At the February 24, 2026 meeting, Asheville City Council addressed several agenda items with potential impact on residents and city operations. The meeting included approvals related to affordable housing and firefighter safety equipment, as well as a presentation on the upcoming fiscal year budget.
One item approved was a resolution to provide $940,000 in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds for the Apple Ridge affordable rental housing project in Henderson County. Community Development Division Manager James Shelton stated, “This $940,000 allocation of federal HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds provides the final financing necessary to move the Apple Ridge project forward. By ratifying this agreement, the City is ensuring the development of 60 affordable rental units to help address the current housing shortage in the Asheville area.”
Council also approved acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which includes a budget amendment allowing expenditure of $74,949.10 for wildland personal protective equipment for firefighters. Fire Chief Mike Cayse said, “We are grateful to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for awarding the Asheville Fire Department this Assistance to Firefighters Grant. These funds will be instrumental in purchasing essential wildland personal protective equipment, significantly enhancing the safety of our firefighters and the community as we address the risks associated with wildland fires.”
In addition to these actions, there was a public comment period regarding priorities for Asheville’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget.
Asheville’s municipal government operates from City Hall at 70 Court Plaza and uses long-term planning initiatives such as City Plans to guide sustainable growth and equitable development within its limits (official website). The city follows a council-manager structure where elected officials set policy while an appointed manager oversees daily operations (official website). Departments including Public Works and Planning coordinate services and community engagement across Asheville (official website).
Complete information about all agenda items is available through official meeting materials on Asheville’s website or by viewing recordings on their YouTube channel.
