Sage Turner
Council member since Dec 2020
Sage Turner has served on Asheville City Council since Dec 2020. Across 2,194 recorded votes from Dec 8, 2020 to Sep 8, 2026, Turner voted yes 1,936 times and no 36 times (1.8% of yes/no votes cast), was absent for 195 and recused 12 times. Turner was on the losing side of 31 votes, made 696 motions and seconded 505, cast the most no votes on Zoning & Land Use items (21), and on split votes agreed most often with Maggie Ullman (85% of 92).
2,194recorded votes
36no votes (1.8%)
31times on the losing side
696motions made
195absences
Yes 1,936No 36Recused 12Absent 195No vote 8Ballot 7
Who Turner votes with
Agreement on split votes (items where at least one member voted no) that both members voted on.
| Colleague | Agreed | Shared split votes |
|---|---|---|
| Maggie Ullman | 85% | 92 |
| Esther E. Manheimer | 84% | 164 |
| Sandra Kilgore | 80% | 123 |
| Gwen Wisler | 75% | 76 |
| Sheneika Smith | 64% | 169 |
| S. Antanette Mosley | 60% | 176 |
| Bo Hess | 57% | 49 |
| Kim Roney | 32% | 176 |
No votes by topic
| Topic | No votes |
|---|---|
| Zoning & Land Use | 21 |
| Housing | 6 |
| Boards & Appointments | 2 |
| Transportation | 2 |
| Administrative | 2 |
| Community Programs | 1 |
| Environment & Sustainability | 1 |
| Economic Development | 1 |
Every no vote by Sage Turner (36)
| Date | Item | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 28, 2026 | Public hearing to rezone 3 S. Tunnel Road from Urban Place to Regional Business Zoning & Land Use · ORD 5248 | Passed 4–2 |
| Jun 9, 2026 | Ordinance adopting the FY 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget with 1% 401K match reinstated and tax rate of $0.3769 per $100 assessed valuation Housing · ORD 5225 | Passed 4–3 |
| Jun 9, 2026 | Resolution amending Resolution 26-96 to authorize additional award of up to $9.5 million in CDBG-DR multi-family housing funds to Mountain Housing Opportunities/South Creek Development (Terrace at River Hills, 126 units) Housing · RES 26-114 | Passed 6–1 |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a four-year contract with RATP Dev ($54,899,942) for the Operations and Maintenance of the Asheville Rides Transit fixed-route transit system Transportation · RES 26-56 | Passed 4–3 |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Resolution appointing a member to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (Kyle Highberg) Economic Development · RES 26-39 | Passed 5–2 |
| Nov 18, 2025 | Motion to deny the conditional zoning amendment request for 767 New Haw Creek (RES EXP-CZ) Zoning & Land Use | Passed 6–1 |
| Aug 26, 2025 | Public hearing to conditionally zone 587 Haywood Road to Haywood Road Form District - Corridor and Community Business I - Conditional Zone Zoning & Land Use · ORD 5168 | Passed 6–1 |
| Aug 26, 2025 | Roney motion to amend Helene Recovery Boards resolution to instruct staff to accept RWG support for boards wanting to meet regularly Administrative | Failed 2–5 |
| Jul 29, 2025 | Continuation of public hearing to rezone 99999 Trade Street from RAD-NT to RM-8 Zoning & Land Use · ORD 5159 | Passed 4–2 |
| Mar 11, 2025 | Motion to deny UDO amendment on cottage development standards (carried over from Feb 11 meeting) Zoning & Land Use | Failed 3–4 |
| Mar 11, 2025 | Motion to deny UDO amendment on flag lot standards (carried over) Zoning & Land Use | Failed 3–4 |
| Feb 25, 2025 | Public hearing to conditionally zone 3183 Sweeten Creek Road (amended motion with added EV/solar/sidewalk conditions) Zoning & Land Use · ORD 5121 | Passed 5–2 |
| Feb 11, 2025 | Motion to deny the resident-led proposed amendments to Chapter 7 regarding cottage development standards Zoning & Land Use | Passed 4–3 |
| Feb 11, 2025 | Motion to deny the resident-led proposed amendments to Chapter 7 regarding flag lot standards Zoning & Land Use | Passed 4–3 |
| May 28, 2024 | Public hearing / ordinance to conditionally zone 21 (property) Zoning & Land Use · ORD 5081 | Passed 5–1 |
| Mar 12, 2024 | Ordinance amending the membership of the Asheville-Buncombe Riverfront Commission to remove the County Commissioner seat Zoning & Land Use | Failed 3–3 |
| Mar 12, 2024 | Public hearing / ordinance to conditionally zone 1 Angle Street and 10 Kitchin Place from Community Business II District to Commercial Expansion - Conditional Zone Zoning & Land Use · ORD 5060 | Passed 4–2 |
| Dec 12, 2023 | Ordinance to conditionally rezone 2 Butler Road from Community Business II District to Residential Expansion-Conditional Zone Zoning & Land Use · ORD 5053 | Passed 5–1 |
| Oct 24, 2023 | Resolution to amend the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development 2020-24 Consolidated Plan for FY2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22 and 2022-23 Housing · RES 23-241 | Passed 6–1 |
