What we do We are working for you! All departments within the City of Asheville are operating. In the Communication and Public Engagement Department some staff are in a Joint Information Center with County partners, some are in the City’s Area Command and some are working remotely. This is an evolving situation. Our partners in Buncombe County are a great resource for the latest information on our community’s COVID-19 response. To receive emergency texts directly from Buncombe County for breaking health and safety news text BCALERT on your smartphone to 888-777. Sign up for AVL Alerts online for information from the City of Asheville. AVL ! ALERT The Communication & Public Engagement Department (CAPE) is responsible for the city’s strategic communications and coordination of public engagement efforts. Communication responsibilities include media relations, community relations, intergovernmental relations and internal communications. It seeks the best ways for the City to communicate its priorities and achieve its policy objectives, and designs public education and community outreach initiatives to inform citizens and the media about City services, programs and policy. CAPE is also responsible for leading, coordinating or supporting efforts between City of Asheville departments, outside partner agencies and consultants. With a commitment to equity, professionalism, innovation and best practices, the City’s public engagement efforts seek to maximize participant access, understanding and experience. Asheville Government Channel Streaming External Communication Internal Communication Media Relations Neighborhood Services On-Demand City Council Recordings Public Engagement Efforts ConnectCommunication and Public Engagement70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801Mailing AddressPO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 288801Business HoursMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.DirectorDawa HitchPhone828-259-5981Additional LinksStaff Directory Related Services Watch a live stream of the City channel View live televised Asheville City Council meetings, at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Sign up for city e-newsletter Receive City News in your inbox! Explore city data Public datasets and maps are available on the open data portal at data.ashevillenc.gov. Gun safety Learn how to prevent deadly gun accidents and teach your children what to do if they come across a firearm. More Related Services Communication and Public Engagement News Asheville Reparations Speaker Series continues June 10 and 17, community urged to participate Posted on June 8, 2021June 8, 2021 by Polly McDaniel On July 14, 2020, Asheville City Council passed a Resolution Supporting Community Reparations for Black Asheville. The resolution calls for the City Manager to, “establish a process within the next year to develop short, medium and long term recommendations to specifically address the creation of generational wealth and to boost economic mobility [...] Jeremy Lett steps into new role as Asheville Neighborhood Services Specialist Posted on March 3, 2021March 3, 2021 by Polly McDaniel The City of Asheville has a new go-to person dedicated to two-way communication with our neighborhoods. Jeremy Lett has joined the City as Neighborhood Services Specialist, working alongside Neighborhood and Community Engagement Manager Brenda Mills. This role is a part of the new initiatives set forth by the City from the Reimagining [...] Asheville residents invited to take survey about City government Posted on January 7, 2021January 11, 2021 by Polly McDaniel How are we doing, as your City government? The City of Asheville is working with the Polco/National Community Survey company to find out. The National Community Survey captures residents’ opinions on governance and participation, also drilling down to specific issues such as the built environment, community engagement, recreation and wellness, the economy, safety and mobility. Some residents [...] More Communication and Public Engagement News
Watch a live stream of the City channel View live televised Asheville City Council meetings, at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
Explore city data Public datasets and maps are available on the open data portal at data.ashevillenc.gov.
Gun safety Learn how to prevent deadly gun accidents and teach your children what to do if they come across a firearm.
Asheville Reparations Speaker Series continues June 10 and 17, community urged to participate Posted on June 8, 2021June 8, 2021 by Polly McDaniel On July 14, 2020, Asheville City Council passed a Resolution Supporting Community Reparations for Black Asheville. The resolution calls for the City Manager to, “establish a process within the next year to develop short, medium and long term recommendations to specifically address the creation of generational wealth and to boost economic mobility [...]
Jeremy Lett steps into new role as Asheville Neighborhood Services Specialist Posted on March 3, 2021March 3, 2021 by Polly McDaniel The City of Asheville has a new go-to person dedicated to two-way communication with our neighborhoods. Jeremy Lett has joined the City as Neighborhood Services Specialist, working alongside Neighborhood and Community Engagement Manager Brenda Mills. This role is a part of the new initiatives set forth by the City from the Reimagining [...]
Asheville residents invited to take survey about City government Posted on January 7, 2021January 11, 2021 by Polly McDaniel How are we doing, as your City government? The City of Asheville is working with the Polco/National Community Survey company to find out. The National Community Survey captures residents’ opinions on governance and participation, also drilling down to specific issues such as the built environment, community engagement, recreation and wellness, the economy, safety and mobility. Some residents [...]