angel redmond sitting at desk wearing blue shirt

Angel Redmond focuses on preventing young people from entering the criminal justice system

“As a lifelong Ashevillian, I have watched the struggles of the youth increase. I have worked with children for 25 years and it’s becoming a personal experience witnessing our children go through the juvenile justice system. I want to place myself where I can be proactive. This is my reason for joining the Juvenile Crime [...]

police chief anderson

APD Chief Anderson speaks to community concerns arising from events in Ferguson, MO

Events in Ferguson, Missouri, have sparked a national conversation about police procedures, equipment and response to citizens demonstrating in the face of tragedy. Given these concerns, it is understandable that many may be wondering about the Asheville Police Department’s responsive procedures. Asheville is a city of many opinions, and we at APD are proud of our [...]

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 [...]

Asheville City Manager Gary Jackson leaves position

The Asheville City Council has unanimously decided to replace City Manager Gary Jackson effective at the close of business March 20, 2018. We appreciate the many successes Gary has brought Asheville in his 13 years here; however, we believe that making this change now is in the City and his best interests. Assistant City Manager Cathy [...]

Asheville Fire Department recognizes promotions, new hires and achievements

For some, the ceremony held September 11 by the Asheville Fire Department was recognition of achievement and the effort they have given to the department and community. For others it was the beginning of a new career and life as a firefighter. But for each person at the ceremony, the day was a reminder and celebration [...]

Asheville firefighter’s cancer death ruled a ‘line of duty death’ by N.C. Industrial Commission

Asheville Fire Department Engineer Will Willis died in February 2018 due to cancer.   The Asheville Fire Department is elated to share the news that the N.C. Industrial Commission has ruled that AFD’s Engineer Will Willis, who died in February due to cancer, is considered a line of duty death.   Not only will his family receive survivor benefits, but [...]

collage of 5 parks and recreation staff people

Asheville Parks & Recreation announces promotions

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has announced a number of promotions within the department as community demand for high-quality public recreation spaces, leisure and cultural programming, and youth and adult sports increases following years of slimmed-down operations during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. These well-earned promotions reinforce APR’s vision to be North Carolina’s [...]

Asheville Parks & Recreation team members on the move

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) continues to grow its team of professionals with internal promotions and external hires to meet the community’s demand for high-quality public parks and recreation centers, programming that exercises the body and mind, and safe spaces that connect neighbors and build resiliency. These well-earned promotions support APR’s vision [...]

Todd Okilichany

Asheville Planning & Urban Design Director accepts new position with Metro Nashville Government

Asheville Planning & Urban Design Director Todd Okolichany has accepted a position as Deputy Executive Director of the Planning Department in Metro Nashville, TN government and will leave the City of Asheville January 27, 2023. During his tenure with the City of Asheville, Todd was instrumental in managing several projects that will have long lasting impacts [...]

four police officers

Asheville Police Department promotes three to Sergeant

On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Asheville Police Department promoted three of its own to the rank of Sergeant. Officers Brien Griffin, Ann Fowler and Tammy Bryson were sworn in during a ceremony in the Asheville City Council Chambers, with Mayor Esther Manheimer administering their oaths.   “These are three truly dedicated individuals,” said APD Chief William Anderson. [...]

Asheville Police Department promotes two to rank of sergeant

The Asheville Police Department is proud to announce the promotions of two of its officers. On Wednesday, November 20, fifteen year veteran Detective Ricardo Martinez and Senior Police Officer Shaun Ward, an 11 year veteran, were promoted to the rank of sergeant at a ceremony in Asheville City Council Chambers. The ceremony was officiated by Asheville [...]

Asheville Police name Detective of the Year

Det. Jonathan C. Morgan of the Asheville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit has been named Investigator of the Year for “exemplary work throughout the year, exceeding all expectations of a detective by routinely displaying excellence working in the field of criminal investigations and distinguishing himself as a model investigator.”   Nominated by his peers, he is described [...]

Asheville Way Awards shine light on employee excellence

Streamlining services, innovative problem solving, even saving lives — some of the City of Asheville’s exemplary employees were recognized April 17 at the Asheville Way Awards ceremony. The annual event, held in the Banquet Hall of the U.S. Cellular Center, recognizes those employees who uphold the values of the Asheville Way:  Continuous Improvement, Integrity, Diversity, [...]

