Actions and presentations at the March 10 Asheville City Council Meeting

Posted on by Christy Edwards

At the March 10 City Council meeting, Council members took action and were presented information on multiple agenda items related to budget, Helene recovery and affordable housing. Each demonstrated the Council’s focus on transparency, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.

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.

Budget Worksession

A Budget Worksession preceded the formal City Council meeting. The focus of this worksession was to consider the fees and charges for Fiscal Year 27.

“While we are proposing some fee increases this year, we are prioritizing our community’s needs first to ensure our rates remain fair following the impacts of TS Helene and property revaluation,” stated Finance and Management Services Director Tony McDowell.

Budget Worksession Presentation

Consent Agenda – All items approved

G. Budget amendment in the General Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $2,487,500 from the Office of State Budget and Management – Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program for the Azalea Park Recovery Project. 

H. Budget amendment in the Water Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $10,000,000 from the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality for Water Resilience Improvements.

J. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application for funding from the NC Department of Commerce Small Business Infrastructure Grant to extend a sewer line in Enka Commerce Park: to accept said grant funds if awarded; and enter into any agreement documents necessary for such acceptance.

Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring stated, “We appreciate that the state of North Carolina recognizes gaps in some federal funding and has provided these opportunities for local communities such as Asheville to recover faster and stronger.”

Presentations and Reports

A. Recovery Progress Update Presentation

Unfinished Business – Approved

A. Resolution approving the proposed amendment of the City’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to add affordable rental construction as a priority need and goal and submission to the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution. – A public hearing was held on February 24, 2026.

“Our hope is that adding the construction of affordable rental units as a priority of the Consolidated Plan will help meet some of our region’s current housing needs in the near future,” stated Nikki Reid, Community and Economic Development Director.

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