City Council Visioning Workshop – September 24

The City Council of Asheville held a visioning workshop on September 24, 2026, focused on planning the allocation of $30 million in federal CDBG-DR funds to support recovery and revitalization of flooded commercial corridors, specifically the French Broad and Swanoa corridors. The meeting included an overview of the program's goals, federal funding restrictions, and data on existing conditions such as permit activity and flood damage. Council members engaged in breakout sessions to discuss priorities for economic vitality, infrastructure, and district enhancement, emphasizing the need for long-term economic impact, flood resilience, and preservation of district identities. While no specific contract awards or RFPs were made, the council discussed the development of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit projects aligned with these priorities. Members requested additional briefings on staff research and existing investments before public engagement and stressed the importance of leveraging additional funds and considering maintenance costs for future projects. The workshop set the foundation for further stakeholder engagement and program manual development to guide the use of the CDBG-DR funds.