Public Safety Committee (Virtual) (May 29, 2025)

Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: Focusing on Recovery and Alignment (May 29, 2025)

On May 29, 2025, the Public Safety Committee held its inaugural meeting under a newly restructured framework designed to streamline recovery efforts following recent events. This virtual meeting, broadcast on the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel, brought together Councilmember Bo Hess (Chair), Vice Mayor Antoinette Mosley, and Councilmember Sheneika Smith to discuss the committee’s role in advising on police, fire, and emergency management services. The meeting centered around aligning the committee's work with the City Council’s broader recovery goals and ensuring efficient use of resources.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on understanding how the Public Safety Committee will contribute to the City Council's four priority recovery areas: People, Economy, Infrastructure & Environment, and Housing. City Manager Debra Campbell presented an overview of these priorities, emphasizing the need for focused efforts and collaboration with advisory boards to maximize limited resources. The committee engaged in a discussion about its scope, clarifying that it will advise on public safety policy, intergovernmental relations (working with other agencies), disaster preparedness, and supporting the Emergency Operations Plan. A key decision was made to defer discussion on increasing live shows downtown, recognizing that the Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) committee is better suited to address related noise ordinance considerations.

The public had an opportunity to share their thoughts, with two residents offering valuable perspectives. Patrick Conan expressed concern about the committee’s bi-monthly meeting schedule, advocating for monthly meetings to address evolving public safety needs and suggesting a return of the Citizens Police Advisory Committee. Jensen Gelfand encouraged consideration of hybrid or in-person meeting formats to enhance public engagement and foster richer discussions. These comments highlighted a desire for greater community involvement in shaping public safety policies.

Looking ahead, the committee identified several potential agenda items for future consideration, including expanding the drone program, updating emergency operations plans, providing quarterly updates from both the Asheville Police Department and Fire Department, reviewing the Civilian Traffic Crash Investigator Program, exploring technology in law enforcement, and tracking public safety bond projects. A key action item for the City Manager and staff is to develop draft departmental and organizational work plans, which will be presented at a June 10th policy, finance, and infrastructure committee work session. Additionally, a workshop is planned for June 16th to align the Public Safety Committee's efforts with those of other boards and commissions. The committee will finalize its own comprehensive work plan in the coming months, ensuring a strategic approach to addressing community safety needs.

This meeting marked an important step in the city’s recovery process, demonstrating a commitment to aligning public safety efforts with broader community goals. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the city website for future agenda updates and detailed information about the Public Safety Committee's ongoing work. The focus on collaboration, strategic resource allocation, and community engagement will be crucial as the city continues to rebuild and strengthen its public safety infrastructure.