City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (In-Person) (Dec 9, 2025)

City Council Worksession Recap: Policy, Finance & Infrastructure – December 9, 2025

On December 9, 2025, the City Council held a work session focused on Policy, Finance, and Infrastructure (PFI), providing an opportunity for discussion and information gathering before formal decisions are made. Led by Interim City Manager Ben Woody, the session covered a range of important topics impacting Asheville residents. Here's a breakdown of what transpired and what it means for you:

Financial Health Check-Up & Accountability: A significant portion of the meeting centered on the City's financial standing. The external auditors, Cherry Bekaert LLP, presented their findings from the Fiscal Year 2025 audit. While the city received a "clean opinion," indicating financial statements were generally accurate, one material weakness was identified: an error in recording a construction invoice. The City is also awaiting the completion of a federal grant compliance review (known as the single audit) due to delays in receiving necessary information. The City affirmed its responsibility for preparing fair and accurate financial statements, acknowledging several discrepancies that will need careful examination during the audit process. This ongoing review ensures accountability and helps identify areas for improvement in financial management, ultimately protecting taxpayer dollars.

Future Land Use at 360 West Haywood: A Community Conversation Starter: Walter Eart presented a plan for reusing city-owned land at 360 West Haywood. The discussion focused on potential uses for the site, including a transit center and consideration of commercial development and housing. Council members expressed a strong desire to see the site utilized for transit-oriented purposes that benefit the community, emphasizing the need to address traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety in the area. This is a crucial opportunity for thoughtful planning that will shape our city's future; further evaluation options are underway, considering community needs and potential development opportunities.

Planning & Zoning Commission Appointment: The Council reviewed applications for a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission. While no formal appointment was made during this work session, the Council is expected to proceed with appointments at tonight's meeting. These commissions play a vital role in shaping our city’s development, so having engaged and qualified members is essential.

What's Next? Key Action Items & Dates:

• Single Audit Completion: The City will continue working towards completing the single audit, ensuring compliance with federal grant requirements.
• Planning & Zoning Commission Appointments: Formal appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission will be made at tonight’s City Council meeting.
• 360 West Haywood Evaluation: Staff will continue evaluating options for the 360 West Haywood site, considering community input and potential development opportunities.
• Audit Corrective Actions: The City will implement corrective actions related to the identified material weakness in the year-end audit.

Why This Matters to You:

This PFI work session highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure financial accountability, strategically plan for future land use, and maintain a well-functioning system of boards and commissions. The discussions about 360 West Haywood, in particular, demonstrate the City's commitment to creating a vibrant and accessible community for all residents. By staying informed about these processes, you can actively participate in shaping the future of Asheville. You can find more information on the City’s website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government//policy-finance-infrastructure