Mid-year momentum: 2025 infrastructure progress + future outlook – The City of Asheville (.gov)

Asheville City Council Approves FY2026 Budget with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

On June 10, Asheville City Council unanimously approved a $256.36 million budget for the fiscal year 2026. This comprehensive spending plan includes a robust Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) focused on storm recovery, parks, transportation, public safety, and community infrastructure over the next five years. The selection of projects for funding is based on criteria aligned with enhancing core services, supporting strategic priorities, leveraging outside funding sources, maximizing return on investment, and extending the useful life of City assets.

Integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The City of Asheville’s budget and CIP strongly align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through investments in resilient infrastructure and innovation in storm recovery.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by improving parks, transportation, public safety, and affordable housing.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – via storm recovery and hazard mitigation projects.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through enhanced public safety and community amenities.

Storm Recovery Initiatives

The City has initiated several major recovery projects aimed at the comprehensive restoration of City-owned infrastructure along riverfronts. Smaller repair projects continue to reopen amenities where feasible. Funding for these efforts primarily comes from FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which supports rebuilding public infrastructure. Official damage assessments with FEMA began in early 2025 and are progressing steadily.

Additional Federal Funding Sources

• Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

These funding streams further support Asheville’s commitment to resilient infrastructure, directly contributing to SDG 9 and SDG 13.

2024 Voter-Approved General Obligation Bond Referenda

In November 2024, Asheville voters approved four General Obligation Bond Referendums totaling $80 million. The 2025 calendar year marks the commencement of several Bond projects aimed at improving:

1. Parks and Recreation
2. Transportation
3. Public Safety
4. Affordable Housing

These projects support SDG 11 by fostering sustainable urban development and enhancing community well-being.

Infrastructure Milestones in 2025

Asheville has made significant progress on infrastructure improvements throughout 2025. The following categories highlight key project phases:

Projects Completed So Far in 2025

• Various storm recovery repairs and amenity reopenings
• Initial phases of public safety infrastructure upgrades

Construction Kicked Off in 2025

• Major riverfront restoration projects
• Bond-funded parks and transportation improvements*

Construction Scheduled to Start in 2025

• Affordable housing developments*
• Additional public safety facility enhancements*

Projects Entering Design Phase in 2025/2026

• Long-term transportation network upgrades*
• Community infrastructure resilience planning

Other Milestones in 2025

• Ongoing FEMA damage assessment and funding applications
• Community engagement and feedback integration into project planning

*Projects marked with an asterisk are part of the 2024 voter-approved General Obligation Bond initiatives.

Community Engagement and Transparency

The City encourages residents to stay informed and provide input on ongoing and upcoming projects to ensure alignment with community needs and sustainable development objectives. Public participation is vital to achieving the City’s strategic goals and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Additional Resources

For a visual overview of infrastructure progress, please refer to the Mid-Year Infrastructure Update 2025 Photo Gallery.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses Asheville’s Capital Improvement Plan focusing on infrastructure, storm recovery, and economic stability.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Projects related to parks, transportation, public safety, and affordable housing contribute to making Asheville a sustainable and resilient city.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Storm recovery and hazard mitigation efforts indicate actions toward climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Public safety improvements and community infrastructure support health and well-being.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Affordable housing projects address poverty and housing insecurity.

2. Specific Targets under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.a: Facilitate sustainable infrastructure development in developing regions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.6: Reduce the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure access to basic services and affordable housing.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Infrastructure and Capital Improvement
   • Number and value of completed infrastructure projects (e.g., storm recovery projects, parks, transportation improvements).
   • Availability and utilization of external funding sources such as FEMA Public Assistance, Community Development Block Grant, and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
2. Disaster Recovery and Resilience
   • Progress in damage assessments and restoration of city-owned infrastructure.
   • Reduction in infrastructure damage and downtime after storms.
3. Community and Public Safety
   • Improvements in public safety infrastructure funded by the General Obligation Bond.
   • Number of affordable housing units developed or improved.
4. Community Engagement
   • Levels of community feedback and participation in planning processes.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. 9.a: Facilitate sustainable infrastructure development.	Number and value of infrastructure projects completed. Funding secured from FEMA, CDBG-DR, and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization. 11.5: Reduce deaths and people affected by disasters. 11.6: Reduce adverse environmental impact of cities.	Number of restoration and recovery projects along riverfronts. Reopening of amenities and repaired infrastructure.
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards. 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies.	Progress in FEMA damage assessments and hazard mitigation projects. Implementation of disaster recovery programs.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.6: Reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.	Public safety infrastructure improvements funded by GO Bonds.
SDG 1: No Poverty	1.4: Ensure access to affordable housing and basic services.	Number of affordable housing projects initiated or completed.

Source: ashevillenc.gov