Asheville, NC – During their February 22-23 annual retreat, the Asheville City Council, under the leadership of Mayor Esther E. Manheimer and Vice-Mayor Sandra Kilgore, along with other key city officials, mapped out the city’s strategic priorities for the coming fiscal year and beyond. The two-day retreat focused on a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing Asheville’s pressing needs and future aspirations.
The council confirmed its commitment to addressing a broad spectrum of social and infrastructural challenges, identifying six strategic priorities. These include equitable and affordable housing, homelessness support, transit improvements, urban planning initiatives, and maintenance and construction for sidewalks, facilities, and parks, with the topic of reparations particularly standing out for its ambition to address historical injustices faced by African American communities.
Critical Focus Areas and Debates
- Reparations Initiative: A significant discussion point at the retreat, the reparations initiative aims to address historical injustices, underscoring the council’s broader goals of social equity and justice. This bold approach aims to reconcile Asheville’s past while moving towards a more inclusive future.
- Community Engagement and Service Enhancement: Plans to boost community engagement were outlined, emphasizing the need for city policies and projects to mirror the diverse voices of Asheville’s residents, striving for a more inclusive governance model.
- Infrastructure Investments: The council deliberated on substantial investments in the city’s aging infrastructure, including sidewalks, facilities, and parks. The critical need for such upgrades aims to support Asheville’s growing population and improve overall quality of life.
We can’t help but wonder why city leaders have seen fit to prioritize initiatives like DEI, homelessness support, and reparations over pressing infrastructure needs for so long. Shouldn’t infrastructure be maintained over time instead of allowing it to reach an emergency state of deterioration?
Homelessness and Transit Challenges
Investments in homelessness support and transit improvements were highlighted as essential. These areas reflect the council’s commitment to enhancing essential services and making transit more accessible and reliable. Yet our wallets still lament the recent forced decommissioning of three electric buses due to irreparable issues that cost Asheville roughly $5 million.
Exploring Funding Mechanisms
The retreat featured candid discussions on the fiscal implications of the city’s ambitious agenda. The council is exploring various funding mechanisms (including potential fee adjustments, sustainable financing models, and the issuance of General Obligation Bonds) to ensure the strategic objectives can be met.
Looking Forward
As the Asheville City Council sets a course for the city, the leadership’s commitment to addressing both immediate needs and their long-term goals is evident. The strategic priorities laid out during the retreat reflect their social and political agendas. They clearly intend to throw as much of your money as possible at both real and imagined problems with little show of restraint.
