Asheville City Council Meeting Recap: August 26, 2025

The Asheville City Council held a regular meeting on August 26, 2025, addressing a wide range of issues including disaster recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, housing policy, development zoning, and public safety. The session included a work session and a formal meeting, during which the council adopted a proclamation for Overdose Awareness Month, approved numerous contracts and budget amendments, and held public hearings on two zoning petitions.

Key Decisions and Votes

The council voted on a variety of resolutions, most of which passed unanimously. Notable approvals included:

• Disaster Recovery and Infrastructure: Resolutions authorizing contracts with Ardurra Group Inc. for the North Fork Transmission Main No. 3 project, Tetra Tech, Inc. for Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery services, and CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for internal audit services for the same grant. The council also approved a contract with McGill Associates to assess damage to city-owned street lights in Biltmore Village and a resolution to apply for N.C. Dept. of Commerce Small Business (SmBIZ) Infrastructure Grant funds for Biltmore Village restoration.
• Community Development and Social Services: Resolutions to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care, accept funding from Buncombe County for the City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy, and enter into a general services contract with ICF Incorporated, LLC for HOME-ARP Program Consulting Services.
• Financial and Administrative: The council approved the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Tax Settlement Report and authorized the Mayor to execute an Order of Collection for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Additionally, the council approved a contract extension with Loomis Armored US, LLC for cash pickup and delivery services through December 2025, and an Interlocal Agreement with Buncombe County for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Homeowner Grant Program.
• Zoning and Development: The council approved the conditional zoning request for the Springside Subdivision at 93-95 Springside Road by a vote of 5-2, with Councilmember Bo Hess and Councilmember Kim Roney voting against. The council also approved the conditional zoning petition for the Trinity United Safe Shelter & Home at 587 Haywood Road.
• Ordinances and Appointments: The council adopted an ordinance amending the Human Relations Commission (HRCA) membership guidelines by a vote of 5-2, with Councilmember Bo Hess and Councilmember Kim Roney voting against. The council also approved the appointment of Amy Kelly to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) board by a vote of 5-2, with Councilmember Kim Roney and Councilmember Sage Turner voting against. A resolution establishing four Helene Recovery Boards was adopted by a vote of 6-1, with Councilmember Bo Hess voting against.

Discussion Highlights

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the restructuring of advisory boards in response to Tropical Storm Helene. The council discussed establishing four new "Helene Recovery Boards" focused on People & Environment, Housing, Infrastructure, and Economy, while transitioning most existing advisory boards to an "on-demand" model where they meet only when assigned specific tasks.

The council also debated proposed changes to the Human Relations Commission Advisory Committee (HRCA) appointment process. Councilmember Kim Roney voiced strong concerns about removing experience and demographic-based membership guidelines, arguing it undermined the commission’s purpose. The City Attorney clarified that these changes were legally necessary to resolve a lawsuit and prevent further legal challenges.

Regarding the Springside Subdivision, discussions centered on the proposal for 35 single-family detached homes. Staff recommended approval but suggested changes to reduce the development's footprint and increase open space. The council also discussed expanding the Public Solicitation Ordinance to restrict verbal solicitation in high-traffic areas, including sections of Patton Avenue and Haywood Road.

Community Input

Public comment was provided on several items. Representatives from Next Step Recovery and a person in long-term recovery shared testimonials advocating for harm reduction strategies during the Overdose Awareness Month proclamation. Chris Cotita of the Five Points Neighborhood Association shared a letter from a real estate agent highlighting concerns about property values related to the stadium development. Patrick Conant questioned the rationale behind removing membership guidelines for the HRCA. Numerous residents shared concerns regarding West Asheville’s changing character, the impact of Safe Shelter, and the Springside Subdivision proposal. Dave Mittler advocated for the adoption of "J-Pod" elevated transportation infrastructure, and Natasha Swade shared insights from a book on city finances, cautioning against treating capital expenses as operating expenses.

Follow-ups

Staff agreed to provide additional information about the Public Assistance reimbursement process and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) property acquisition projects at a future meeting. Staff will also contact the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to determine if an extension for property acquisition deadlines is possible. An update on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) manual is scheduled for the September 9th Council Meeting. The City Manager’s Office, Parks and Recreation Department, Asheville Police Department, and Finance will collaborate to develop a plan for enhanced security at parks and recreation centers within two weeks. The COC committee will present their findings on addressing concerns in West Asheville within the next month. Sage Communities will assess the feasibility of neighborhood requests regarding buffer zone expansion and entrance relocation for the Springside Subdivision. The Mayor is tasked with sending a letter to the Chancellor of UNC Asheville regarding potential land development. The Public Solicitation Ordinance will require a second reading on September 9th.

Impact

These decisions impact residents through continued disaster recovery efforts, improved public transportation with the purchase of five new hybrid buses and technology upgrades, and enhanced security at parks following a shooting incident. The housing needs assessment presented to the council highlights a significant affordability crisis, with an estimated 11,658-unit housing gap over the next five years, which will inform the city's 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for federal housing funds. The expansion of solicitation zones and the permanent zoning of the Safe Shelter address community concerns regarding homelessness and public safety in specific corridors.