Belfry photo

 Scaffolding and fencing to accompany Asheville City Hall belfry repair

  A project to repair the Asheville City Hall belfry roof begins this week. Workers will restore the original 1927 terracotta roof tiles and masonry. The belfry is the very top of the building – think pink tiles and chimes. Deliveries of scaffolding and fencing materials began Nov. 9. Fencing was installed around the perimeter of the building to [...]

Asheville parking meters

‘Smart’ parking meters to be installed throughout downtown Asheville

  They won’t do your taxes but the new “smart” parking meters coming to all of downtown Asheville this year will make paying for parking much easier. For one thing, you’ll have the option to use your debit or credit card. For another, Passport app parking payments will display on the new meters, leaving the guesswork out [...]

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2019 City of Asheville initiatives: What to look for in the new year

With a new year comes new programs, facility improvements and projects to improve our community. Here’s a look ahead at Asheville City government initiatives in 2019.     Red Pandas exhibit to open Two cute red pandas will take up residence at the WNC Nature Center this year. The new red panda exhibit will open to the public on [...]

asheville transit bus

2020 ART bus improvements to include more frequency, new routes and added convenience 

    It’s here at last. Starting Jan. 5, ART buses will run more frequently with an increased focus on improving on-time performance.   There are so many improvements to our routes that the City of Asheville put together an online resource page titled Service Changes January 2020. On this page, riders will find new route maps and schedules. [...]

band performing at pack square

2020 Asheville Outdoor Public Space Festivals & Events brochure now available

The City of Asheville’s 2020 Events Brochure is now available on Issuu.com and printed and available around town. You can also stop by City Hall for your copy, available at Community and Economic Development on the fifth floor and the City Manager’s office on the second floor.    The brochure is more than just a directory [...]

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2020 City of Asheville initiatives: What to look for in the new year

With a new year comes new programs, facility improvements and projects to improve our community. Here’s a look ahead at 10 Asheville City government initiatives as we ring in not only a new year, but a new decade  in 2020.     Civic Center gets Harrah’s Cherokee name  The year 2020 will start with excitement for the newly named Harrah’s Cherokee Center — [...]

band performing at pack square

2022 Asheville Outdoor Public Space Festivals & Events brochure now available

The City of Asheville’s 2022 Events Brochure is now available on Issuu.com.   The brochure is more than just a directory highlighting fun things to do. The festivals and events brochure is a tool to assist the community for vendor, exhibitor, marketing, and volunteer opportunities. Looking for tips on planning an event? The online [...]

Image of people milling around food trucks at 68 Haywood

68 Haywood event applications open for the summer season

    Temporary uses and community programs will continue this spring and summer at 68 Haywood Street, a public gathering space across from the U.S. Cellular Center. This is an opportunity for craft fairs, food trucks and other special event organizers to set up in the heart of downtown.   The future development site was made available for public [...]

Community communication

A message to our community: Regarding removal of homeless camp

  On Feb. 1, a homeless camp under an I-240 bridge in the City limits was removed. The action did not align with the City of Asheville’s typical practice in handling homeless camps. The City Manager’s Office met with Division 13 North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff Feb. 2 to fully understand what occurred and [...]

Community communication

A message to our community: Regarding the I-240 homeless camp

    There has been much discussion over the past few weeks about the tent encampment that has grown near the NCDOT property located on Haywood Street near I-240. As the camp has grown, so have the concerns over public safety and public health. We have received numerous complaints of open drug use, theft, and sexual assault at [...]

girls playing soccer

ABYSA to share financial responsibility for JBL Soccer Complex maintenance, under new agreement

Contributed image   Work began about two weeks ago at John B. Lewis Soccer Complex to repair damages caused by multiple flooding events in 2018. And a resolution adopted by Asheville City Council during its March 26 meeting puts in place an agreement for shared financial responsibility for future maintenance at the facility.   The City’s new lease agreement [...]

shelter illustration

An update on how the City of Asheville is addressing homelessness

    Homelessness in Asheville has long been a serious and complex issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has both highlighted and heightened this reality. While the homeless service system we’ve had in Asheville has ended homelessness for a small number of people annually, it’s never had the resources to operate at a scale that will make homelessness truly [...]

