City Council Meeting (Sep 22, 2026)

Meeting Overview The Asheville City Council convened on September 22, 2026, presided over by Mayor Esther Manheimer. The meeting focused on routine administrative approvals, a progress report on recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, and a public hearing regarding amendments to federal housing funds. The Council approved the Consent Agenda by a 6-0 vote, which included resolutions for lead pipe replacement, after-school program funding, facility cleaning contracts, and transit grants. The Council also voted 6-0 to enter a closed session to discuss real property acquisition and legal settlements.

Key Discussions and Decisions A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by City Manager D.K. Wesley on the two-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene. The presentation detailed ongoing infrastructure projects, including 55 active repairs, water treatment facility upgrades, and significant federal investments in community hubs and housing assistance for hundreds of families.

The Council also held a public hearing on a substantial amendment to the Home American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) allocation plan. James Shelton presented the proposed changes, which aim to prioritize individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those displaced by Hurricane Helene. The amendments propose expanding supportive services to include short-to-medium-term rental assistance and case management, utilizing the Coordinated Entry System for referrals. Councilors Manheimer and Hess sought clarification on terminology, specifically distinguishing "short-term" rental assistance from vacation rentals, and requested a breakdown of how the $1 million supportive services budget is allocated between staff salaries and direct resident resources.

Community Input and Public Comments During the general public comment period, residents raised several urgent local issues. Ann Zinzabal, representing the Viewpoint subdivision, requested city assistance for a failing cliff on Azalea Road, expressing frustration that 42 homeowners are bearing the cost of public safety measures without municipal support. Multiple speakers, including Liz Thompson, Janice Reardon, and Hannah Fertow, discussed urban bear management, calling for educational resources and bear-resistant infrastructure following the case of "Dolly the Bear."

Other residents addressed mold standards in older homes, requesting clearer enforcement, while others criticized the city’s use of surveillance technology (Flock and Axon cameras) as a violation of privacy rights. Concerns were also raised regarding the new Weaver Park playground equipment, the tree canopy preservation requirements for a new Costco development, and the need for the city to pay a living wage to its contracted workforce.

Follow-Ups and Next Steps Specific follow-up actions were agreed upon during the meeting. City Manager D.K. Wesley agreed to provide a breakdown of the $1 million supportive services budget, distinguishing between staff salaries and resources for residents, as requested by Councilor Hess. Councilor Bo Hess stated he would bring the Azalea Road safety issue up at the next meeting, including assessing signage or conducting an area assessment. Mayor Manheimer agreed to participate in a discussion to understand the situation with the Viewpoint subdivision and determine what municipal assistance can be provided. Additionally, a speaker from the Technical Review Committee agreed to send documents regarding Costco development conditions to the Mayor.

Impact on Residents This meeting highlights the city’s continued focus on post-Helene recovery and housing stability. The HOME-ARP amendments, if finalized, will directly impact housing assistance for vulnerable populations, with a final decision scheduled for October 13, 2026. The follow-up on Azalea Road addresses immediate public safety concerns for Viewpoint residents, while the bear management discussions reflect ongoing community efforts to balance urban development with wildlife coexistence. The approval of routine contracts ensures continued operations for city facilities, transit planning, and local arts events, supporting daily community life and infrastructure maintenance.