Home repairs, housing projects, Flock technology top Asheville City Council agenda - Asheville's 828 News NOW

May 10, 2026 - 02:52

Asheville City Council is set to review significant adjustments to the allocation of Helene recovery funds, with potential impacts on home repair programs and critical water infrastructure. The proposed changes, which will be discussed at the next council meeting, aim to redirect resources toward what officials describe as more pressing community needs following the storm's devastation.

Under the current plan, a substantial portion of the recovery budget was earmarked for individual home repairs for low-income residents whose properties were damaged by flooding and wind. However, council members are now considering reallocating a portion of those funds to upgrade the city's aging water and sewer lines, which suffered major breaks during the storm. The shift has sparked debate among housing advocates, who argue that families still living in damaged homes cannot afford further delays.

The revised funding model would also increase investment in Flock technology, a controversial surveillance system that the city has been piloting. Proponents say the cameras help police track stolen vehicles and respond to property crimes, which spiked after the disaster. Critics, however, question whether the technology is the best use of limited recovery dollars.

City staff have prepared a detailed report outlining the trade-offs. They note that delaying home repairs could leave some residents in unsafe conditions for another winter, while failing to fix water mains risks more costly emergency repairs later. The council is expected to hear public comment before voting on the proposal in two weeks.