Lewis Isaac photo

Aston Park tennis court to be named for Lewis Isaac

  A fixture on the Asheville tennis scene and former City employee will be recognized for his dedication to both.   At their Sept. 10 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to name Court 1 at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., in memory of the late Lewis Isaac.   Isaac was a longtime City of Asheville employee. Following his [...]

Bridge named for AFD Capt. Jeff Bowen

Asheville Fire Department Captain Jeff Bowen, who died in the line of duty while battling a 2011 blaze, was memorialized Aug. 15 with the renaming of a bridge that spans the French Broad River in Asheville. In a ceremony attended by hundreds, including firefighters from Asheville and many other areas, a sign recognizing the Capt. Jeff [...]

Celebrating Black Legacy Month – Asheville Parks & Recreation community centers remember local historic residents

Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 55 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 [...]

Celebrating Black Legacy Month – Asheville Parks & Recreation parks and playgrounds remember local historic residents

Asheville City Council has named February as Black Legacy Month to celebrate the significant contributions of Black and African American people in relation to the city’s past, present, and future. Last week, Asheville Parks & Recreation highlighted community centers named in honor of prominent Black community [...]

Christin King

Christin King promoted to Facility Supervisor

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) continues to develop its team of innovative professionals to meet the community’s demand for high-quality public parks and recreation centers, programming that exercises the body and mind, and safe spaces that connect neighbors and build resiliency. Christin King has been announced as the new Facility Supervisor at Linwood [...]

City announces interim APD Chief

The city of Asheville announced today that retired Santa Cruz, CA Police Chief Steve Belcher will serve as interim police chief for the Asheville Police Department while the city moves forward with a national search for Chief William Anderson’s successor. Chief Anderson announced his retirement in November following more than 37 years of public service. [...]

Brad Branham portrait

City Council names Brad Branham as Asheville’s next City Attorney

  After a competitive nationwide search, Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Council are pleased to announce that they have named Brad R. Branham as Asheville’s next City Attorney.   City Council voted unanimously to name Branham to the position during a special called meeting prior to Council’s regular meeting March 12. He will begin in his new role [...]

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City Council names Debra D. Campbell Asheville City Manager

After a competitive nationwide search, Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Council are pleased to announce that they have named Debra D. Campbell as Asheville’s next City Manager.   At its Oct. 17 meeting, City Council voted unanimously to name Campbell to the top job.   Moment of the vote and remarks afterward Campbell comes to Asheville from the City of Charlotte, [...]

Chris Bailey portrait

City Manager Debra Campbell names Chris Bailey as Asheville’s next Police Chief

  After a national search informed by robust input from our local community, City Manager Debra Campbell is excited to announce that Chris Bailey will become Asheville’s next Police Chief.   Bailey comes to the City of Asheville from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, where he most recently served as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division. The [...]

David Zack photo

City Manager names David Zack as Asheville Police Chief

  After an extensive national search, Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell is happy to announce that David Zack will become the city’s next Chief of Police, effective Feb. 4.   Chief Zack has served as Police Chief of Cheektowaga, N.Y., for nine years and brings over 30 years of police experience. Cheektowaga is similar in size to Asheville [...]

Reparations logo

City of Asheville and Buncombe County Community Reparations Commission meeting: August 15, 2022

The Community Reparations Commission is empowered to make short, medium, and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward repairing the damage caused by public and private systemic racism. The task of the Reparations Commission is to issue a report in a timely manner for consideration by the City, County, and other participating community groups for [...]

Reparations logo

City of Asheville and Buncombe County Community Reparations Commission meeting: July 18, 2022

  The Community Reparations Commission is empowered to make short, medium, and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward repairing the damage caused by public and private systemic racism. The task of the Reparations Commission is to issue a report in a timely manner for consideration by the City, County, and other participating community [...]

City of Asheville and Buncombe County postpone Art in Heart kick off due to weather

Pardon our Delay! Due to weather conditions this weekend, the kick off for Art in the Heart will be delayed. But don't worry, you'll still get a chance to see all the exciting art and local artists participating in the program.  Please keep checking our website, as we will update it with the new schedule.  

City of Asheville announces Ben Woody to serve as Assistant City Manager

Asheville City Manager, Debra Campbell, is pleased to announce that Ben Woody, who has served as the Interim Assistant City Manager since June, has accepted the position of Assistant City Manager.   Ben will carry out administrative duties while also assisting the City Manager with the direction and coordination of activities of assigned City department directors, as [...]

