In light of the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order issued by Buncombe County today, the City of Asheville would like to take a moment to clarify how the various State-, County- and City-level States of Emergency impact its citizens. On March 12, when the City of Asheville first declared a State of Emergency in connection with [...]
In alignment with Buncombe County, on March 19, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a newly amended State of Emergency proclamation for the City of Asheville, based on the public health emergency posed by COVID-19. This proclamation limits public gatherings on property owned by the City of Asheville to no more than 10 people. The new order adheres [...]
During their Oct. 22 meeting, City Council adopted an update to Asheville’s weapons ordinance and we’d like everyone to understand what this means. The update clarifies the existing City ordinance by specifying that it prohibits dangerous weapons on City buses and firearms in other areas, such as City buildings and grounds, including the Transit Center and [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Asheville City Council passed a motion Tuesday setting a Sept. 24 public hearing to consider a temporary moratorium on hotel development approvals within the City of Asheville. This moratorium would place a temporary hold on hotel development in Asheville for up to one year. In a Sept. 10 presentation to Council, City Attorney Brad Branham and [...]
Update Thank you to everyone who came out to the July 2 Asheville City Council worksession on municipal election districts. For those of you who missed it but would still like to review the information session and following discussion it is archived on the City of Asheville YouTube channel at this link:
An April 2 judgment in Buncombe County Superior Court affirms the City of Asheville’s right to prohibit motorized scooter services from operating in the City without permission. The judgment entered by Superior Court Judge Alan Thornburg provides a final resolution to the lawsuit initiated by the City following Bird Rides’ unauthorized October 2018 deployment of 200 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Robin Currin, Asheville City Attorney, has resigned, effective September 27, 2018. Ms Currin will be assuming the role of City Attorney for Raleigh, NC. “While we are disappointed to be losing Robin, her role in Raleigh is a wonderful career opportunity. It will also allow her to return to her long-time home. We will miss her [...]
Two residents who had filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the City of Asheville bond referendum have now withdrawn their appeal. Here is a link to the court filing. On Oct. 20, 2017, the Honorable Superior Court Judge William H. Coward ruled in favor of the City of Asheville in a lawsuit regarding the [...]
These recordings depict an event which occurred August 24 and 25, 2017. What happened in these recordings is unacceptable and does not meet the standards of the Asheville Police Department, the values of the City of Asheville, or the expectations of Asheville residents. Christopher Hickman, who used dangerous and excessive force against Johnnie Rush, was [...]
The City of Asheville filed a petition today under N.C. General Statute § 132-1.4A, asking the Buncombe County Superior Court to order the release of additional body-worn camera recordings of Asheville Police Department officers relating to the August 2017 arrest of Johnnie Jermaine Rush. A copy of the petition can be found here: Petition of the [...]
Brent Starck, co-owner of 339 Old Lyman St., which houses the Foundation Walls. You could call it a ‘free wall’ area but there are rules While the City of Asheville has worked diligently over the past two years to deter graffiti, a new agreement with a River Arts District property owner takes a different approach by providing space [...]
The NC Supreme Court announced Jan. 29 that it will hear the water lawsuit, denying the state’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The case, Asheville v. State (No. COA14-1255), involves a 2013 statute that requires the City to transfer its water system to a new authority and without compensation. At trial, the court recognized these constitutional [...]
In an organization of more than 1,000 people, speedy and accurate information flow means not only increased efficiency but also real dollars. That’s an underlying theme that emerges when City of Asheville employees talk about the recently launched technology upgrade that provides not only swifter access to data but also easier communication between city departments [...]