Reparations logo

Announcement of new City of Asheville Reparations Commission members

The Asheville City Council has approved five seat appointments for the Community Reparations Commission representing the five impact focus areas of criminal justice, economic development, education, health care and housing.     Those members appointed by Asheville City Council are:    Dewana Little – Criminal Justice Dr. Dwight B Mullen -Economic Development CiCi  Weston – Education Dr. Tamarie Macon – Healthcare Joyce Harrison – [...]

mom holds young student's hand as she walks him from school bus

APD: Keep school bus safety in mind, as some students are still attending classes

  A new mode of school is now in session for Asheville students, but officers with the Asheville Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) say the same safety measures apply.   “Students and school buses on the roads haven’t just been gone for the summer — it has been even longer,” said APD Traffic Safety Unit Sergeant Scott [...]

City Hall photo with flag

Applicants invited to apply for Asheville City Council vacancy

    The City of Asheville operates under a council-manager form of government. The Asheville City Council establishes the City’s policies and appoints the City Manager, who oversees day-to-day city operations and executes Council-established laws and policies.  The City Council also ensures the entire community is being served.   The City Council is made up of a mayor and [...]

Reparations logo

Application deadline for Community Reparations Commission extended

    In response to residents requests, the City of Asheville is extending the deadline to apply to be a member of the Community Reparations Commission until January 15.    The opportunity to serve is available to all residents of Asheville and Buncombe County and can be found online.   ONLINE FORMS: Neighborhood Candidate Interest Form:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M6CG2MH Impact Focus Area [...]

April is Food Waste Reduction Month in Asheville!

City of Asheville partners with Food Waste Solutions WNC to celebrate and promote food waste reduction with a month-long social media campaign and Taste It, Don’t Waste It! chefs cook-off event Each year, an estimated 57,500 tons of food is wasted in Buncombe County — that’s about one-quarter of the county’s commercial and residential landfill waste. To [...]

masked bus riders Instagram message

ART bus COVID-19 service reminders

  On July 14, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina would remain in Phase II of re-opening until August 7. COVID-19 continues to impact Asheville Rides Transit service. Buses continue to have a 9-passenger limit, and Young Transportation is assisting with overload routes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.   Our procedure for full buses: ·         When buses reach the 9-passenger [...]

ART bus launches new real-time app for Asheville riders

  Ready for a better tool to help you keep up with ART bus schedules? Here it comes, with the launch of the new Transit App available to Asheville transit riders.   The new app offers real-time information on bus arrivals and can even help map your bus ride to get you where you want to [...]

photo of ARt bus and people

ART buses on-time arrivals on the rise under new management

  Less than five months into the City of Asheville’s new Transit Operations and Maintenance Contract with RATP Dev (formerly McDonald Transit), on-time performance of ART bus service has noticeably improved. In October 2017, the City moved to a new management model with RATP Dev to improve system reliability and on-time performance (OTP).   On-time performance refers to [...]

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Art Ecologie wins Visiting Artist selection

Sample college project / rendering     The City of Asheville is pleased to announce that Art Ecologie featuring: Monique Luck, Flavia Lovatelli and Francisco Gonzalez has been selected as the inaugural Visiting Artist.   Art Ecologie’s has proposed to transform the area with a multi-dimensional cube installation of metal/wood and bright imagery representing the past and the future, at [...]

Art in the Heart: Call for Artists Application Deadline Extended until August 1, 2022

Updated Deadline for applications The deadline for applications for Art in the Heart has been extended to August 1, 2022. Existing applications will be reviewed and notified of the change in dates.   Call for applications  In partnership with the Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections and Asheville’s Public Art and Cultural Commission, the City is kicking off [...]

Service Alert

ART Service Alert

UPDATE 3:00PM Route S4 is now up and running. We will update as road conditions improve.   UPDATE 9:10AM Some ART routes are back in service. We will update you as City crews continue working on the roads. The following routes/locations will not be able to be accessed until conditions improve: 170 – No Haw Creek S5 – No River Ridge S4 not [...]

Service Alert

ART service changes coming to WE2 route, public comment accepted through Sept. 17

  Asheville Rides Transit (ART) is making changes to the WE2 route schedule and its service to the Social Security Administration at Centre Park Drive.   Beginning September 19, the WE2 will no longer service the Social Security bus stops after 4:30 pm outbound, 5 pm inbound, and on weekends. This applies to the following stops: Stop ID [...]