City of Asheville employees recognized for outstanding performance

From building code inspection to walkability. From to the RADTIP to emergency response, City of Asheville employees were recognized for excellence in service at Asheville City Council’s January 14 meeting. City Manger Gary Jackson did the honors, thanking those who have exemplified professionalism, innovation and public service. But he began by highlighting two events that took [...]

City of Asheville Fleet Manager Jake Klodt recognized for excellence in the industry

The City of Asheville is fortunate to have an entire staff of dedicated, experienced team members, working hard each day to bring its best to the community and keep day to day operations of the city moving.  We know we have amazing individuals working for our community, but it’s nice when those efforts are recognized outside [...]

City of Asheville names Jes Foster as new Solid Waste Manager

  The City of Asheville is pleased to announce that Jes Foster has been named Solid Waste Manager.   Foster will oversee the City’s Sanitation Division, which has 34 employees. The Sanitation Division is responsible for collecting approximately 22,400 tons of refuse and 8,700 tons of recyclables annually from roughly 30,000 collection points. Foster has worked [...]

City of Asheville names new Development Services Department Director

Asheville City Manager Gary Jackson is pleased to announce that Assistant Development Services Department Director Jason Nortz will become DSD director, effective Jan. 22. Recently appointed Development Services Director Wayne Clark has decided to return Port Orange, Fla., where he served as community development director. Port Orange leaders launched a vigorous campaign for his return, and [...]

City of Asheville names new Development Services Director

The City of Asheville is pleased to announce that, after a nationwide search, Wayne Clark will serve as the City’s new Development Services Director, effective Nov. 23.   “We are pleased to fill the critical Development Services Director position with such a proven leader. I am excited about the proven track record Wayne brings to us in [...]

City of Asheville names new Water Resources Director

The City of Asheville is pleased to announce that, after a nationwide search, Jade Dundas will serve as the City’s new Water Resources Director, effective July 13. Dundas comes to the City of Asheville from Sioux City, Iowa, where he served as Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director since 2010. Two years before that he served as [...]

Richard J. White, III

City of Asheville names Richard J. White III as Assistant City Manager

City Manager Debra Campbell is pleased to announce that Richard J. White III has been named Assistant City Manager after a highly competitive national search. White comes to Asheville from Elon, N.C. where he currently serves as Town Manager. He also worked in Athens, Georgia as Assistant Manager for Administrative and Community Services where he had [...]

Deputy City Manager Jeff Richardson departs for Cleveland County

This week, the City of Asheville bid farewell to Deputy City Manager Jeff Richardson. Richardson, who began working at the City of Asheville as Human Resources Director in 1997 and took on the role of Deputy City Manager in 2001, has accepted the position of County Manager for Cleveland County, a decision he announced in [...]

professional picture of Brenda wearing a brown blazer and cheat print top

Equity & Inclusion Director Brenda Mills to retire

Please join the City of Asheville’s leadership team in congratulating Brenda Mills on her upcoming retirement effective January 31, 2024.  Brenda joined the City of Asheville in 2005 and has served in different roles including: Minority Business Program Manager, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Project Manager, Administrative Services Manager, Economic Development Specialist, Neighborhood & Community Engagement [...]

Heroism, accomplishments by city employees, recognized by Mayor and City Council

Six city employees were recognized by Asheville City Council at its August 13 meeting. Council thanked for their hard work, drive for improvement, and, in one case, heroism. Darlene Barnwell, who works in the city’s Customer Service Division, received a standing ovation for her heroic rescue of an 8-year-old boy who was being attacked by dogs [...]

South Asheville cemetery

Historic Resources Commission honors two volunteers for restoring and caring for the South Asheville Cemetery

    Each year, the Historic Resources Commission awards an individual or individuals in the community who by word or deed has kindled among the citizenry of Asheville and Buncombe County an appreciation for the history or historic resources of the area. The Historic Resources Commission is pleased to honor this year’s recipients, George Taylor and George [...]

aundreas hill giving high 5 to young boy

Homegrown Talent: Aundreas Hill

This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come [...]

brooke ray

Homegrown Talent: Brooke Ray

This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come from spending [...]

