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

Okay, here's a comprehensive recap of the City Council Agenda Briefing (Virtual) and subsequent January 13th meeting, combining information from all provided documents.

City Council Meeting Recap: January 8 & 13, 2026

The Asheville City Council held a series of meetings in early January 2026, beginning with an Agenda Briefing on January 8th and culminating in a formal meeting on January 13th. The meetings covered a broad range of topics, reflecting ongoing efforts to address key challenges and opportunities facing the city.

January 8th: Agenda Briefing – Preparation for Future Decisions

The January 8th meeting served as an informational session to prepare council members for the upcoming agenda items. No formal votes were taken during this briefing. Key discussion points included:

• FY27 Budget Process: The council received a preview of the budget discussions, which will kick off on January 13th. Significant cost increases are anticipated in healthcare, transit, police staffing and security at community centers, creating a substantial budget gap.
• Committee Meetings: Briefings were provided on agendas for the Housing & Community Development (HCD) and Planning, Economic Development, and Environment committees.
• Point-in-Time Count: An update was provided on the annual Point-in-Time count, highlighting the need for volunteers.
• Police Department Updates: Discussion centered on the Tanger Outlets lease agreement and its impact on police services in West Asheville.
• DK Wesley Swearing-In: The council formally swore in DK Wesley as the new City Manager, followed by a welcome reception.
• Transportation Projects: Updates were provided on: Traffic Calming Policy Update, Deep River Complete Streets Project (with a 20% local match), and the Craven Street Bridge Bike/Pedestrian Bridge.
• Stormwater System Inventory & Assessment: The council received an update on this significant project utilizing grant and city funds.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): A discussion was held regarding the ADU amendment, with a focus on engaging legacy neighborhoods.

January 13th: Formal Meeting – Decisions & Approvals

The January 13th meeting included a mix of presentations, public hearings, and formal votes. Key outcomes include:

• Budget Discussions: Council engaged in extensive discussions about potential budget adjustments and revenue strategies to address the projected deficit. No final decisions were made at this time, but the discussion set the stage for ongoing deliberations.
• Rezoning Approvals: The council approved rezoning requests for 13 Baldwin Street (from NB to RS-8) and 137 Broad Street (removing conditional zoning restrictions).
• Contract Approvals: The council approved contracts for:
  • Stormwater System Inventory & Assessment (Ardurra Group, Inc.)
  • Remix Transit Scheduling Software (one-year extension)
  • Deaverview Road Complete Streets Project (agreement with NCDOT)
  • Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure Grant (application approval)
  • Neighborhood Enhancement Project Area 8 Water Distribution Project (TP Howard's Plumbing Co., Inc.)
• MOA Approval: Approved an updated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Buncombe County regarding the use of their Emergency Services Training Facility.
• Public Safety Training Center MOA: Approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign agreements with Buncombe County regarding the use of their Emergency Services Training Facility.
• Legislative Updates: Approved changes to development application rules, aligning with new state legislation regarding waiting periods for reapplications.
• French Broad River Park & Azalea Park Recovery Projects: Council received presentations and discussed community input for rebuilding these parks.
• Small Business Support Program: Approved recommendations for subrecipient partners and moved it to City Council.
• Intervention with Buncombe County: The committee expressed a desire to intervene with Buncombe County and requested consideration of a resolution related to this intervention, also moving it to City Council.

Key Themes & Next Steps:

The meetings highlighted the city's focus on addressing critical infrastructure needs, supporting local businesses and residents impacted by past disasters, and adapting to changing state regulations. The FY27 budget remains a central focus, with ongoing discussions expected in the coming weeks. The council also emphasized community engagement and transparency throughout decision-making processes. Future agenda items include updates on the Comprehensive Plan, UDO revisions, and CDBG-DR programs.

This recap aims to provide a clear understanding of the topics discussed and decisions made during these City Council meetings.