# City Council Meeting (Jan 27, 2026)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** January 27, 2026 10:00 AM EST (2026-01-27T10:00:00-05:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437

## Summary

Okay, here's a comprehensive recap of the January 27, 2026 City Council Meeting for citizens.

**City Council Meeting Recap – January 27, 2026**

The Asheville City Council convened on the morning of January 27, 2026, due to a postponement of the Point-in-Time Count. Councilwoman Sage Turner was absent due to travel complications. The meeting, which ran from 10:00 AM onward, focused on a range of topics including budget matters, community partnerships, employee well-being, and addressing recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene. The tone was generally collaborative and forward-looking.

**Key Decisions & Actions Taken:**

The Council made several significant decisions throughout the meeting, demonstrating a commitment to both immediate needs and long-term planning. A key agenda amendment was approved, moving the budget public comment from February 10th to February 24th to accommodate an evening meeting. The Council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with a moving acceptance speech from Alan Baumgarten representing the Asheville JCC and Beth Israel Congregation.  A consent agenda, encompassing routine items, was also approved without individual debate.

Regarding labor relations, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing changes to the ordinance regarding representation during grievance processes for firefighters. Council members listened intently to passionate advocacy from Welker Taylor, President of the Asheville Firefighters Association, who emphasized the historical context and importance of fair labor practices.

The Council also addressed budgetary concerns and employee compensation, with Councilwoman Roni Olman raising concerns about the potential impact of budget amendments on the city's fund balance and advocating for a comprehensive approach to compensation planning during the 2027 budget cycle.  The Downtown Asheville Improvement District (ADID) presented its annual report, highlighting accomplishments in cleaning, safety, and placemaking.

Furthermore, the Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a request for federal funding under the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to improve Asheville's water system resilience. They also authorized a letter requesting additional disaster recovery funding from Congressional Leadership for both small business support and water system improvements.  A resolution was passed to intervene in Duke Energy's Carbon Plan Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP) proceedings, aligning with the city’s climate goals. Finally, a performance-based economic development incentive grant was approved for Project Vessel, a local ceramic dinnerware and home goods company.

**Public Input & Community Engagement:**

Several community members offered valuable perspectives during the meeting. Welker Taylor (Firefighters Association) passionately advocated for changes to grievance hearing representation, while Scott Mullins (State President, Professional Firefighters & Paramedics) offered supporting testimony. Casey Gilbert (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce) praised the city's support for business recovery efforts. Alan Baumgarten’s acceptance speech during the Holocaust Remembrance Day proclamation was particularly poignant and impactful.

**Action Items & Next Steps:**

Several action items emerged from the meeting, outlining next steps for city staff and council members. The City Manager was tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to address employee compensation during the 2027 budget cycle.  The grievance hearing for the firefighters will be scheduled at a later date. The City Manager is responsible for executing agreements related to various grant programs, including those supporting small business recovery and the HOME Investment Partnership Program.  The City Attorney will review and potentially sign a letter regarding the city’s fund balance, addressing concerns raised during the audit.

**Looking Ahead:**

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2026. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming meetings and agenda items by visiting the City of Asheville website. The Council’s focus remains on addressing immediate recovery needs, ensuring financial stability, and pursuing a sustainable future for Asheville.

## Agenda

- [January 27, 2026 - International Holocaust Remembrance Day](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17697)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on January 8, 2026, and the formal meeting held on January 13, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17698)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into subrecipient agreements with Mountain BizWorks, Venture Asheville, Arts AVL, and Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation to provide grant administration support services for the Asheville small business community affected by Tropical Storm Helene; and authorizing the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to this effect.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17699)
- [Resolution directing the City Attorney to formally intervene in the North Carolina Utilities Commission Docket E-100 Sub 207 of Duke Energy's Carbon Plan.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17700)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Helene Recovery Fund for Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) 2025-2026 in the State of North Carolina, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of Helene Recovery funds for PARTF 2025-2026 North Carolina Grant Program.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17701)
- [Motion to direct staff to send the "Response to the Auditor's Findings, Recommendations, and Fiscal Matters" to the Secretary of the Department of State Treasurer regarding City's 2025 audit, upon obtaining signatures from the majority of City Council members.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17702)
- [Resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an Easement Agreement with Marie and William Cross for a portion of right-of-way located adjacent to their property at 44 Elk Mountain Ridge Road.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17703)
- [Resolution authorizing staff to submit a formal letter to Congressional Leadership and North Carolina delegation members requesting a direct additional Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery allocation from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to accept funds if allocated.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17704)
- [Resolution authorizing staff to submit a request to the North Carolina Congressional Delegation requesting a federal authorization and funding for a City of Asheville comprehensive water system resiliency and capacity enhancement project designed to expand service reliability, strengthen system redundancy, and reduce vulnerabilities that could result in future potable water service disruptions and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to accept funds if allocated.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17705)
- [Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Art. IV, Division 3 of the Code of Ordinances to specify permitted personnel representation in grievance hearings.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17706)
- [Asheville Downtown Improvement District Annual Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17707)
- [Manager's Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17708)
- [Public hearing to consider a performance-based economic development incentive grant to support Project Vessel.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17709)
- [Public hearing to rezone 22 Broad Street from RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District to Community Business I District.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17710)
- [Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to amend Section 7-14-1 that would allow existing nonconforming structures to be converted into Accessory Dwelling Units without Board of Adjustment review.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17711)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all contracts, grants, and loan agreements, after approval by the City Attorney, with the designated agencies for the 2025-2026 HOME Investment Partnership program; and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the selected HOME Subrecipients.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437/item/17712)

