City Council Meeting (Sep 22, 2026)

Key Decisions

The Asheville City Council approved the Consent Agenda by a 6-0 vote. This package included the approval of the combined minutes from the September 3, 2026, agenda briefing worksession and the September 8, 2026, formal meeting, as well as eight resolutions. The resolutions authorized the Water Resources Department to accept $403,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding for lead and galvanized iron pipe replacement; renewed a one-year contract with Peek Travel, Inc. for WNC Nature Center software; funded the "In Real Life" after-school program for Asheville Middle School through the Asheville City Schools Foundation; permitted alcohol consumption at the Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival on October 10 and 11, 2026; executed an interlocal agreement with Buncombe County for the General Assistance Program; accepted $189,839 in Federal Transit Administration Section 5303 funding; applied for the NCDOT Public Transit Apprenticeship Grant; and executed a three-year facility cleaning contract with Raynetta and Company Enterprises, LLC. The council also voted 6-0 to enter closed session to discuss privileged information, real property acquisition, and legal matters, and later voted 6-0 to return to open session.

Discussion Highlights

City Manager DK Wesley presented a video commemorating the two-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, highlighting recovery progress including 55 infrastructure projects, water treatment investments, and housing allocations. The council then held a public hearing on a substantial amendment to the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan, presented by James Shelton, Community Development Division Manager. The amendment proposes expanding supportive services to include short- to medium-term rental assistance and case management, establishing a preference for individuals experiencing their first episode of homelessness after Hurricane Helene, and utilizing the Coordinated Entry system for referrals. Councilwoman Manheimer and Councilman Hess asked questions regarding terminology and budget allocation. James Shelton clarified, "We don't mean... subsidizing short-term rentals. That is correct. We mean rental assistance for a short-term period of time."

Community Input

Residents addressed the council on several issues during the public comment period. Ann Zinzabal, representing the Viewpoint subdivision, requested city assistance with a faltering cliff on Azalea Road, stating, "Is it fair that we, those same old 42 homeowners, must bear the weight of responsibility for ensuring public safety in this area of our city with no willingness to help from our own municipality?" Councilman Hess stated he would bring up the Azalea Road issue at the next meeting, and Councilwoman Manheimer stated she would participate in a discussion to understand the situation.

Liz Thompson, Janice Reardon, and Hannah Fertow discussed urban bear coexistence, calling for educational resources and bear-resistant trash containers. Liz Thompson asked, "Are we going to be proud, pioneering conservationists? Or will we be known as a city that immediately euthanizes its wildlife because we failed to provide the necessary resources, infrastructure, and options to handle the issues humanely?" Eric Enskipp, a disabled veteran, criticized the city's representation of mold exposure standards. Sally Grom read comments from the "Bring Back Weaver" group expressing disappointment with the new Weaver Park playground equipment. A former Technical Review Committee member criticized tree canopy preservation requirements for a new Costco, and Bobby Skelton demanded the city stop using Flock and Axon surveillance cameras, stating, "You're violating people's rights and you've got to stop that. It's nonsense." Gina Perez urged the council to pay a living wage to its workforce, noting, "A city costs what its labor costs."

Follow-ups

City Manager DK Wesley agreed to provide a breakdown of how the $1 million supportive services budget is allocated, distinguishing between staff salaries and concrete resources for residents, as requested by Councilman Hess. Councilman Hess stated he would bring up the Azalea Road issue at the next meeting, including getting signage or an assessment of the area. Councilwoman Manheimer stated she would participate in a discussion to understand the situation with the Viewpoint subdivision. A former Technical Review Committee member agreed to send her document regarding the Costco development conditions to the Mayor.

Impact

The consent agenda actions advance several key municipal operations, including water infrastructure compliance with EPA lead pipe rules, transit planning and apprenticeship funding, and facility maintenance. The HOME-ARP amendment, if finalized, will direct $4.7 million in federal funds toward housing stability, with a specific focus on residents displaced by Hurricane Helene. The public comment period for the HOME-ARP amendment remains open until October 2, 2026, and final approval is scheduled for October 13, 2026. The council’s engagement with community concerns regarding public safety, wildlife management, and labor standards reflects ongoing dialogue on local quality of life and resource allocation.