele & Martin, PLLC to cover legal services related to ongoing litigation.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17681)
- [Resolution ratifying a HOME subrecipient agreement with Commonwealth Development Corporation (dba Fairhaven Meadows LLC) for the development of the affordable housing project known as Fairhaven Meadows.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17682)
- [Resolution to ratify the execution of a lease with TANGER ASHEVILLE LLC at Suite 822, Tanger Outlet "Shopping Center", Asheville, NC, to provide a new resource centre location for the Asheville Police Department West.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17683)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Kittelson & Associates to update the City's Traffic Calming Policy & Implementation Process.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17684)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation for the Deaverview Road Complete Streets Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17685)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation for the Craven Street Bike/Ped Bridge Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17686)
- [Resolution ratifying an amendment for a one-year extension of the existing transit scheduling software contract with Remix/Via executed on January 1, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17687)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Ardurra Group, Inc. for the initial phase of the Stormwater System Inventory and Assessment; and the associated budget amendment, in the amount of $500,000, to utilize available Stormwater fund balance to fully fund the contract](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17688)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure grant, and if awarded funding, enter into a contract with the NC Department of Environmental Quality to accept funding as a subrecipient of the federal Environmental Protection Agency grant; and to further authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to this effect.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17689)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to procure, through a sole source purchase, Res Q Jack rescue equipment from authorized distributor Emergency Apparatus for as long as they remain the exclusive authorized dealer of Res Q Jack, and any successor in interest to it.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17690)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with Buncombe County detailing the terms of use for the Buncombe County Emergency Services Training Facility.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17691)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17692)
- [Buncombe County Tax Assessor 2026 Reappraisal Process](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17693)
- [Public hearing to rezone 13 Baldwin Street from Neighborhood Business District to RS-8 Residential Single-Family High Density District.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17694)
- [Public hearing to rezone 137 Broad Street from Community Business I District Conditional Zone to Community Business I District.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17695)
- [Public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances, to strike Section 7-7-7 ("Waiting period for subsequent applications") to bring the Unified Development Ordinance into compliance with new state legislation.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295/item/17696)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Kittelson & Associates to update the City's Traffic Calming Policy & Implementation Process. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with TP Howard Plumbing Co. Inc. for the Neighborhood Enhancement Project Area 8 - Water Distribution Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Azteca Systems, LLC to continue hosting the Cityworks enterprise asset management system software license, maintenance, and support. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to make a second amendment to a contract with Hamilton Stephens Steele & Martin, PLLC to cover legal services related to ongoing litigation. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution ratifying a HOME subrecipient agreement with Commonwealth Development Corporation (dba Fairhaven Meadows LLC) for the development of the affordable housing project known as Fairhaven Meadows. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution to ratify the execution of a lease with TANGER ASHEVILLE LLC at Suite 822, Tanger Outlet "Shopping Center", Asheville, NC, to provide a new resource centre location for the Asheville Police Department West. — Passed, 5-1
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation for the Deaverview Road Complete Streets Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation for the Craven Street Bike/Ped Bridge Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution ratifying an amendment for a one-year extension of the existing transit scheduling software contract with Remix/Via executed on January 1, 2026. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Ardurra Group, Inc. for the initial phase of the Stormwater System Inventory and Assessment; and the associated budget amendment, in the amount of $500,000, to utilize available Stormwater fund balance to fully fund the contract. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure grant, and if awarded funding, enter into a contract with the NC Department of Environmental Quality to accept funding as a subrecipient of the federal Environmental Protection Agency grant; and to further authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to this effect. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to procure, through a sole source purchase, Res Q Jack rescue equipment from authorized distributor Emergency Apparatus for as long as they remain the exclusive dealer of Res Q Jack, and any successor in interest to it. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with Buncombe County detailing the terms of use for the Buncombe County Emergency Services Training Facility. — Passed, 6-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381. — Passed, 6-0
- Public hearing to rezone 13 Baldwin Street from Neighborhood Business District to RS-8 Residential Single-Family High Density District. — Passed, 6-0
- Public hearing to rezone 137 Broad Street from Community Business I District - Conditional Zone to Community Business I District. — Passed, 6-0
- Public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances, to strike Section 7-7-7 ("Waiting period for subsequent applications") to bring the Unified Development Ordinance into compliance with new state legislation. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/ziQVwdBcwqE?si=33dbWchTAP6-Y497
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/659/segments

## Documents

- [Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8910)
- [PZC.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8916)
- [agenda_2026-01-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=1989)
- [Rezoning Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8932)
- [Exhibit A1 - Proposed Zoning Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8919)
- [Rezoning Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8923)
- [Draft Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8914)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8937)
- [Exhibit A - Existing Zoning Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8927)
- [Public Hearing C - Presentation - UDO Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2060)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2021)
- [Consent J - Ratify Transit Software - Remix/Via.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2031)
- [Consent A - January 8 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2018)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=1994)
- [Consent F -  822 Tanger Outlets APD .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2023)
- [Consent K - Stormwater Asset Assessment Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2028)
- [Consent M - Fire Emergency Apparatus Sole Source .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2026)
- [Consent G - Traffic Calming Policy Update.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2037)
- [Consent H - NCDOT Deaverview Rd Complete Sts Proj.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2035)
- [Consent D - Amdt to External Legal Svs Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2039)
- [Consent O - Tax Releases and Refunds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2041)
- [Consent N - Public Safety Training Center MOA.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2043)
- [Consent I - NCDOT Agrmt for Craven St Bike/Ped Bridge.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2047)
- [Consent C - Cityworks Asset Mgt System.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2049)
- [Consent E - Ratification of Fairhaven Meadows.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2050)
- [Public Hearing C - UDO Amdt - Waiting Period.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2052)
- [Public Hearing B - Rezone 137 Broad St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2053)
- [Public Hearing A - Rezone 13 Baldwin St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2055)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8925)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8933)
- [Exhibit B - Aerial Imagery Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8920)
- [Memo - Follow-Up - 2.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2476)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2002)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - Rezone 13 Baldwin St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2010)
- [Ord. No.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8924)
- [Draft PZC Action Minutes (12/3/25)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8926)
- [Exhibit C - Existing Future Land Use Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8930)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8944)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8948)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8947)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8945)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8934)
- [Worksession - Rebuilding Asheville's Riverfront .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2347)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8940)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8943)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8941)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8942)
- [Proposed Revisions to UDO Section 7-7-7.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8915)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8917)
- [Exhibit C - Existing Future Land Use Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8921)
- [Exhibit B - Aerial Imagery Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8929)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8931)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8935)
- [November 2025.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8913)
- [Worksession - Budget.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2346)
- [Presentations A - Tax Collector.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2058)
- [Consent L - Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure Grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2045)
- [Consent B - NEP 8 Construction Contract Award.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2051)
- [Consent A - December 5 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2061)
- [Consent A - December 9 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2062)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation - Rezone 137 Broad St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2014)
- [minutes_2026-01-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=2521)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8938)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8936)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8946)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8949)
- [GAP Plan’s Pedestrian Plan project prioritization list.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8912)
- [Exhibit A - Existing Zoning Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8918)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8922)
- [Exhibit A1 - Proposed Zoning Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8928)
- [Pedido.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=8939)
- [Copy of Consent E - Ratification of Fairhaven Meadows.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/295?document=13383)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-in-person-jan-13-2026/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/11-8pX31gYw4q6YukMWh69mksQtZLQtcl/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eukwu8aKXAPRWZMhA68E02tZLwXLDwnf/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)