Masks to be required in all City of Asheville buildings

  Because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our community, on Aug. 9 Buncombe County began requiring masks in all County buildings regardless of vaccination status.  The City of Asheville has followed the public health guidance from the Buncombe County Health Department throughout this pandemic and we will continue to do so.  Beginning Aug. [...]

Asheville City Council to hold budget work session prior to March 9 meeting 

  For safety and to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, Asheville City Council meetings will remain virtual at this time. That includes the March 9 City Council meeting. In addition to the 5 p.m. meeting Council will hold a 1 p.m. budget work session.   March 9 will be the first budget work session for the 2021-2022 budget. [...]

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 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 [...]

Asheville to waive some fees to help support local businesses during State of Emergency

  To help reduce economic hardship posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Asheville will continue to waive or suspend collection of fees on a case-by-case basis. Asheville City Council approved this action during their Jan. 12 meeting. The fees that may be waived include temporary uses, outdoor dining, a-frame signage, push carts, and associated trade permits. Many [...]

Asheville Mayor recognizes frontline and onsite City employees with proclamation

  In recognition of City frontline and  onsite employees who have remained on the job during the COVID pandemic, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer issued a proclamation designating Jan. 12 as City Employee Heroes Day.   While all employees are essential workers, because all City jobs have to be done in order to provide our community with vital City services, approximately [...]

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. Jan. 12 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 Engagement Hub.

City of Asheville recognizing onsite and frontline employees

At the City of Asheville, all employees are essential workers, because all City jobs have to be done in order to provide our community with vital City services. During the pandemic, approximately 20% of the workforce was able to work from home. For the remainder of our workers, this was not an option.    While the governor [...]

City of Asheville reminds businesses about safety requirements to operate outdoors 

More businesses and organizations are operating outdoors this year, due to COVID-19. The City of Asheville reminds those with outdoor areas to do their part to operate safely. Beyond wearing a mask and other public health measures, businesses that choose to operate outdoors must follow all building and fire-safety codes while using equipment like heaters [...]

Asheville City Council continues remote meetings, will continue proposed hotel development regulations work session prior to regular meeting

    While the City of Asheville has reopened its public-facing offices in a limited capacity, for safety and to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 meetings will remain virtual at this time. That includes the Oct. 27 City Council meeting. Prior to the 5 p.m. meeting, Council will continue its work session on proposed hotel development regulations.   Here’s [...]

Asheville City Council continues remote meetings, will hold proposed hotel development regulations work session prior to regular meeting

    While the City of Asheville will reopen its public-facing offices in a limited capacity Oct. 12, for safety and to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 meetings will remain virtual at this time. That includes the Oct. 13 City Council meeting. Prior to the 5 p.m. meeting, Council will hold a 2:30 p.m. work session on [...]

AVL Shares Space extended to Jan. 3 with winter guidelines

    The City of Asheville will be extending the AVL Shares Space initiatives through Jan. 3, 2021, in order to continue providing businesses and organizations with opportunities to expand outdoors during COVID-19. In addition to the extension, new guidelines are being provided to participants that address winter-related accommodations and safety requirements.    The goals [...]