| Oct 24, 2023 | Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to change the development regulations related to cottage development - motion to continue to January 23, 2024 Zoning & Land Use | Passed 6–1 |
| Jul 25, 2023 | Motion to delay the LUIG application for Aston Flats LLC for 46 Aston Street until after the LUIG policy is revised Administrative | Failed 3–4 |
| Apr 25, 2023 | Ordinance establishing FY2023-24 fees and charges for the Water Resources Department Environment & Sustainability · ORD 5011 | Passed 5–2 |
| May 10, 2022 | Resolution approving a request by the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville for GO affordable housing bond funds for the Deaverview Apartment project (as amended) Housing · RES 22-93 | Passed 5–2 |
| May 10, 2022 | Amendment to the motion approving HACA request for $1.465 million in GO affordable housing bond funds for the Deaverview Apartment project Housing · RES 22-93 | Passed 5–2 |
| Apr 26, 2022 | Resolution to amend the assignment of the real estate contracts for 148-150 River Ford Parkway to Shangri-La Industries Housing · RES 22-80 | Passed 4–3 |
| Feb 22, 2022 | Conditional zoning request for property at 363 Hilliard Avenue from CBD to CBD Expansion-Conditional Zone Zoning & Land Use | Failed 2–5 |
| Feb 22, 2022 | Second and final reading of ordinance approving Blue Ridge Rickshaw to operate a pedi-cab transportation service Community Programs · ORD 4929 | Failed 3–4 |
| Feb 8, 2022 | First reading of ordinance granting a franchise agreement with Blue Ridge Rickshaw to operate a pedal bicycle taxi service within the City of Asheville Transportation · ORD 4929 | Passed 4–3 |
| Dec 14, 2021 | Ordinance amending Articles II and XVI of the UDO updating standards for the regulation of homestays (zoning text amendment) Zoning & Land Use · ORD 4917 | Passed 6–1 |
| Aug 24, 2021 | Public hearing/ordinance to conditionally rezone 144 and 159 Riverside Drive Zoning & Land Use · ORD 4398 | Passed 5–2 |
| Jul 27, 2021 | Ordinance amending provisions of the noise ordinance (Chapter 10, Article IV) with staff-recommended decibel limits and nighttime hours Zoning & Land Use · ORD 4390 | Passed 5–2 |
| Feb 23, 2021 | Ordinance to amend the UDO (hotel standards) - Roney motion with 100% public benefits increase (restated, deleting quarterly review) Zoning & Land Use | Failed 2–5 |
| Feb 23, 2021 | Hotel Overlay District - Roney amendment to remove properties adjacent to Urban Renewal Program Area Zoning & Land Use | Failed 3–4 |
| Feb 9, 2021 | Motion to request essays and interviews from the three current board members plus five other applicants for the Asheville City Board of Education Boards & Appointments | Passed 5–2 |
| Feb 9, 2021 | Motion to request essays and interviews from three current members plus named applicants (Blount, Delange, McHargue, O'Conner, Sieburg) Boards & Appointments | Passed 5–2 |
| Jan 26, 2021 | Ordinance to conditionally zone 32.2 acres at 99999 Sand Hill Road for a warehouse and distribution facility, with Future Land Use Map change Zoning & Land Use · ORD 4753 | Passed 5–2 |
Recusals (12)
| Date | Item | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 9, 2026 | Budget amendment of $45,000 in General Fund to fund the City's annual contribution to the Sports Commission Budget & Finance · ORD 5227 | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 10, 2025 | Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget amendment to fund the City's annual contribution to the Sports Commission Housing · ORD 5145 | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 10, 2025 | Motion to recuse Councilwoman Turner from voting on the budget amendment for the Sports Commission Budget & Finance | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 11, 2024 | Budget amendment of $45,000 to fund the City's contribution to the Sports Commission Transportation · ORD 5086 | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 11, 2024 | Motion to recuse Councilwoman Turner from voting on the budget amendment (Sports Commission) Budget & Finance | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 13, 2023 | Ordinance adopting the FY2024 Annual Operating Budget Budget & Finance · ORD 5021 | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 13, 2023 | Budget amendment of $100,000 in the General Fund from City Manager's Contingency to fund the City's annual contribution (Economic Development Coalition) Economic Development · ORD 5022 | Passed 5–0 |
| Jun 13, 2023 | Budget amendment of $45,000 in the General Fund from City Manager's Contingency to fund the City's annual contribution (Sports Commission) Transportation · ORD 5023 | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 13, 2023 | Motion to recuse Mayor Manheimer from voting on the budget amendment (Economic Development Coalition conflict) Economic Development | Passed 5–0 |