Wyatt Grant artwork

Artist chosen for public art installation at renovated ART Transit Center

  Renovations at the ART Transit Center will be enhanced with the installation of public art in the waiting room and ticket area. A team representing City staff, ART Operations staff, Better Buses Together and the Public Art and Cultural Commission have chosen Asheville-based artist Wyatt Grant to design murals for the [...]

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Asheville 2018 in review: New leadership, APD data releases, bond projects advance and more

  With 2018 nearly in the books, it’s time to take stock of City of Asheville projects and developments from the past year. Here are 10 topics that your City government advanced in 2018. We’ll have 2019 initiatives to look for in another roundup Jan. 1.   Debra Campbell becomes Asheville City Manager The search for a new City Manager [...]

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Asheville 2019 in review: Electric buses, election format, red pandas and more

  With 2019 nearly in the books, it’s time to take stock of City of Asheville projects and developments from the past year. Here are 10 initiatives that your City government advanced in 2019. Read about the Asheville Police Department’s accomplishments for 2019 at this link. We’ll have 2020 initiatives to look [...]

homelessness

Asheville 2021 Point-in-Time count of people experiencing homelessness tabulated

    The City of Asheville’s 2021 Point-in-Time count was conducted on January 27, 2021, and the results have been submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The 2021 Point-in-Time count identified 527 people experiencing homelessness in our community, which is a slight decrease from the 2020 count of 547.     Overall the data are consistent [...]

Budget illustration

Asheville budget worksessions, adoption schedule announced

It’s budget season for the City of Asheville. From March through June, City Council will work with City staff to review budget options, aligning Council priorities with available funding.   The City’s operating budget must be passed by July 1. That’s because the City runs on a fiscal year of July through June. By law, it must be a balanced budget — [...]

jonathan feldman

Asheville Chief Information Officer accepts new position in Wake County Government

Chief Information Officer Jonathan Feldman has accepted a position as Chief Information Officer with Wake County Government in Raleigh, North Carolina and will leave the City of Asheville Oct. 14. During his seventeen year tenure, the City of Asheville became an early adopter of cloud-based technology, cybersecurity was enhanced and the diversity of the Information Technology [...]

Rotary club check presentation

Asheville City Council accepts donations from two groups for ART bus shelters

  Civic partners stepped up to provide funding for three bus shelters — $16,000 in contributions combined — accepted in a budget amendment by Asheville City Council during their May 25 meeting.   The Transportation Department has been working with these community organizations to provide donations to install standard bus shelters along Asheville Rides Transit bus routes.   The Rotary Club [...]

bus shelter donation

Asheville City Council accepts money donated for bus shelter by two civic organizations

  Civic partners have stepped up to provide funding for a new bus shelter — $5,000 in contributions — accepted in a budget amendment by Asheville City Council during their October 12 meeting.   The Transportation Department has been working with these community organizations to provide donations to install standard bus shelters along Asheville Rides Transit bus routes.   The [...]

Haywood Page concept rendering

Asheville City Council adopts Haywood-Page properties Master Concept Plan

  After more than three years of community engagement around the future use of City-owned properties on Haywood Street and Page Avenue downtown, a master concept plan for the properties went before Asheville City Council Oct. 27.   The plan by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects incorporates a mix of uses, including:  A central plaza for community gatherings and [...]

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Asheville City Council adopts modest fees and charges changes for FY 2021-2022

    In a year when the COVID-19 pandemic economically challenged our community, the City of Asheville did not increase fees and charges for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 (which runs July to June). Also, in an effort to limit the financial impact of the pandemic, some fees were waived, and late charges were deferred. This was done even though [...]

nondiscrimination illustration

Asheville City Council adopts Nondiscrimination Ordinance

    In alignment with Buncombe County, on April 27 Asheville City Council passed a Nondiscrimination Ordinance, protecting people from discrimination in public accommodations and private employment.   From March 30, 2017, through December 1, 2020, the State of North Carolina prohibited local governments from regulating private employment practices and/or public accommodations. This restriction ceased in December of 2020, [...]

asheville police department badge graphic

Asheville City Council adopts revised Alarm Ordinance designed to cut down on false alarms

  With the new fiscal year will come new registration and renewal fees for alarm systems in the City of Asheville. Following an overwhelming number of false alarms coming into the Asheville Police Department — 97% of which were false alarms — City Council adopted a revised Alarm Ordinance at its June 22 meeting.   According to the [...]

