County staff reported sales tax revenue growth continues to slow from a peak in 2022 and occupancy tax collections are down 3% year-to-date compared with last year. That, along with expiring funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has the county projecting essentially a no-growth budget.
New Stories
Gardening with Xpress: Replenish the soil so your plants can ‘eat’
Replenishing the soil is first step to a successful growing season.
Business improvement district proposal praised at State of Downtown address
The mayor shared her enthusiasm about a potential business improvement district, or BID, in the city’s downtown.
Around Town: Blue Ridge Mountains inspire debut suspense novel
A Weaverville author launches her debut novel with an event at Blue Mountain Pizza. Also in this issue: Book discussion and activism events highlight Asheville Prison Books, a Yale singing group performs at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Mountain BizWorks’ spring Craft Your Commerce workshop series and more.
From CPP: Former attendees describe ‘nightmare’ at therapy camp in NC mountains. DHHS suspended admissions after 12-year-old died.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has suspended admissions to Trails Carolina, a residential therapeutic camp in Transylvania County, after a 12 year boy died there Feb. 3, according to a letter DHHS sent the camp.
What’s new in food: Couple trade corporate life for kimchi
An Asheville couple leave their corporate jobs to make kimchi; a new coffee and baked goods purveyor opens in Black Mountain, Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food gets extended hours and location, and more.
Letter: Ask Edwards what fiscal commission would target
“If the Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 makes it into law, it creates a way to cut the federal budget, including Medicare and Social Security, largely behind closed doors.”
Letter: Haw Creek development raises many concerns
“We hope the Council will be committed to balancing new development with improvements to maintain and enhance the Haw Creek community.”
Letter: Repair Malvern Hills pool in time for summer
“I urge the Asheville government to do the right thing and listen to the people’s request to repair the Malvern Hills pool and have it open for swim classes and recreation this coming summer.”
In defense of challenge: How tackling hard things benefits us all
“So here’s my challenge: Let’s find ways to regularly challenge ourselves in good ways and let’s encourage others around us to do the same.”
Batboy shares his experiences inside the Asheville Tourists dugout
As part of Xpress’ Kids Issue, we speak with 10th grader Houston Mashburn about his role as a batboy for the Asheville Tourists.
Letter: Council choice fails to show humanity
“Shame on the Asheville City Council for refusing to even consider a cease-fire resolution for Gaza. In the midst of a genocide, it could not muster the moral courage to simply issue a call for peace.”
Letter: City Council should not bend to threats
“I must also point out that by allowing this group to speak, the city was, in fact, already allowing their voices to be heard. However, being heard does not entail forcing agreement to their demands for action.”
Experts say adults can promote positive body image in kids
Experts emphasize that making body movement fun can keep kids interested and prevent physical activity from just being about weight loss or punishment.
TDA President Vic Isley plans to go full speed ahead in promoting tourism
BCTDA President and CEO of Explore Asheville Vic Isley says that in 2024, the TDA will stick to its four strategic imperatives that guide the organization’s decisions and planning: Delivering balanced and sustainable growth; encouraging safe and responsible travel; engaging and inviting more diverse audiences; and promoting and supporting Asheville’s creative spirit.