At the August 25 meeting, City Council took action on and received updates about a range of agenda items. The meeting included both Helene recovery and non-recovery items, with highlights including a presentation on the unified design for Azalea parks and infrastructure recovery project , UDO amendments enhancing diverse housing options, and external funding of essential fire safety equipment.
Complete details on all agenda items and actions are available in the official meeting materials available on the City of Asheville website and a complete recording of the session is available on the City of Asheville YouTube channel.
HELENE RECOVERY ITEMS
From Presentations and Reports:
Azalea Parks & Infrastructure Project Presentation
NON-HELENE RECOVERY ITEMS
From Consent:
Item C. Renew an Event Support Grant Agreement with the Asheville Area Arts Council for calendar years 2027, 2028 and 2029 APPROVED
Authorizes the City Manager to enter into a new three-year agreement with the Asheville Area Arts Council (AAVL) to administer the Event Support Grant program for calendar years 2027 through 2029. This program provides reimbursements to eligible non-profit organizations for city fees associated with hosting cultural and arts-related events in outdoor public spaces.
“’We’re excited to continue offering event support grants to area event organizers and producers through this partnership with Arts AVL”, said Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities Director Chris Corl. “Outdoor events in the City’s central business district are part of the fabric of our community, and we are proud to play a small role in fostering these events throughout the year.
Item F. Accept the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development Continuum of Care funding for Fiscal Year 2025; Continuum of Care Program; and ratify the Youth Homelessness Systems Improvement application and accept any funds awarded. APPROVED
Authorizes the City Manager to accept $173,839 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care funding for Fiscal Year 2025. It approves a $4,452 budget amendment to fully fund the program award. Additionally, the resolution ratifies the City’s application for Youth Homelessness Systems Improvement funding and authorizes the acceptance of any resulting awards.
Item L. Resolution adopting the Buncombe-Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. APPROVED
Formal adoption of the Buncombe Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a collaborative effort developed with state and local partners to identify and prioritize responses to high and moderate-risk hazards. This action ensures the City remains in compliance with the North Carolina Emergency Management Act and the federal Stafford Act, which is necessary to maintain eligibility for state and federal disaster assistance. The adoption follows the review and approval of the plan by both the North Carolina Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Hazard mitigation planning is something we do on a regular cycle. But what Helene gave us was an opportunity to take what we experienced during a real disaster to make the next version of the plan even stronger, said Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Knighton. “Turning those lessons into actions is what helps reduce risk, protect our critical infrastructure, and make Asheville more resilient before the next disaster occurs.”
Item M. Budget amendment, in the amount of $15,000, from Duke Energy for the purchase of forest fire protection shelters. APPROVED
Acceptance of a $15,000 grant from Duke Energy, awarded to the Asheville Fire Department on July 29, 2026. These funds will be used to purchase forest fire protection shelters, which serve as a critical safety tool designed to protect firefighters from extreme heat and flame exposure during complex wildland fire events, ensuring our responders have the best possible protection while managing increasing fire risks in our region.
“The Asheville Fire Department appreciates the Duke Energy grant for these essential fire protection shelters,” said AFD Chief Mike Cayse. “This funding comes at a critical time as the majority of our current shelters reach the end of their 10-year effectiveness. The grant assists us in reaching our goal of replacing all our shelters and providing equipment needed to protect our firefighters as they protect our community.”
Item T. Accept the U.S. Dept. of Justice 2025 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents associated with the grant, and to adopt a budget amendment in the City’s Special Revenue Fund in the amount of $80,898.00. APPROVED
Acceptance of the 2025 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and execute all associated documents. Additionally, the Council is asked to adopt a budget amendment in the City’s Special Revenue Fund for the total grant amount of $80,898.00.
“We are grateful for the Department of Justice’s support through the 2025 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, ” said Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp. “This funding will provide reliable network connectivity that supports APD officers as they serve the community. The funding also supports upgraded technology for our partners at the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.”
Public Hearings:
Parking amendment motion – APPROVED
Duplex amendment motion – APPROVED
ADU amendment motion – APPROVED
The adoption of Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) amendments to increase housing attainability by allowing duplexes in all residential and certain mixed-use districts, increasing the maximum size for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and eliminating off-street parking requirements. These changes directly implement key strategies from the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Missing Middle Housing Study, and Affordable Housing Plan to reduce regulatory barriers and increase housing supply.
“Adopting these amendments is a meaningful step toward our affordable housing priorities,” said Interim Planning Director Chris Collins. “By removing these regulatory barriers, we’re fostering diverse housing options while advancing the goals of our broader Anti-Displacement and Affordable Housing (ADAH) initiative.”
New Business:
Item A: Resolution Calling For The City Of Asheville’s Manager To Terminate The City’s Contract With Flock APPROVED 5 to 2
Immediate termination of the City of Asheville’s contract with Flock Safety and request the removal of all associated hardware. City employees are to suspend all access, searching, and sharing of data collected through the Flock technology, while ensuring existing data is handled according to legal and retention requirements. A comprehensive review will be conducted and policy recommendations regarding the future use, oversight, and privacy safeguards of such surveillance technology will be developed.