Homegrown Talent: Colt Miller

This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come from spending [...]

lori long and friend

Homegrown Talent: Lori Long

This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come from spending [...]

zack stewart and friend

Homegrown Talent: Zack Stewart

This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come from spending [...]

Jan Davis Lobby dedicated at US Cellular Center

People gathered at the US Cellular Center on a rainy Monday evening Nov. 9 for the dedication of new Jan Davis Lobby. In August, City Council approved a resolution to name the lobby after their fellow councilman in recognition of his three decades of service and leadership to the Asheville Civic Center. Jan Davis was elected to [...]

mark matheny

Mark Matheny to serve as Director of Development Services

Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell is pleased to announce that Mark Matheny, who has been serving as the Interim Director of Development Services since November 3, 2022, has accepted the position of Development Services Director. Mark will oversee a department of 54 professional staff providing a high level of customer service in support of a safe [...]

Photo gallery: Commander, crew of the USS Asheville visit City Hall

The commander and crew members from the USS Asheville, stationed in Hawaii, visited Asheville May 26, 2015, and their visit included a tour of City Hall. They were met by Vice Mayor Marc Hunt, and Navy veterans Ken Vasilik and Pete Armstrong. They visited the bell tower at the top of City Hall overlooking the [...]

Public Works Association recognizes City of Asheville employees

Two Public Works employees and one retired Finance Department employee were recognized by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s North Carolina chapter for outstanding service and the pursuit of excellence at Asheville City Council’s July 22 meeting. Public Works Administrative Assistant Kathi Willis was recognized with the Association’s President’s Award for her [...]

Senior Police Officer Robert Bingaman to be remembered in ceremony

The community is invited to a dedication ceremony to commemorate the 5 year anniversary of Senior Police Officer Robert Bingaman’s line of duty death. A portion of Old Haywood Road, in front of our Traffic Safety Office (1903 Old Haywood Road), will be dedicated in his name. The ceremony begins at 12:15 p.m. on Monday, [...]

group shot of therapeutic recreation program participants

Therapeutic Recreation team brings fun and independence to community

Asheville Parks & Recreation oversees many specialized programs to harness the transformative power of outdoor spaces, cultural arts, and active living for all members of our community. Throughout the years, the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Program has offered many opportunities for inclusive and adaptive activities to locals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Three promoted in Asheville Police Dept.

Three Asheville Police Officers took on new roles at a Jan. 31 ceremony at Asheville City Hall, with two receiving promotions and another filling a major leadership role in the department. Lts. Stony Gonce and Christopher Reece-Young were both promoted to the rank of Captain at the ceremony and sworn in by Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy. Reece-Young [...]

Anthony Foxx, Esther Manheimer

U.S. Transportation Secretary announces $14.6M grant for East of Riverway multimodal project

The announcement that the City of Asheville won $14.6 million in federal funding for transportation improvements in and around the River Arts District and adjacent neighborhoods advances the hard work and planning that has gone into that area. The TIGER VI award was announced September 12 during a visit by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, [...]

Water Resources Department brings home awards for excellence, heroism

Two state professional associations have recognized City of Asheville Water Resources employees for excellence and outstanding achievement, and cited the department as a whole for exceptional safety measures. Water Production Superintendent <strong>Leslie Carreiro</strong> earned Outstanding Operator of the Year from the NC Waterworks Operators Association. Carreiro has been with the City of Asheville for 23 years [...]

Who’s up this week on What’s Up AVL

What’s Up AVL! The City of Asheville’s bi-monthly radio show gives the community the chance to take a deep dive with City of Asheville staff and departments. Learn about different departments and what projects are taking place in your community. This week, the City of Asheville sits down with newly appointed Sustainability Director Bridget Herring [...]

Who’s up this week on What’s Up AVL! City of Asheville Firefighter Anna Pigman

What’s Up AVL! The City of Asheville’s bi-monthly radio show gives the community the chance to take a deep dive with City of Asheville staff and departments. Learn about different departments and what projects are taking place in your community. This week, the City of Asheville host Sam Parada will sit down with City of Asheville firefighter Anna [...]

Women in Water Update: City of Asheville all female Tap team takes tops in state

UPDATE: So how did our women’s Tap Team do?  Tops in the state!  Team “Purple Reign” lived up to its name, turning in a strong performance and establishing  its “reign” as the best in North Carolina in their division. Congratulations to the entire City of Asheville Water Department and all the staff representing high quality work in every [...]

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