Departments

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) manages a unique collection of public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer programs related to wellness, education, and culture for Ashevillians of all ages.

The department’s main objectives are to plan, budget, design, and manage projects as well as to maintain our current facilities. We strive to ensure projects are built on time and within budget. We promote an equitable, collaborative system for prioritizing maintenance and construction of capital assets that will allow for clear communication of budgetary needs and alignment with organizational priorities and values. We seek to help develop and practice procurement for all levels of contracting that actively and intentionally seek to increase equity and inclusion in project initiation, development, design, and construction.

The City Clerk is responsible for preparing and distributing City Council Agendas and Action Agendas along with their associated backup material. She also serves as the custodian of all official city records and services City Council’s boards and commissions. The city clerk attends all City Council meetings and provides for meeting minutes.

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.

The Communication and Public Engagement Department is responsible for the city's strategic communications and public engagement efforts to include the Asheville Government Channel, external communication, internal communication, media relations, and neighborhood services.

The Department of Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities manages a unique collection of sporting & entertainment facilities and operations. Over 1.5 Million people participate in programs or attend events at the facilities, including the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, ExploreAsheville.com Arena, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, WNC Nature Center, McCormick Field, Aston Park Tennis Center, John B Lewis Soccer Complex and outdoor events within parks and public spaces, permitted by the City’s Office of Special Events.

The Development Services Department (DSD) promotes safety, livability and positive economic growth to build a better and safer Asheville. DSD processes permits, performs inspections, maintains records and helps customers navigate the development process.

The Office of Equity & Inclusion plays a unique role toward maximizing the access and opportunities that all people have to satisfy essential needs, advance their well-being and achieve their full potential.

The Finance and Management Services Department provides financial management and oversight in support of all city functions while adhering to the principles of leadership, customer service, quality, integrity, and collaboration.

The mission of the City of Asheville Fire Department is to protect the lives, property and environment of all people within Asheville by preventing the occurrence and minimizing the adverse effects of fires, accidents, and all other emergencies.

Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville is the largest event venue located in downtown Asheville, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a history dating back over one hundred years, these facilities have played host to a variety of events, including concerts, meetings, trade shows, professional conferences and conventions, athletic competitions, and artistic performances.

The Human Resources department is committed to creating an exceptional employee experience. The HR team discovers, connects, and develops employees through a range of services, including talent acquisition, talent management, training and education, communication, compensation and benefits, and wellness.

The mission of the Internal Audit function is to promote efficient, effective, and accountable city government. The office conducts financial, operational and compliance audits of all City departments, divisions and programs. This information is intended to assist in the control of operations, the overall control of assets, and the effectiveness of the system of internal controls.

IT Services is responsible for maintaining technology infrastructure, providing support to staff, and maintaining a portfolio of resources such as GIS services, the city website, SimpliCity, and open data initiatives.

The Office of the City Attorney provides legal support and representation to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and other City staff on a broad range of issues. The Legal department is not authorized to provide legal advice to members of the public.

The City of Asheville Parking Services Division provides convenient, safe, clean, and accessible public parking options.

The Planning and Urban Design Department provides sound, professional land use planning, zoning, urban design and historic preservation services to achieve livable and sustainable neighborhoods for everyone. The department is committed to collaborating with our community on its vision for equitable growth and development consistent with Asheville’s comprehensive plan.

The Police Department provides the highest level of police services in partnership with the community to enhance the quality of life. We provide public safety and maintain order, enforce the laws of North Carolina, uphold the U.S. Constitution and support national security, all while adhering to the guiding principles of integrity, fairness, respect and professionalism.

The Public Works Department provides essential core services, including construction and maintenance of infrastructure, solid waste management, and fleet management to Asheville citizens and visitors in an efficient, safe, and environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.

The Purchasing Division facilitates the procurement of goods and services for the City of Asheville, following NC General Statutes as well as City of Asheville policy and procedures. The division also posts bids and is responsible for the disposal of the City's surplus personal property.

The Sanitation Division promotes a healthy, safe, and sustainable community by providing efficient, reliable, and innovative waste management services. The division strives to deliver excellent customer service and to enhance the community and the environment through the implementation of an effective integrated waste management plan.

The Stormwater Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the timely installation, maintenance, repair, and revitalization of storm drainage infrastructure within the City rights-of-way. The Division implements the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, whose goal is to improve water quality. The Division also works to reduce flooding for the citizens of Asheville.

The Streets & Sidewalks Division constructs and maintains the City’s streets, sidewalks, trees, and rights-of-way in an efficient manner and provides emergency response services in all types of weather. The Division works to ensure a safe and efficient road and sidewalk system through proper maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement. The Division also strives to maintain and improve traffic conditions to strengthen citizens’ sense of community and allow for quick response by emergency service providers.

The Office of Sustainability is responsible for incorporating City Council’s Strategic Goals and City Resolutions pertaining to climate change and the environment within the organization.

The Transit Division of the Transportation Department oversees the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus service throughout the City of Asheville and Town of Black Mountain.

The Water Resources Department (WRD) provides drinking water to Asheville and the surrounding areas. WRD owns and operates three drinking water treatment plants, and maintains over 1700 miles of water lines in the distribution system