Workers cleaning downtown sidewalk

Asheville City Council allocates funds for downtown cleanliness

  Keeping our downtown clean enhances it for everyone. During their Oct. 22 meeting, Asheville City Council approved a contract for WNC Landscaping to focus on Central Business District cleanliness. Specifically, the contractor will:         Pressure wash City-owned downtown sidewalks;         Keep those sidewalks clear of weeds;         [...]

glass of water

Asheville City Council approves Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project

On July 26, the Asheville City council voted unanimously  to approve the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project, or AMI.  The new AMI system will replace the Water Department’s current automated meter reading system now reaching the end of its useful life cycle. The newly approved AMI system will utilize a City owned fixed network of antennas and [...]

Asheville City Council approves budget with key investments in our community

  Coming out of a pandemic with limited resources, the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget approved by Asheville City Council June 22 still includes service improvements to our community, such as extended evening transit hours starting in October and expanded evening and weekend hours for youth at City Recreation Centers.   The budget, which goes into effect July 1, [...]

Municipal Golf Course in Asheville

Asheville City Council approves Commonwealth Golf Partners as new operator of the Municipal Golf Course

On August 23, 2022, the Asheville City council voted unanimously to approve Commonwealth Golf Partners II – Asheville LLC (CGP) as the new operator of Asheville’s historic 1927 Donald Ross designed Municipal Golf Course.  CGP will assume operations of the course beginning October 1, 2022 replacing the current operator, Pope Golf LLC, whose contract expires [...]

Fire Station 13 illustration with logo

Asheville City Council approves design contract for planned Fire Station 13

    Design will move forward for a new fire station planned on a property at 316 Broadway St. near Mount Clare Avenue. At their Nov. 12 meeting, Asheville City Council authorized a $407,567 contract for expansion of design services of Fire Station 13 by Charlotte-based ADW Architects. The funding was already included in the City’s Capital Improvement [...]

Grant Southside Center concept sketch

Asheville City Council approves funding for design phase of Southside Center bond project

   The Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center Phase II bond project will move to the design phase, following approval by City Council to authorize money for a contract with Asheville architect Clark Nexsen for design services.   During their Sept. 24 meeting, Council authorized a contract for the design to proceed on the Phase 2 improvements to [...]

road paving file photo

Asheville City Council approves funds for an annual street resurfacing project

City Council, during their July 26 meeting, unanimously approved $659,654.00 plus a 15% contingency of $98,948.10 ($758,602.10 total) for the  Fiscal Year (FY) 22 in funds for the Asphalt Preservation Contract. Funding for this contract has already been budgeted in the General Capital Projects Fund as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  This is [...]

Charlotte Street road diet art

Asheville City Council approves multimodal improvements to enhance mobility and safety for residents

The Charlotte Street Road Diet will move forward, with construction expected in 2020. During their Sept. 10 meeting, Asheville City Council approved a resolution appropriating $973,556.10 to Harrison Construction-Candler Division for the construction of improvements designed to enhance safety for multiple modes of transportation.   It was one of three multimodal items approved by Council during the [...]

Process improvement photo illustration

Asheville City Council approves pilot program designed to reduce discolored water following water line breaks or outages  

  As the City of Asheville works to proactively maintain and invest in Asheville’s water system, Water Resources will begin a pilot program this year to identify ways to enhance its flushing program as a tool to help mitigate impacts to our customers.   At their Feb. 25 meeting, City Council authorized execution of a $50,000 contract with [...]

asheville transit bus

Asheville City Council approves purchase of new ART buses with combination of federal, local funding

  Three new buses will be added to the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) fleet, under action taken by Asheville City Council. At their December 14 meeting, Council approved a resolution to purchase three 30-foot Gillig diesel buses to replace buses in the fleet as they near their useful service life. During the last five years, the City [...]