| Jun 13, 2023 | Motion to recuse Councilwoman Turner from voting on the budget (Asheville Downtown Association conflict) Administrative | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 28, 2022 | Motion to recuse Councilwoman Turner from voting on the budget amendment (Sports Commission) Budget & Finance | Passed 6–0 |
| Jun 28, 2022 | Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget amendment to fund the City's contribution to nonprofits (Sports Commission) Housing · ORD 4956 | Passed 5–2 |
Most recent votes
| Date | Item | Turner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 8, 2026 | Ordinance amending Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Asheville by adding a new Section 4-209(c) in order to provide additional protections for tenants from unsafe dwelling conditions Housing · ORD 5261 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Motion to amend the proposed Section 4-209(c) tenant-protection ordinance so the prohibition on collecting rent applies only upon issuance of an order prepared in accordance with Section 4-217(b) Housing | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Dogwood Health Trust Leverage Fund for grant development assistance, to accept grant funds if awarded, and enter into any agreement documents necessary for such acceptance Budget & Finance · RES 26-188 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission Grant Program to construct a new Asheville Rides Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility Transportation · RES 26-187 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into the Fiscal Year 2027 N.C. Dept. of Transportation State Maintenance Assistance Program funding agreement Transportation · RES 26-186 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution ratifying the grant application and award acceptance from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security 2024 Homeland Security Grant Program for the Barricade Trailer Project; and associated budget amendment Public Safety · RES 26-185 / ORD 5260 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement with the Asheville City Schools Foundation for the disbursement of college scholarship funds to graduating seniors from the City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy Economic Development · RES 26-184 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Motion to recuse Vice-Mayor Mosley from participating in the City Collective, LLC Deaverview Master Plan contract (Consent Item E) due to a conflict of interest Administrative | Yes | Passed 6–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with City Collective, LLC to develop a Master Plan for land in the Deaverview neighborhood owned by the City of Asheville and Housing Authority of the City of Asheville Housing · RES 26-183 | Yes | Passed 6–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Budget amendment in the amount of $4.2M for additional Helene Disaster Recovery and Response expenses, funded with Federal and State Emergency Management Agency reimbursements, to fund upcoming expenses such as a temporary bridge for Gashes Creek and a recent obligation for Parks content replacements and grants management costs; and transfer $105,000 in donations from the Special Revenue Fund to the General Capital Projects Fund to support the temporary skating rink project Budget & Finance · ORD 5259 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at Oktoberfest on October 3, 2026 Administrative · RES 26-182 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Opticos Design, Inc. to develop an update to the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan and new development regulations, including the Unified Development Ordinance, and Standard Specifications and Details Manual; and approval of an associated budget amendment to transfer funds to the Special Revenue Fund for the contract Zoning & Land Use · RES 26-181 / ORD 5258 | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Approval of the minutes of the special meeting held on August 25, 2026; combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on August 20, 2026, and the formal meeting held on August 25, 2026 Administrative | Yes | Passed 7–0 |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Resolution calling for the City of Asheville's Manager to terminate the City's contract with Flock Public Safety · RES 26-180 | Yes | Passed 5–2 |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per North Carolina General Statute section 105-381 Budget & Finance | Yes | Passed 7–0 |