## Votes

- Resolution directing the City Attorney to formally intervene in the North Carolina Utilities Commission Docket E-100 Sub 207 of Duke Energy's Carbon Plan. — Passed, 6-0
- Public hearing to consider a performance-based economic development incentive grant to support Project Vessel. — Passed, 6-0
- Public hearing to rezone 22 Broad Street from RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District to Community Business I District. — Passed, 6-0
- Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to amend Section 7-14-1 that would allow existing nonconforming structures to be converted into Accessory Dwelling Units without Board of Adjustment review. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all contracts, grants, and loan agreements, after approval by the City Attorney, with the designated agencies for the 2025-2026 HOME Investment Partnership program; and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the selected HOME Subrecipients. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into subrecipient agreements with Mountain BizWorks, Venture Asheville, Arts AVL, and Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation to provide grant administration support services for the Asheville small business community affected by Tropical Storm Helene; and authorizing the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to this effect. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Helene Recovery Fund for Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) 2025-2026 in the State of North Carolina, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of Helene Recovery funds for PARTF 2025-2026 North Carolina Grant Program. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to direct staff to send the "Response to the Auditor's Findings, Recommendations, and Fiscal Matters" to the Secretary of the Department of State Treasurer regarding City's 2025 audit, upon obtaining signatures from the majority of City Council members. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an Easement Agreement with Marie and William Cross for a portion of right-of-way located adjacent to their property at 44 Elk Mountain Ridge Road. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing staff to submit a formal letter to Congressional Leadership and North Carolina delegation members requesting a direct additional Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery allocation from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to accept funds if allocated. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing staff to submit a request to the North Carolina Congressional Delegation requesting a federal authorization and funding for a City of Asheville comprehensive water system resiliency and capacity enhancement project designed to expand service reliability, strengthen system redundancy, and reduce vulnerabilities that could result in future potable water service disruptions and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to accept funds if allocated. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/Gi0lZEUzG44?si=_u9-hwioOBU5EXwK
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/967/segments

## Documents

- [11-77 Establishing a 4% Carbon Reduction Goal.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8881)
- [ Resolution 23-70.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8878)
- [Consent D  - Helene Recovery Grant - Parks.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2505)
- [Consent B - Small Business Support Program Awards.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2510)
- [Consent F - ROW Easement Disposition .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2511)
- [Consent E - Local Government  Commission Audit Letter.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2513)
- [Consent I -  Ord Grievance Procedure.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2516)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - Project Vessel.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2519)
- [Consent C - Duke CPIRP Intervention.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2506)
- [Consent H - Water Resource Dev Act Allocation Request.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2507)
- [Consent G - CDBG-DR Allocation Request.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2508)
- [Easement Plat.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8887)
- [Draft Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8886)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2535)
- [Public Hearing C - ADU Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2509)
- [Rezoning Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8893)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8894)
- [City of Asheville’s Economic Development Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8896)
- [Planning, Economic Development & Environment Presentation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8884)
- [Exhibit B - Aerial Imagery Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8890)
- [Exhibit C - Existing Future Land Use Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8891)
- [18-279 Establishing a 100% Renewable Energy Goal.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8882)
- [20-25 Declaration of a Climate Emergency.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8883)
- [ Municipal Climate Action Plan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8879)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2503)
- [agenda_2026-01-27.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2498)
- [Public Hearing A - Proj Vessel Econ Dev Incentive Grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2499)
- [Presentation B - Manager's Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2500)
- [Public Hearing C - Presentation - UDO Amdt to ADU.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2504)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2501)
- [New A - HOME Awards .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2502)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation - Rezone 22 Broad St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2518)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2514)
- [Public Hearing B - Rezone 22 Broad St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2512)
- [New A - Presentation - Allocation of 2025-2026 HOME awards.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=2517)
- [Exhibit A - Existing Zoning Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8888)
- [Exhibit A1 - Proposed Zoning Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8889)
- [Moving to 100% Renewable Energy Roadmap.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8880)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8892)
- [Draft PZC Action Minutes (1/7/26).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8895)
- [Proposed Marked Up Revisions for Sec 7-14-1 (ADUs).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8885)
- [minutes_2026-01-27.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=3230)
- [Adopted Economic Development Incentive Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/437?document=8877)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-jan-27-2026/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/182byEOrceZaKwpzBuSZk-daOeh_WwKEx/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LAvlhOsjPwJ4bzvTS2Wp5x_X3Ykopgu4/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)