130 Charlotte Street rendering

Asheville City Council approves rezoning of 130 Charlotte Street

  During their October 12 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to approve a Conditional Zoning Request for property at 130 Charlotte Street (formerly occupied by Fudruckers). This decision aligns with the Council goal of a “well-planned and livable community.”   The approval is for construction of an approximately 166,000-square-foot mixed-use development that includes 186 new [...]

fire hydrant with mountain view

Asheville City Council approves south Asheville water infrastructure improvements

On May 9, 2023, Asheville City Council approved a contract for the engineering services of Hazen and Sawyer for improvements to the South Buncombe Pump Station and Concord Water Service Area. This water infrastructure improvement project serves portions of Biltmore Village, Shiloh, Sweeten Creek, Royal Pines, Mills Gap and Concord water service areas. This project [...]

Asheville City Council approves updates to Noise Ordinance

  At their July 27 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to update the City’s Noise Ordinance with an aim to identify and prioritize noise concerns and develop clear and enforceable thresholds for noise generation.   The vote followed a year-long engagement, then a year delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID gathering restrictions were [...]

Vance Monument and street mural

Asheville City Council approves Vance Monument removal, visioning process for future of the site

  The Vance Monument site on Pack Square could be redeveloped following a community visioning process approved by Asheville City Council March 23. The Council approved removal of the monument as a first step.   Erected in 1897, the 75-foot-tall stone obelisk is named for former Confederate military officer, N.C Governor and U.S. Senator Zebulon Vance, whose home [...]

Hybrid ART bus photo

Asheville City Council authorizes purchase of hybrid and diesel buses while staff continues to evaluate electric bus technology  

    The City of Asheville will buy seven new hybrid and diesel buses for the ART fleet, following Aug. 27 action by City Council to authorize their purchase.   In 2018, the City received $5.7 million in federal grant funds from the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization to buy new transit buses. The City match for the [...]

transit station rendering

Asheville City Council clears the way for ART Station renovation to begin

  Earlier this year, the City of Asheville announced a two-phase ART Transit Station improvement project. The first phase, completed in the first half of the year, replaced the stormwater drainage system in the bus travel lanes and sidewalk. The next phase, renovation of the ART Station itself, is about to begin!   At their July 23 meeting, [...]

Water meter illustration

Asheville City Council clears way for automated water metering system

  Coming your way in 2021: smart water meters. At their Sept. 22 meeting, Asheville City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Cavanaugh and Associates to develop, facilitate and complete the Request for Proposals process for selection of an “advanced metering infrastructure system.”      That’s a mouthful but what it means is that the [...]

City Council meeting modified graphic

Asheville City Council continues remote meetings and here’s how to participate

    For safety and to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, Asheville City Council meetings will remain virtual at this time. That includes the 5 p.m. Feb. 9 City Council meeting.  Here’s what you need to know to watch/listen and/or to participate in the Council meeting. This meeting can be accessed through the City’s Virtual [...]

Reparations update graphic

Asheville City Council hears next steps in Reparations process 

  During the October 12 City Council meeting, Debra Clark Jones, President of TEQuity, the selected project management firm, outlined next steps in the City of Asheville’s Reparations initiative. Information was shared during the City Manager’s Report to Council.     Debra Clark Jones During their September 14 meeting, City Council voted to authorize the City Manager to hire

trees and houses

Asheville City Council hears tree canopy protection amendment

    At Asheville City Council’s Aug. 25 meeting, City staff presented an ordinance focused on the preservation, enhancement and expansion of the City’s tree canopy as it relates to private land development activity.    The proposed changes will ask developers to consider the tree canopy and require that they keep a portion of the trees in place, plant [...]

reparations funding illustration

Asheville City Council makes initial $2.1 million in reparations funding appropriation

    At their June 8 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to appropriate $2.1 million in proceeds from the sale of City-owned land at 172 and 174 South Charlotte Street to fund community reparations. A portion of this property includes land the City purchased in the 1970s through Urban Renewal of East End/Valley Street.   The Council action was [...]

City Hall photo with flag

Asheville City Council Meeting May 10, 2022

Asheville City Council will continue meeting in person at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2022  at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood Street.  

City Council meeting graphic

Asheville City Council meeting to be held following CDC, state and local guidelines

    Top priority is to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and avoid overwhelming our healthcare network   As the City of Asheville continues to work through the COVID-19 public health emergency,  we want to make our residents aware of our modified operations, especially regarding how they can participate in their City government.   Taking into consideration CDC, N.C. Department of Health [...]

