The Asheville City Council approved several measures related to public safety, web accessibility, and city ordinances during its meeting on April 14. The session included updates on the city budget, water system financing, and amendments to local regulations.
These actions reflect the council’s focus on transparency and effective governance for Asheville residents. Complete details about the agenda items and a recording of the meeting are available through official city channels.
During a budget worksession before the main meeting, Finance Director Tony McDowell said, “We’ve made a lot of progress towards closing the budget gap. We’ve enlisted every department in identifying budget savings, we’ve looked at where it is most appropriate to raise fees, and we’ve revised projections based on new information. We are getting close to a balanced budget.”
The council approved an agreement with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville for supplemental police services at housing authority properties. Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp said, “This proactive step by CEO Santos and her team speaks volumes to our collaborative efforts to enhance public safety in some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods seeing some of the highest rates of violent crime in our city.”
A resolution was also passed allowing for an application to issue Water System Revenue Bonds. McDowell stated that issuing these bonds is “a planned and strategic step in financing critical water system infrastructure projects that support our community’s long term needs,” adding that refinancing older bonds will help reduce future debt payments.
On digital accessibility, Communication and Public Engagement Director Dawa Hitch said recent Department of Justice rulings would impact how information is shared online but assured that “our team will continue to prioritize transparency and access to information for our community.”
Ordinance changes included amending definitions related to graffiti regulation as well as rules regarding abandoned structures. City Attorney Brad Branham said updating graffiti regulations aligns them with current constitutional standards while preserving First Amendment rights. Development Services Director Mark Matheny explained that new measures allow staff more flexibility in addressing abandoned buildings: “This change allows staff to pursue compliance measures like repair, closure or demolition…that is not classified as unsafe but is abandoned…and has become a community nuisance.”
Council also approved updates regarding McCormick Field’s lease agreement with Dewine Seeds Silver Dollar Baseball LLC. Chris Corl from Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities commented on maintaining minor league baseball as part of Asheville’s culture.
Asheville’s central administration operates from City Hall at 70 Court Plaza according to the official website. The city uses its City Plans initiative for long-term engagement aimed at sustainable growth according to the official website. Governance follows a council-manager structure where elected officials set policy while operations are managed by appointed leadership according to the official website. Municipal services are coordinated among departments such as Public Works, Water Resources, Planning according to the official website, delivering services within city limits according to the official website.
