City Council Agenda Briefing (Virtual) (Jan 22, 2026)

Asheville City Council Agenda Briefing Recap: Preparing for a Busy January

On January 22, 2026, the Asheville City Council held a work session to review upcoming agenda items for their January 27th business meeting and discuss broader city initiatives. While no formal votes were taken during this briefing, the session provided valuable insight into what residents can expect to see on the Council’s agenda and the challenges facing our city.

What's Coming Up: Key Decisions & Discussions

The Council spent a significant portion of the briefing reviewing items slated for the January 27th meeting. Residents can anticipate discussions surrounding:

• Federal Funding Requests: The Council will be considering resolutions to request additional federal funds for crucial projects, including improvements to our water system, affordable housing initiatives, economic recovery efforts, and resilience planning.
• Grievance Process Revisions: A vote is expected on revisions to the city's grievance process, which would allow support persons (current or retired employees) during hearings and clarify the City Manager's authority.
• Audit Update: Finance Director Tony McDowell will present a comprehensive audit update at the January 27th meeting.
• Project Vessel & Small Business Support: The Council will be considering resolutions related to Project Vessel, a major economic development initiative, and approving funding for the Small Business Support Program (SBSP) to aid businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
• ADU Zoning Changes: The Council will consider a proposal to streamline the process for converting existing structures into Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), potentially easing housing challenges.

Beyond the January 27th agenda, discussions also touched on upcoming topics for the eight-week planning horizon. This includes budget deliberations (with a public comment session scheduled for February 10th) and a community briefing hosted by Buncombe County regarding preparedness for an upcoming winter storm.

Debates & Important Topics Explored

Several key discussions emerged during the briefing:

• Duke Energy's Carbon Plan: Council Member Roney emphasized the need for active council involvement and accountability in state-level policy interventions, particularly regarding Duke Energy's carbon plan.
• Employee Compensation: Council Member Hess voiced concerns about ensuring fair compensation for city employees, especially those in public safety roles.
• Emergency Preparedness: Mayor Mannheimer highlighted the importance of transparency and collaboration with county partners, particularly in preparing for potential winter storms.
• Water System Resilience: The discussion surrounding federal funding requests underscored the need to strengthen Asheville’s water system and address vulnerabilities exposed by recent storms.

Community Voices & Citizen Engagement

This briefing was strictly for Council and staff preparation, so no public comments were accepted. However, residents can participate in upcoming opportunities:

• Public Comment Session: A public comment session will be held on February 10th as part of the budget discussions.
• Buncombe County Winter Storm Briefing: Residents are encouraged to attend the Buncombe County briefing on January 23rd at 1:00 PM regarding winter storm preparedness.

What Happens Next? Action Items & Impact for You

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in the coming weeks:

• January 27th Business Meeting: The Council will meet in person at City Hall to address the agenda items discussed during this briefing.
• Public Safety Committee Meeting: The Public Safety Committee will convene on January 29th to discuss topics like the Athriel Fire Department's REST program and quarterly crime statistics.
• Ongoing Budget Discussions: Council will continue to deliberate on the city budget, culminating in final adoption in June.
• Response to General Assembly: The City will respond to a request from the North Carolina General Assembly regarding Asheville's budget challenges by February 11th.

This briefing provided a crucial preview of the key issues facing Asheville and demonstrated the Council's commitment to addressing them. By staying informed about these discussions, residents can better understand the decisions being made that impact our community and actively participate in shaping Asheville's future.