City Council meeting modified graphic

Asheville City Council meeting to be held remotely and here’s how you can participate

    Top priority is the safety of our community and to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while conducting City business   The May 12 Asheville City Council meeting and budget work session will be held remotely. Due to the locally declared State of Emergency and Stay Safe, Stay Home order, there will be no public attendance at these meetings. [...]

City Hall with flag

Asheville City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 14, 2022; Budget Public Hearing

Budget Public Hearing - Your chance to be Heard. The community is invited to this opportunity to comment on the recommended investments in person at the Council meeting or utilize remote options. We encourage community participation.                             

Asheville City Council Meeting, Tuesday May 24, 2022

Asheville City Council will continue meeting in person at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022  at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood Street.     The Council meeting agenda is posted at this link. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 143-318.10 this will be an in-person meeting which the public can access [...]

USCC meeting photo

Asheville City Council moves Sept. 24 meeting to USCC Banquet Hall

Update: Because tonight’s Ashville City Council meeting is offsite, we will not be able to show presentations on the live stream. For people who want to follow along, here is a link to them however. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MZfE6Ak7hnvzkAE5VvKjYp_oUreuZNuy?usp=sharing   Original post: The next formal meeting of the Asheville City Council will be held at 5 p.m. Sept. 24 [...]

Asheville City Council passes FY23 budget with key investments in top priorities.

At its June 28 meeting Asheville City Council passed the City Managers recommended budget with a 6 to 1 vote.  The $217 million budget is based on internal work, community input and Council priorities, and reflects the long term strategies and continuation of the reimagining public safety process. 

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Asheville City Council reprises consent agenda for the record

  Due to broadcasting difficulties during the Sept. 28 City Council meeting, the Oct. 12 Council agenda will reprise the full consent agenda from the Sept. 28 City Council meeting, as the vote on these items was not broadcast or recorded in open virtual session. In order to ensure full transparency and to comply with North [...]

aerial view of substation

Asheville City Council rezones Patton Avenue property for new type of Duke Energy substation

Asheville City Council cleared the way for a new Duke Energy substation with a vote to rezone portions of 252 Patton Ave. and 28 Knoxville Place, during Council’s Jan. 22 meeting.   Duke has proposed the construction of a gas-insulated, high-voltage switchgear (or GIS) substation on the parcel that formerly served as a car dealership on [...]

Photo of 4 people voting

Asheville City Council takes next step toward reinstating at-large elections and nonpartisan municipal primaries  

    Asheville City Council took a step closer to amending its charter to reinstate at-large elections for all Council members and nonpartisan Council primaries by holding public hearings on the matter during their Sept. 24 meeting. The City’s charter is listed in Chapter 1 of the Municipal Code, posted on the City’s website.   During the [...]

Word bonds spelled out with scrabble letters

Asheville City Council takes step to spread bond costs over longer term at lower rate

  On Nov. 8, 2016, Asheville voters approved three bond referendums: $32 million for transportation projects, $25 million for affordable housing projects and $17 million for Parks projects.   Since the inception of the bond program, City of Asheville projects have including enhancements such as resurfaced streets and sidewalks; investments in affordable housing; and improvements to parks, including [...]

Illustration of people voting

Asheville City Council to consider reinstating at-large elections through charter amendments

  Two resolutions passed by City Council Sept. 10 set into motion a process to reverse state law mandating district elections for the City’s governing board. The resolutions are part of a three-step process required to amend the City’s charter and return the Council elections to an at-large format and restore primary elections, said City Attorney Brad [...]

model of a house and key ring on a blueprint

Asheville City Council to hold affordable housing worksession

  On Sept. 6, Asheville City Council will hold a worksession on affordable housing. The session will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood St.   The goal of the session is to review the realities of local affordable housing needs, barriers to building affordable housing and the [...]

top of Asheville City Hall building

Asheville City Council to hold annual retreat March 2-3, 2023

The Asheville City Council will be holding their annual retreat on Thursday, March 2, 2023 (Noon-5 p.m.) and on Friday, March 3, 2023 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), at  the Buncombe County Government Administration Building located at 200 College Street, Asheville, N.C.  The public is welcome to attend; however, public comment will not be taken. 

Asheville City Council to hold budget retreat

  Asheville City Council will hold a budget retreat March 13 in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville banquet hall. This daylong budget retreat will be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel at this link. Council members will attend a legislative breakfast starting at  8 a.m. and then the actual retreat will [...]

