City Council Work Session on Policy, Finance & Infrastructure – June 23, 2026

The City of Asheville held a City Council work session on June 23, 2026, focusing on policy, finance, and infrastructure. Key procurement-related discussions included the upcoming procurement of a consultant for a $100,000 five-year strategic planning effort funded by CDBG Doctor planning allocations, with contract approval expected soon. The council also discussed an anti-displacement and affordable housing project involving multiple components such as a displacement risk assessment tool, zoning reforms related to missing middle housing, and a draft anti-displacement resolution to guide staff work and future policy. The resolution would provide direction for staff and potentially influence the upcoming Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) process. Additionally, a home repair program policy was presented, proposing grants and forgivable loans for eligible low-income households, with council providing feedback on eligibility criteria. The council received a detailed presentation on the $63 million French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project, including design concepts, flood resilience measures, and community engagement efforts. The project is funded through federal and local sources, with further design and cost refinement planned. Lastly, the council reviewed board and commission appointments, with recommendations for reappointments and vacancies noted. No formal votes on procurement contracts were taken during this session, but several action items and contract approvals are anticipated in upcoming meetings.