Public Safety Committee – July 29, 2026

The City of Asheville Public Safety Committee held a virtual meeting on July 29, 2026, focusing primarily on public safety issues including gun violence, operational updates from the police and fire departments, and community safety initiatives. Key procurement-related discussions included the introduction of a co-responder partnership program integrating qualified mental health professionals into police and fire operations, funded through a grant with Vaya Health, aimed at providing crisis intervention and long-term support to individuals in behavioral health crises. The committee also reviewed and unanimously approved the Buncombe Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which supports ongoing and future infrastructure resilience projects and maintains eligibility for federal mitigation funding. Additionally, the Asheville Fire Department provided updates on wellness programs and announced the implementation of a new fourth shift schedule to reduce firefighter work hours, a change supported by prior budget allocations and staffing promotions. The meeting included discussions on potential policy measures such as youth curfews to address gun violence and emphasized community partnerships and data-driven approaches to public safety.