City Council meeting graphic

Asheville City Council to hold budget work session prior to May 11 meeting 

    For safety and to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, Asheville City Council meetings remain virtual at this time. That includes the May 11 City Council meeting.  In addition to the 5 p.m. meeting Council will hold a 2:30 p.m. budget work session.   May 11 will be the fifth budget work session for the 2021-2022 budget. The [...]

City Council meeting graphic

Asheville City Council to hold called meeting April 28

    Asheville City Council will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m. April 28 to consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for and receive funds from Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to recover costs  associated with the COVID-19 pandemic event and to designate the applicant agents.  You can find related documents

Civic Center building shot with Harrah's logo in corner of image

Asheville City Council votes to accept Civic Center naming rights proposal from Harrah’s Cherokee

  Asheville City Council voted 6 to 1 May 28 to accept an offer for a 5- to 10-year naming rights agreement with Harrah’s Cherokee for the Asheville Civic Center in downtown Asheville. The new agreement will replace the existing contract with U.S. Cellular that expires December 31, 2019. The vote concludes a year-long effort to explore [...]

Days inn

Asheville City Council votes to allocate $2 million toward Homeward Bound’s purchase of Days Inn for permanent supportive housing 

  In a continuing effort to partner with local agencies to mitigate the impacts of homelessness in our community the City of Asheville will help fund Homeward Bound’s acquisition of the Days Inn on Tunnel Road for permanent supportive housing for our homeless population.   At their July 27 meeting, Asheville City Council approved a [...]

Red roof inn graphic illustration

Asheville City Council votes to extend funding to house unsheltered residents vulnerable to COVID-19

  Recognizing the additional threat of harm posed by COVID-19 to already vulnerable unsheltered residents, the City of Asheville has taken proactive measures to provide socially distanced emergency shelter to people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.    Initially, the City provided temporary shelter to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of age [...]

Asheville City Manager announces the hiring of two key director positions

  Interim Director of Equity and Inclusion Brenda Mills, and Interim Director of Community and Economic Development, Nikki Reid, have both been promoted to permanent director for their respective departments.   After a national search, Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell found the talent and the passion for public service she sought to fill two important director positions within [...]

D. Tyrell McGirt

Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell names new Parks & Recreation Director

  After a national search, City Manager Debra Campbell is excited to announce that D. Tyrell McGirt will become  Asheville’s next Parks & Recreation Director. McGirt succeeds Roderick Simmons, who retired earlier this year, after 14 years with the City. His first day on the job will be January 24.   McGirt comes to Asheville from his latest [...]

Rachel Wood Asheville Assistant City Manager

Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell names Rachel Wood as Assistant City Manager

    After a national search, City Manager Debra Campbell is excited to announce that Rachel Wood will become Asheville’s next Assistant City Manager. Her first day on the job will be January 24.   Wood comes to the City of Asheville from Denton, Texas, where she has served in a number of roles, most recently as Deputy Director [...]

Photo of construction cranes

Asheville City Manager Development Forum set for Friday

    The City of Asheville’s Office of Economic Development hosts the City Manager’s Development Forum twice a year, in May and November. The next forum is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15, at the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood St. The forum — which is free and open to the public — [...]

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Asheville City Manager shares timeline and process for hiring new Police Chief

    We want to share with the community an update about the Asheville Police Department interim leadership and the process for selecting a new Police Chief.   As previously announced, APD Chief Chris Bailey has decided to resign for personal reasons. His last day will be Sept. 27.   Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell has named Robert C. White (Retired) [...]

Asheville City pools to open for the season on June 8

    Get ready to cool it this summer at Asheville City pools. All three pools will open for the summer on June 8. Here is information on hours, admission, pool passes and swimming lessons for the children.   City pools Recreation Park Pool, 65 Gashes Creek Road: Open June 8-Aug. 11, then Saturdays and Sundays only Aug. 17.-Sept. 2. [...]

Asheville Civic Center Parking Garage elevator closes for repair

  The elevator at the Civic Center Parking Deck will be closed for repair starting Jan. 22. This project is expected to take 90 days. The City of Asheville asks for parking patrons’ patience during this much-needed improvement. City of Asheville Parking Services diligently works toward continuous improvements with integrity, diversity and innovation, to provide convenient, safe, [...]

