City Council Agenda Briefing (Virtual) (Feb 19, 2026)

City Council Prepares for Formal Meeting: A Recap of the February 19th Agenda Briefing

On February 19, 2026, the Asheville City Council held a virtual agenda briefing meeting to prepare for their formal council session on February 24th. This preliminary discussion, attended by all City Council members and key staff, focused on reviewing upcoming agenda items and providing context for potential decisions. No formal votes or public comments were taken during this briefing; its purpose was entirely informational and preparatory for the upcoming meeting.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the recent withdrawal of Costco's application to build in West Asheville. While praising the city’s planning department, Costco cited Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for improvements to Smoky Park Highway as a major obstacle. Mayor Mannheimer has taken the initiative to contact the DOT Board Chair, requesting their review of these requirements in an effort to explore potential solutions. This development is particularly noteworthy as it impacts planned economic growth and retail options for West Asheville residents.

Beyond the Costco update, council members engaged in a detailed review of the agenda for the February 24th meeting. Several items on the consent agenda, requiring a simple approval vote, were highlighted for discussion. These include ongoing investigative work related to EPA Lead and Copper Rule compliance by the Water Department, support for Buncombe County's commercial sustainability program (CPACE), securing funding for firefighter equipment and programs, pursuing a BUILD grant to improve pedestrian access along Hilliard Avenue, and an amendment addressing delays in the Edwin Place drainage improvements project in North Asheville. The council will also be considering a land hold for the Parkside Arts and Entertainment Facility on March 10th, followed by community engagement.

Looking ahead, the council will be grappling with budget discussions and a consolidated plan amendment within the next eight weeks. The Finance team is expected to provide updates on the projected budget imbalance during upcoming council meetings, a topic that will undoubtedly require careful consideration and potentially difficult decisions. A dedicated Policy, Finance & Infrastructure (PFI) work session is scheduled for February 24th at 3:00 PM to delve deeper into these critical issues.

Finally, a closed session will be held after the briefing to discuss legal matters related to a specific case (Head vs. City of Asheville). Residents can stay informed by watching the full meeting, which will be streamed on the City of Asheville's YouTube channel (accessible through the city’s website) and made available for later viewing. For those interested in learning more about the Edwin Place drainage project, Amy Eaton will continue working on obtaining necessary easements and permits. Councilmember Hess raised concerns about the potential impact of barricades during construction, highlighting a key consideration for residents navigating the area.

This briefing provided a crucial glimpse into the priorities and challenges facing the City Council, underscoring their commitment to addressing issues ranging from infrastructure improvements and economic development to environmental compliance and budget management. Residents are encouraged to attend the formal council meeting on February 24th or review the recording afterwards to fully understand the decisions that will shape our community.