ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville City Council approved several funding measures and received updates on recovery efforts and housing priorities during its March 10 meeting, following a budget worksession focused on potential fee changes for the coming fiscal year.

City officials said the actions taken during the meeting reflected a continued focus on recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, infrastructure investment and addressing affordable housing needs.

Budget worksession focuses on fees

Before the regular meeting, council members held a budget worksession to review proposed fees and charges for fiscal year 2027.

Finance and Management Services Director Tony McDowell said the city is considering some increases while trying to remain mindful of financial pressures on residents.

“While we are proposing some fee increases this year, we are prioritizing our community’s needs first to ensure our rates remain fair following the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene and property revaluation,” McDowell said.

Consent agenda items approved

Council members unanimously approved several items on the consent agenda, including funding tied to storm recovery and infrastructure improvements.

Among the approvals:

  • A $2.49 million budget amendment in the General Capital Projects Fund from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management through the Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program to support the Azalea Park Recovery Project.
  • A $10 million budget amendment in the Water Capital Projects Fund from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for water resilience improvements.
  • Authorization for the city manager to apply for a Small Business Infrastructure Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to extend a sewer line in Enka Commerce Park if the funding is awarded.

City Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring said the state funding will help address gaps left by federal assistance programs.

“We appreciate that the state of North Carolina recognizes gaps in some federal funding and has provided these opportunities for local communities such as Asheville to recover faster and stronger,” Herring said.

Recovery update presented

Council members also received a presentation outlining ongoing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, which caused widespread damage across Western North Carolina.

The update highlighted progress on infrastructure repairs, grant funding and long-term resilience projects underway throughout the city.

Affordable housing added as priority

In unfinished business, council members approved a resolution amending the city’s 2025-29 Consolidated Plan to add the construction of affordable rental housing as a priority goal.

The amendment will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Nikki Reid, the city’s Community and Economic Development director, said the change aims to address growing housing demand in the region.

“Our hope is that adding the construction of affordable rental units as a priority of the Consolidated Plan will help meet some of our region’s current housing needs in the near future,” Reid said.