beauty shot of downtown Asheville shows downtown skyline against blue skies

Recent statistics show a year on year reduction in property and violent crimes

At the most recent Environment and Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Asheville Police Department (APD) Chief Lamb and Captain Aardema updated committee members on city-wide crime statistics for the first quarter compared to the same quarter in 2023.    Good News in Crime Reduction The comparisons are positive according to APD data.  Statistics show an [...]

affordable housing photo illustration

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

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 [...]

group gathered putting puzzle together

City of Asheville approves fourth round of Strategic Partnership Grant awards

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 [...]

Bottled water vs. tap water? In Asheville, the answer is easy.

In recent years, many cities have been in the news when water from their distribution systems did not meet national safe drinking water standards. It’s easy to understand why more and more residents are feeling concerned about their water. Some are choosing bottled water over tap, because they think it’s a safer alternative. However, take [...]

spring free store information

Donate and attend the Spring Free Store in May!

Did you know the City of Asheville has a goal to reduce landfill waste by 50% by 2035?  Please join us in being part of the solution! The Spring Free Store is a  fun “shopping” event that is good for your wallet and for the planet. The Spring Free Store is like a yard sale, but [...]

Electrify Asheville-Buncombe brings an “Electrification” Marketplace to local residents

Buncombe County and the City of Asheville are partnering on a unique program designed to support Asheville and Buncombe County’s clean-energy goals. The innovative program, Electrify Asheville-Buncombe, provides support to residents of Asheville and Buncombe County by helping homeowners explore new proven electric technologies, choose participating local contractors, and get help with identifying discount purchase [...]

APR Innovators: Al Kopf

APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone.   When did you [...]

Earth Day photo illustration

Earth Day is here!

The Sustainability Department invites you to join in the fun of making a cleaner, greener Asheville at home, at work, and in our community. Keep reading to find ways to get involved and have a positive impact, while enjoying the outdoors and our community. Earth Day is today, but if it snuck up on you [...]

tree trimmer contractors on site with men in hi-viz vests assessing tree and wood chipper in background, security tape around site

Progress continues on the downtown restroom project at College Street and Rankin Avenue

Contractors are bringing improvements to the site that will host the new bathroom facilities at the corner of College Street and Rankin Avenue.   Phase 1 is well underway with tree trimming complete, already creating a more open feel to the site.   This first phase is slated to last about 40 more days as crews tackle getting utilities [...]

spring sweep graphic with city of asheville logo

Participate in the 2024 Spring Sweep!

The 2024 Spring Litter Sweep is taking place April 13-27. Traditionally scheduled for the last two weeks of April and September, Litter Sweep is the N.C. Department of Transportation’s biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative. Residents throughout the state participate in local efforts to help clean up North Carolina’s roadways. We invite you to lend a [...]

Call for artist words over deco features of buiilding. City logo and urban trial logo in lower left corner of image

City Of Asheville announces Call for Artists for a New Art Deco Masterpiece – part of the Urban Trail

The City of Asheville and the Public Art and Culture Commission (PACC) seek a qualified artist(s) or designer(s) to submit their qualifications for a piece of public artwork that reimagines Station #7, the Art Deco Masterpiece, part of Asheville’s Urban Trail.   Responses to this Call for Artists (CFA) will be reviewed by an Artist [...]

Free seeds to get growing

If you’ve ever started a garden, you know that seeds, in addition to soil, water, and sun, are required for success. The City of Asheville is happy to share and support Seed Libraries for residents to access seeds for free! Seed Libraries are a great community resource that offer vegetable, flower, and herb seeds to help [...]