Asheville City Council
January 27, 2026
Regular meeting
Helene recoveryOther City businessHousingWater
What it did
- Lets the City Manager enter into a performance-based economic development incentive agreement to support Project Vessel.Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
- Rezones 22 Broad St from Residential Multi-Family Medium Density (RM-8) to Community Business I (CBI).Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
- Resolution authorizing staff to submit a request to the North Carolina Congressional Delegation requesting a federal authorization and funding for a City of Asheville…Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
- Lets the City Manager execute all contracts, grants, and loan agreements, after approval by the City Attorney, with the designated agencies…Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
- Votes recorded
- 12
- Voted on separately
- 3
- Routine items, one vote
- 9
- Votes that split
- 0
Why it matters
Regular meetings are where Council votes on laws, the budget, contracts and zoning. Routine items pass together in one vote, called the consent agenda.
The recording
Jump to a part of the meeting (11 times listed by the City)
These times and titles are the City's own, copied from the video description.
Everything on the agenda
From the minutes, in the order the City lists them. Each item's first lines are the minutes' own words.
PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamation proclaiming January 2 7, 2026, as “International Holocaust Remembrance Day”
“Mayor Manheimer read the proclamation proclaiming January 27 , 20 26 , as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day " in the City of Asheville.”
CONSENT AGENDA
9 routine items, passed together in one vote.
PRESENTATIONS & REPORTS
Asheville Downtown Improvement District annual report
“Kevin Fraser, President of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID), was pleased to present to Council the successful ADID annual report.”
Manager’s report
“Black History Month 2026 Highlights Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt said that as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year , the City of Asheville welcomes the opportunity to reflect on our community’s past, honor contributions of…”
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public hearing to consider a performance-based Economic Development incentive grant to support Project Vessel
“Economic Development Division Manager Rachel Taylor said that this is the consideration of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a performance-based economic development incentive grant agreement to support Project Vessel, in an amount not to exceed $35,000 over a three-year grant agreement.”
Public hearing to rezone 22 Broad Street from RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District to Community Business i District
“Principal Planner Will Palmquist said that this is the consideration of an ordinance to rezone 22 Broad Street from RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District to Community Business I District.”
Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to amend Section 7-14-1 that would allow existing non-conforming structures to be converted into Accessory Dwelling Unit without Board of Adjustment review:…
“Planning & Urban Design Director Stephanie Dahl Baum said that this is the consideration of an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to amend Section 7-14-1 that would allow existing nonconforming structures to be converted into Accessory Dwelling Units without Board of Adjustment review.”
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all contracts, grants, and loan agreements, and after Approval by the City Attorney, with the designated agencies for the 2025-36 HOME Investment Partnership program: community Development
“Analyst Kaylee Pulliam said that this is the consideration of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all contracts, grants, and loan agreements, after approval by the City Attorney, with the designated agencies for the 2025-2026 HOME Investment Partnership program authorizing the City…”
INFORMAL DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment
- postpone the AVL 5x5 Plan as it’s a cookie cutter template
- concern about human rights violations
- support for small business community support
Voted on separately
Each of these had its own motion and vote.
Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “The City of Asheville is considering a performance-based grant in an amount not to exceed $35,000 in accordance with the City’s adopted Economic Development Policy.”
- “Throughout the year, the City of Asheville and its partners share unique stories, rich cultural events, and opportunities to connect with neighbors that make our city a special place to call home.”
- “As we commemorate 250 years of our nation’s history, our team is proud to showcase Black stories and voices that have shaped our world and our city.”
- “The proposed expansion will streamline fulfillment by keeping it in-house, retaining 10-15 jobs, and expanding and streamlining production operations, doubling capacity.”
Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
More from the minutes
- “Project Location and Contacts: The rezoning petition consists of one property totalling 0.19 acres and located at 22 Broad St (PIN 9649-43-3868).”
- “The property is currently zoned Residential Multi-Family Medium Density (RM-8).”
- “Comprehensive Plan Consistency: The proposed rezoning supports a number of goals in the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan including: Encourage Responsible Growth - by ensuring that new development has the appropriate infrastructure to support it (p. 132).”
Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
More from the minutes
- “HOME funds support affordable housing activities within the four-county Consortium region, including Buncombe, Madison, Transylvania, and Henderson Counties.”
Routine items, passed together
The consent agenda: items Council approves in one vote, without separate discussion. A member can ask to pull an item out for its own vote.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Con(s): Work must be conducted by United States Army Corps of Engineers which will impact the total cost of the project Fiscal Impact : The City anticipates requesting a total of $87 million, If allocated, the City will be required to provide a 25% match of $21.75 million.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- “The proposed plan also won’t reduce GHG emissions until the late 2030’s, jeopardizing the City’s ability to meet our emissions reduction and renewable energy goals.”
- “The City’s participation as an intervener is our best path to advance efficiency and renewable generation strategies that advance the City’s goals and support residents' interests.”
- “This is an opportunity to strengthen and highlight the success of the current partnership with Duke Energy and advocate for affordable, renewable electricity that also provides resilience benefits.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- What the minutes say it will do: “This proposed amendment will add additional language to Sec. 2-226 of the City’s Code of Ordinances to clarify who may qualify as a permitted representative for employees during the grievance process.”
- “Motion: Move to approve the amendment to Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 3 of the Code of Ordinances specifying permitted personnel representation in grievance hearings as specified in the proposed amendment included with the staff report.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
The plain-language lines are written by fixed rules from each item's official title, which is on each decision's page. Every vote the minutes record is listed; procedural motions, like approving the minutes or adjourning, are left out.