City of Asheville

The committee meeting focused on the proposed economic development strategic action plan following recent economic disruptions. Key discussion topics included the committee's objective to move from reactive to proactive and strategic economic development, the importance of operational clarity, the creation of a dashboard for tracking economic indicators and implementation progress, and the overall role of the city within the broader economic ecosystem. The committee also examined a phased approach for the action plan, emphasizing the necessity of council engagement and the importance of avoiding the duplication of existing regional efforts.

The committee held a formal design review for a proposed mixed-use affordable housing project located at 50 Cox Avenue. Key discussion points included the project's site layout, height and massing, materiality, and parking structure access. Staff addressed requested technical modifications to zoning requirements regarding street wall height, setbacks, and tree canopy protection. Additionally, the committee discussed the integration of the project with the city-led Cox Avenue streetscape improvement initiative.

The committee discussed legal perspectives regarding the process for design standard amendments and the commission's role within the city's work plan. The discussion included feedback on proposed amendments to design standards for fences and the potential for republishing a public survey to clarify questions. The committee also coordinated scheduling for future meetings, including a work session to review proposed amendments and preparations for an upcoming educational event featuring a guest speaker from Place Economics.

The City Council held a work session to discuss the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. Key discussion topics included general fund base expenses, unavoidable cost increases such as healthcare and retirement, and the impact of the 2024 general obligation bond referendum debt service. Staff presented an updated budget gap projection and proposed various budget balancing strategies, including eliminating certain vacant positions, service reductions at community centers, decreasing litter and hotspot cleaning, and pausing various grant programs. Additionally, council reviewed potential phasing options for property tax rate increases related to bond debt service.

The committee discussed traffic safety improvements on school corridors in South Asheville, including recommendations for restricting parking and installing a flashing crosswalk beacon. An update was provided on a proposed ordinance to address abandoned structures, which would provide an additional tool for compliance enforcement without establishing a proactive demolition program. The committee also reviewed and moved to the full council agenda a contract for police applicant background checks and polygraph testing, as well as the acceptance of a community project funding award for a real-time intelligence center.