What we do


Asheville uses the council-manager form of local government, under which elected City Council members are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Asheville, and who hire the city manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are equitably served. The manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. By building public/private partnerships, managers target all of a community’s resources to solve current problems. The city manager’s primary responsibility is to keep our community running smoothly.

To be successful, complex local government operations require strong political leadership, policy development, a relentless focus on execution and results, a commitment to transparent and ethical government, and a strategy for representing and engaging every segment of the community. The city manager:

  • Works with elected officials as they develop policies. The manager may discuss problems and recommendations, propose new plans, or discuss issues that affect the community and its residents.
  • Ensures that laws and policies approved by elected officials are equitably enforced throughout the city.
  • Develops recommendations for new programs indicating scope, cost and impact for consideration by City Council.
  • Prepares the annual budget, submits it to elected officials for approval and implements it once approved.
  • Supervises department heads and other employees and top appointees who are responsible for day-to-day operations of the city.
  • Ensures customer service efficiency and effectiveness.

City of Asheville Organizational Chart


Related Services

Related Projects

2016 General Obligation (GO) Bond

Project Overview In 2016 voters approved a bond referendum to finance capital improvement projects across the city. A total of $74 million was issued for projects categorized by three focus areas:  $17 million for parks $25 million for housing $32 million for transportation  These projects help address the city’s unfunded capital needs and supplement funding for projects that are already [...]

Downtown Business Improvement District Implementation (BID)

Project Overview The City of Asheville will be implementing a Business Improvement District (BID) in Downtown Asheville beginning July 1, 2024 following Council Action on June 11, 2024. A BID administers services within a defined district above and beyond those provided by the City. The services are funded through a special tax assessment added to property [...]

City Manager's Office News

sunset over downtown asheville

City Council scheduled to consider contract for Downtown Business Improvement District service provider at January 14 regular meeting

The City of Asheville is pleased to share the latest updates and next steps for services and operations of the recently approved Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). City staff are moving forward with contract negotiations with the highest-ranking proposal received as part of a competitive process to identify a service provider. A [...]