City Council Meeting – August 25, 2026

The City Council meeting of Asheville on August 25, 2026, included several key procurement and policy discussions. The council unanimously approved zoning text amendments to allow duplexes in all residential and certain mixed-use districts, increase the maximum size of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from 800 to 1,000 square feet, and eliminate off-street parking requirements for ADUs, aligning with recent state law changes. These amendments aim to increase housing supply, promote responsible growth, and provide more affordable housing options. Additionally, the council received an update on the Aelia Parks infrastructure recovery project, which involves flood mitigation, environmental restoration, and park facility improvements funded through FEMA, CDBG-DR, and other sources. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a resolution directing the city manager to terminate the contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) due to privacy and civil liberties concerns. The resolution also called for a review of the city's use of such technology and policies to ensure transparency and accountability. Public comments reflected a wide range of views on the balance between public safety and privacy. The council voted to adopt the resolution to end the Flock contract, signaling a move to reassess surveillance technology use in Asheville. No specific contract awards or new procurement actions were reported during this meeting.