Bill Leatherwood

The City Council meeting included a proposal for a workforce housing redevelopment project at the Cascades Resort Hotel to address affordability, as well as a request for the adoption of a language access plan to improve emergency communication. The meeting also featured a special recognition for a 50-year life member of the League of Women Voters and a presentation by the Historic Preservation Commission regarding tree maintenance and damage caused by utility work in the Hyman Heights neighborhood. Additionally, the Animal Services Advisory Committee provided a yearly update, highlighting findings from an animal welfare survey that emphasized the community's need for accessible veterinary care and educational resources.

The council held a public hearing regarding an application for a Community Development Block Grant to support the Howard Gap Road water improvement project. This infrastructure project aims to enhance fire suppression capabilities and water system resiliency. Additionally, the council reviewed the fiscal year 2027 budget recommendation, focusing on potential revenue impacts from external tax legislation and county-level tax changes. The council discussed the competitive employment market and the proposal to conduct a pay and classification study, while opting to maintain the existing property tax rate.

The City of Hendersonville's Strategic Housing Plan provides a five-year roadmap to ensure all residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. It is organized around four guiding pillars: Supply, Stability, Subsidy, and System. Key focus areas include increasing the housing supply, preserving affordability, providing targeted assistance, and building the city's capacity for sustained implementation. The plan aims to grow the city's household share, add permanently affordable units, maintain healthy vacancy rates, and ensure transparent, community-informed housing initiatives.

The meeting included a special presentation honoring a local citizen for his contributions to the special needs community. A public hearing regarding the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget was opened, with a recommendation from staff to postpone adoption to allow for further analysis of local and state financial impacts. The presentation on the recommended budget highlighted key focus areas such as public safety, infrastructure, and housing, and noted proposed increases for water and sewer utility rates.

The strategic housing plan for the City of Hendersonville aims to ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing for all residents. Organized around four core pillars—Supply, Stability, Subsidy, and System—it sets goals to increase the city's housing capacity, deliver 2,200 permanently affordable units for categories one, two, and three households with a focus on owner-occupied units, achieve healthier vacancy rates, and incorporate transparency and community engagement. The plan envisions a welcoming and livable community with diverse housing options, supporting seniors, workers, families, and young people, fostering pride and harmonious living for future generations.