COUNCIL COMMITTEES
City Council Committees operate as policy review and discussion arms of City Council. The committees provide an opportunity to explore implications of policy alternatives and the policy development process while serving in an advisory capacity to the City Council as a whole.
Committees review policy matters referred to them, inform and educate Council on existing city programs and issues and review other related matters. City Council Committees will not become involved in city administration but instead are expected to anticipate the full range of considerations and concerns related to various policy questions. When participating on committees, members are expected to temper their role as policy advocates in order to fully evaluate all alternatives.
The Housing and Community Development Committee will enhance the quality of life in Asheville and the livability of neighborhoods by providing policy recommendations to Council on all matters relating to the creation and maintenance of housing within the city, including public housing and affordable private housing; all matters relating to the alleviation of homelessness and services provided to homeless individuals within the city.
- Chair: Councilman Jan Davis
- Members: Councilman Chris Pelly; Councilman Gordon Smith
- Staff Liaison: Community Development Director Jeff Staudinger
- Meeting Schedule: 2nd Thursday of the month, 8:30 a.m., City Hall 5th Floor Conference Room
The Finance Committee's areas of interest include the annual budget process, capital improvement programming, financial reports, taxes, fees, assessments and infrastructure finance.
- Chair: Vice-Mayor Esther Manheimer
- Members: Councilman Marc Hunt; Councilman Chris Pelly
- Staff Liaison: Finance and Management Services Director Lauren Bradley
- Meeting Schedule: 4th Tuesday of every month, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 623 of the City Hall Building.
The Planning and Economic Development Committee will recommend policies to support City Council's long-range vision and comprehensive planning goals. Areas of focus include developing policies to enhance employability of Asheville residents, master planning of land uses, transportation, etc., development policies and processes, building codes and development standards, annexation policies/goals/objectives, economic development strategies and incentive policies (HUB).
- Chair: Vice-Mayor Esther Manheimer
- Members: Councilman Bothwell; Councilman Hunt
- Staff Liaison: City Manager Gary Jackson
- Meeting Schedule: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall - 1st Floor Conference Room (Any changes to scheduled meetings will be announced)
The Public Safety Committee will recommend public safety policy direction in areas of interest including police, fire, EMS, and emergency management services. The committee will also review matters relating to the illegal use and possession of narcotics and drugs, intergovernmental relations related to public safety issues, cooperation with law enforcement and fire and rescue, and emergency management agencies, as well as educational and research organizations, involved with control and prevention of illegal traffic in and use of narcotics and drugs.
- Chair: Councilman Cecil Bothwell
- Members: Councilman Jan Davis; Councilman Gordon Smith
- Staff Liaison: Assistant City Manager Jeff Richardson
- Meeting Schedule: 4th Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the 4th floor Training Room of the Municipal Building (100 Court Plaza)