City News

The official source for news, announcements and information from the City of Asheville

Host Sam Parada in studio with Businerss Inclusion Manager Marcus Kirkman

What’s Up AVL! This week Marcus Kirkman talks about contracting opportunities post Helene

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Kim Miller

Hear stories of local businesses now contracting with City of Asheville partners post Tropical Storm Helene. Many of these local small business owners faced hard times in the aftermath of the storm. Working with City staff, opportunities were identified as to how these businesses could pivot to work within the Helene recovery efforts. For many, it was a lifeline in hard times - an opportunity to help their community - and for some, a chance to continue to provide employment for their staff and other community members.

City of Asheville releases CDBG-DR Draft Action Plan, invites public to provide feedback through public comment

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Sam Parada

The City of Asheville hosted a series of public meetings in February to gather input which was used to help create the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program Draft Action Plan. Thanks to the public’s participation, the Draft Action Plan outlines unmet needs caused by Hurricane Helene within the city limits as [...]

City of Asheville spotlights Black heritage and achievement in February

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Christy Edwards

Throughout the year, the City of Asheville and its partners share unique stories, rich cultural events, and opportunities to connect with neighbors that make the city a special place to call home. In February, all community members are invited to reflect on local Black history, heritage, and hope as Asheville Parks & Recreation [...]

Councilmembers sworn into office

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Kim Miller

Re elected and new council members take their oath today.

City of Asheville hosts career fair on September 26

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Kim Miller

Come learn about the benefits of a local government career and opportunities currently available with the City of Asheville! MLK Jr Park September 26

City of Asheville Event Support Program accepting 2025 applications now through October 14

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Kim Miller

The City of Asheville Event Support Grant program is now accepting applications for the calendar year 2025. This program, facilitated by ArtsAVL, provides a competitive process for non-profit organizations to receive financial support for free and open events to the public, and conducted within Asheville’s streets, parks, and outdoor public spaces. Grant funds can help make special [...]

A playground for all: In the sandbox with Murphy-Oakley Community Center’s inclusive playground designer Rebecca Cipriano

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Meredith Friedheim

Rebecca Cipriano is a project manager in the Construction Division of the City of Asheville’s Capital Management Department. With a focus on parks and playgrounds, channeling play is part of Rebecca’s everyday life on the job. Outside of the slides, swings and monkey bars, hard work and expertise are also required in order to deliver [...]

Asheville Business Inclusion community outreach and networking event June 29

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Kim Miller

Growing a Minority/Women-owned business? Come to the Business Inclusion event June 29th and learn more about working with the City of Asheville - and take advantage of great networking opportunities

Local MLK Association and City of Asheville announce 2024 Juneteenth Celebration June 17-21

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Christy Edwards

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, in partnership with the City of Asheville, has planned the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration with the intended outcomes of a diverse celebration that fosters broad participation, promotes community awareness and appreciation, and celebrates the liberation of enslaved people. Dating back to 1865, two and a [...]

What’s Up AVL! This week learn more about Business Inclusion and Economic Development with Marcus Kirkman and Charlie Savage

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Kim Miller

On this episode of What’s Up Asheville host Sam Parada interviews Minority Business Program Manager Marcus Kirkman and Economic Development Specialist Charlie Savage. The group talks goals and programs of the Business Inclusion Office and community opportunities fostered by our Economic Development Team.

Asheville Parks & Recreation celebrates grand opening of city’s first all-abilities playground on June 25

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Christy Edwards

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) invites kids, families, and community members of all ages to celebrate the city’s first all-abilities playground at Murphy-Oakley Community Center on Tuesday, June 25 at 1:30 p.m. Open play time will follow a short ceremony with remarks from D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. Attendees can also enjoy treats [...]

The City of Asheville allocates over $4.8 million to affordable housing projects via the Housing Trust Fund

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Sam Parada

The City of Asheville Housing Trust Fund (HTF) exists to support the development and preservation of affordable housing within the city. The HTF provides financial assistance in the form of loans to developers and nonprofit organizations to help create and preserve affordable housing units. On April 23, City Council reviewed 2024-25 HTF proposals [...]

City of Asheville approves fourth round of Strategic Partnership Grant awards

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Sam Parada

Award Announcement Asheville City Council approved last night, as part of Council’s agenda, the fourth round of Strategic Partnership Grant (SPG) Program awards and authorized the City Manager to execute grant agreements. Using Strategic Partnership funding, the City has awarded $237,000 in grants to five different non-profit organizations to help address the opportunity gap for low to [...]

City of Asheville launches O.U.R. Asheville – A Community Engagement Leadership Academy

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Kim Miller

Members of the Asheville community are invited to learn more about the O.U.R. Asheville Academy – a community engagement leadership academy that kicks off this spring. Applications are open for the first round of 12 trainees, who will be selected as the first group of participants for this ongoing program. The academy is [...]

City Council identifies FY25 priorities at Council Retreat February 22-23, 2024

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Kim Miller

During the recent Council Retreat on February 22 & 23, 2024, Asheville City Council was able to establish 6 strategic priorities for the next fiscal year. The strategic priorities help guide City Council, City staff, and the City’s annual operating and capital budget and annual work plans. The 6 priorities for FY2025 are: Neighborhood and Climate Resilience Equitable, [...]

Community invited to meeting for Malvern Hills Park’s pool on February 21, 2024

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Kim Miller

UPDATE: 2/19/2024: Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) Director D. Tyrell McGirt and other City of Asheville staff look forward to meeting with community members during this drop-in format community meeting. This format allows as many Asheville residents as possible to attend. Off-street parking is located off Harnett Street. APR staff will greet guests at the school’s entrance [...]

City of Asheville celebrates legacy of local Black culture in February through personal connections

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Christo Bubenik