City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (In-Person) (Aug 26, 2025)

City Council Addresses Recovery, Tourism, and Long-Term Planning at Recent Work Session

On August 26, 2025, the City Council held a comprehensive work session focused on Policy, Finance, and Infrastructure – key areas impacting our community’s recovery from recent storm events and its future growth. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents.

Recovery Efforts Take Center Stage: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing progress on recovery projects following Tropical Storm Helene. City staff detailed how federal funding – specifically from FEMA’s Public Assistance program, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) – is being utilized to repair damaged infrastructure and build a more resilient community. While significant progress has been made in debris removal and emergency repairs, the total amount requested for recovery is substantial. Council members emphasized the need for clearer data and visual representations of project progress to keep residents informed about how these funds are being used. A key action item is for staff to provide this enhanced transparency, alongside exploring options to extend the deadline for HMGP applications.

Planning for a Resilient Future: The Council also engaged in discussions surrounding the Buncombe County Unified Long-Term Recovery Plan, a collaborative effort involving the city, county, and other municipalities. This plan aims to guide recovery efforts, prioritize projects, and incorporate community feedback. Residents will have an opportunity to provide input in October through a public comment survey, and the finalized plan is expected to be adopted by both the City Council and County Commissioners in November. The focus here is on rebuilding infrastructure to be more resilient, maximizing cost recovery from federal sources, and ensuring a coordinated approach across the county.

Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Appointment Sparks Debate: A lively discussion centered on the appointment of a member to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) board. Two candidates, Amy Kelly and Ron Mashburn, were considered, with a key point of contention being whether to waive the requirement that TDA board members reside within city limits. Given Amy Kelly’s significant business interests and involvement in Asheville, the Council decided to postpone a formal vote on this appointment until their next meeting. This decision reflects a desire for further consideration of the implications of waiving this residency requirement.

Supporting Businesses and Housing: The CDBG-DR funding, totaling $225 million, is a major focus for long-term recovery. Staff are developing policies and procedures to ensure these funds effectively support small businesses, improve infrastructure, and address housing needs. A new Disaster Recovery Program Manager has been hired, and an implementation vendor is in place to help manage these complex programs.

What’s Next for You?

• Stay Informed: City staff will be providing more detailed data and visual updates on recovery projects. Visit AshevilleRecovers.org for the latest information.
• Share Your Voice: Look out for opportunities to provide feedback on the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Plan in October.
• TDA Appointment Decision: The City Council will vote on the TDA board appointment at their upcoming meeting.
• HMGP Opportunities: If you own property near the French Broad or Swannanoa Rivers, be on the lookout for letters regarding potential assistance through the HMGP program.

Why This Matters: The decisions made during this work session will directly impact the speed and effectiveness of our community’s recovery, ensuring that we are not only rebuilding what was lost but also creating a more resilient and equitable Asheville for the future. The focus on transparency, community input, and strategic use of federal funds demonstrates a commitment to rebuilding stronger than before.