City Council Agenda Briefing (Virtual) (Jan 8, 2026)

City Council Meeting Recap: January 13, 2026 – A Look at the Year Ahead

The City Council convened on January 13, 2026, for a busy meeting addressing key priorities for the year ahead. This recap breaks down the major decisions, discussions, and next steps impacting Asheville residents.

Key Decisions & Votes:

The Council approved a significant number of items, setting the stage for several important initiatives. Notably, they ratified the funding agreement for Fairhaven Meadows, a 42-unit affordable housing development in Brevard, ensuring the project can move forward. They also approved a resolution authorizing the Tanger Outlets lease agreement for the Asheville Police Department, providing a more secure and accessible location for officers to serve West Asheville. Finally, the Council authorized the City Manager to execute agreements with NCDOT for both the Deaverview Road Complete Streets Project and the Craven Street Bridge Bike/Pedestrian Bridge project, paving the way for much-needed improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. A crucial decision was made regarding the Stormwater System Inventory & Assessment, approving a contract with Ardurra Group, Inc. to comprehensively assess the city’s stormwater system – vital for flood mitigation and water quality protection.

Discussion Highlights:

The meeting kicked off with a detailed discussion of the FY27 Budget Process, which will be ongoing throughout the year. Council members engaged in a robust conversation about prioritizing funding requests and ensuring fiscal responsibility as they navigate budget challenges. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with a focus on engaging legacy neighborhoods and addressing their concerns about the proposed amendments. The Council also received updates on the Traffic Calming Policy Update, with a focus on streamlining requests and offering more options beyond speed humps. The discussion surrounding the Point-in-Time Count highlighted the ongoing need for volunteers to help count individuals experiencing homelessness, emphasizing a community effort to address this critical issue.

Community Input:

While no formal public comments were taken during the meeting itself, the discussions surrounding ADUs and traffic calming demonstrated a clear commitment to incorporating community feedback into decision-making processes. The Council acknowledged the importance of ongoing engagement with residents and stakeholders to ensure that policies reflect their needs and concerns.

Action Items & Next Steps:

Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• Budget Discussions: Council members will continue to review budget proposals and prepare for upcoming public hearings.
• ADU Engagement: Staff will continue engaging with legacy neighborhoods regarding ADU regulations, seeking to address concerns and find common ground.
• Volunteer Recruitment: Residents are encouraged to consider volunteering for the Point-in-Time Count (links provided on the city website).
• Project Implementation: The approved projects – Fairhaven Meadows, Tanger Outlets Police Resource Center, Deaverview Road Complete Streets Project, Craven Street Bridge Bike/Pedestrian Bridge, and Stormwater System Assessment – will now move into their respective implementation phases.
• DK Wesley Swearing-In: The Council formally swore in DK Wesley as the new City Manager, followed by a welcome reception.

Impact: Why This Matters to Residents

The decisions made at this meeting will have a tangible impact on the lives of Asheville residents. The investment in affordable housing addresses a critical need for accessible and quality living options. The new police resource center will enhance safety and community engagement in West Asheville. The infrastructure improvements – the Deaverview Road Complete Streets Project, Craven Street Bridge Bike/Pedestrian Bridge and Stormwater System Assessment – will improve safety, mobility, and resilience for all. The ongoing budget discussions will shape the city’s priorities and resource allocation for years to come, directly impacting services residents rely on. The Council's commitment to engaging with communities on issues like ADUs demonstrates a dedication to responsive and inclusive governance.

This meeting marked an important step forward in addressing key challenges and opportunities facing Asheville, laying the groundwork for a productive year ahead.