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Asheville Code Purple extended again through January 20

Update, 7:30 p.m. January 17 Asheville’s Code Purple has been extended through January 20 in response to the recent snowfall and cold temperatures.  Update, 10:30 a.m. January 17 Asheville’s Code Purple has been extended through January 18 in response to the recent snowfall and cold temperatures.    Update, 5:00 p.m. January 15 Asheville’s Code Purple has been extended through January 16 [...]

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Asheville Community and Economic Development to host neighborhood meetings in the spring

  In March, City of Asheville staff will once again engage neighborhoods in the development of three small neighborhood lots on West Chestnut Street, Lufty Avenue, and Kentucky Drive for affordable housing.     Several weeks ago, finalists were named for the Neighborhood Lots for Affordable Housing Request for Proposals (RFP) process to develop the lots. The finalists are [...]

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Asheville Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME applications now open

Virtual assistance available for applicants   The City of Asheville’s Community Development (CD) Department is now accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME, “Home Investment Partnerships Program” program.  The deadline for applications is 5 p.m Feb. 5, 2021.    Community Development Staff is happy to offer virtual assistance during the month of January  (from Jan. [...]

Asheville community garden blooms and there’s room for more participation

Amanda Levesque, left, and  Clare Hanrahan check on plants at the Elder & Sage  Community Garden,  33-35 Page Ave., downtown. Planking and raised beds make the garden accessible to those in wheelchairs.     These two friendly words just seem to go together: community garden.   After all, you get two things out of it — community with like-minded people or neighbors [...]

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Asheville customers asked to conserve water usage

    Asheville Water Resources continues to make improvements at its water treatment facilities. Current circumstances, combined with hot, dry weather, have produced water demand at a level that will be difficult to sustain. For this reason, the City of Asheville is asking our customers to take voluntary water conservation measures.   You can reduce usage the following ways:   Stop outdoor [...]

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Asheville Downtown Association to host virtual Fourth of July Celebration showcasing local musicians and venues

Featured artists announced   The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July. Set to begin at 4 p.m., the online concert event is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville. Featured artists include:   BoogiTherapi with Ryan RNB Barber – funk [...]

Asheville earns ‘SolSmart Gold’ designation for advancing solar energy growth

  Solar power is on the rise in the U.S. — and in Asheville. Here are steps the City is taking to encourage solar energy.   While solar makes up about 2 percent of the energy generated nationwide, the City of Asheville is working to remove barriers to this sustainable energy source. In the past year, the City’s Office of Sustainability trained [...]

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Asheville extends repayment plan for customers who fell behind in utility payments

    Understanding the continuing economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Asheville is extending the safeguarding of City utility accounts for all customers from shut-offs due to nonpayment.   To be clear: Bills will not be forgiven, but rather customers who fell behind in payments will be offered payment plans to help them catch up [...]

Denali the fire dog

Asheville Fire Department announces pilot program to bring facility dog to local station

  The Asheville Fire Department is excited to announce a partnership with Black Mountain-based Paws & Effect to integrate a facility dog, Denali, into one of its local fire stations.   Traditionally, dogs were used to provide companionship and safety for horses used to transport equipment from a station to a fire. While horses are no longer a [...]

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Asheville Fire Department rolls out platform to better engage residents to prepare for emergency situations

  The Asheville Fire Department has been working closely with technology partner First Due to release Community Connect, a website focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster.   Community Connect is a secure, easy-to-use website that allows residents to share critical information about their [...]

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Asheville Fire Department to apply for FEMA funding to increase firefighter safety

  The Asheville Fire Department is requesting the authorization to apply for a FEMA Firefighters Grant of $130,910 to provide funding to purchase two air compressors to allow greater accessibility to fill air bottles used by firefighters during operation at a fire scene.    During their June 22 meeting, Asheville City Council authorized a resolution for the City [...]

Jeff Bowen

Asheville Fire Department to honor fallen Captain Jeff Bowen 

        Ten years ago on July 28, 2011, Asheville Fire Captain Jeff Bowen, a 13-year veteran, lost his life while battling an arson fire in a high-rise building at 445 Biltmore Ave. The Asheville Fire Department will hold a remembrance ceremony on July 28, 2021, to honor our brother. This ceremony will be held at 9:30 [...]