“Anybody that follows the economy or follows the news will tell you that there’s a big elephant in the room that we can’t measure, and we’re all thinking about it, and it’s going to affect your planning,” Tom Tveidt, president of SYNEVA Economics, told Council members at their March 13 annual retreat. “That being said, I think there will be a pre-coronavirus economy and a post-coronavirus economy.”
Author: Brooke Randle
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Buncombe responds to COVID-19: March 19
Buncombe County’s revised emergency declaration restricts gatherings to 10 people or less, a stronger mandate than the current statewide prohibition of gatherings of over 100 people. The mandate also requires gyms, fitness centers and exercise facilities, indoor pools, spas, movie theaters, live performance venues and arcades to close until further notice.
Buncombe responds to COVID-19: March 17
Buncombe County has opened two drive-through testing sites, which will be open Wednesday, March 18, from 2-6 p.m. The first site is Biltmore Church at 35 Clayton Road in Arden, and the second is UNC Asheville at One University Heights.
State, local governments respond as Buncombe’s first contact with disease is confirmed
The effects of the public school closure and a mandatory statewide ban on gatherings of 100 or more people are rippling through the community. And the county health department confirmed that an individual with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, visited Buncombe County March 10-13.
Council approves affordability changes for RAD development
Sixth time’s a charm? Asheville City Council approved new affordability conditions for the RAD Lofts mixed-used development slated for the city’s River Arts District, the latest in a string of conditional zoning amendments approved by Council since 2013.
Elinor Earle fights for Asheville’s children
Being a kid can be tough. Between school and homework, learning how to play nice versus just being yourself, many children look to a parent, teacher or other mentor to help them understand the world around them, someone with whom they can share their worst fears and biggest dreams. For countless numbers of Buncombe County […]
Buncombe County, Asheville declare states of emergency over COVID-19
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman declared a local state of emergency due to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina. The move followed a statewide emergency declaration from Gov. Roy Cooper just two days earlier. Mayor Esther Manheimer subsequently declared a state of emergency for the city of Asheville.
Council to consider funding emergency repairs for North Fork water plant
During their meeting of Tuesday, March 10, Asheville City Council members will consider a $473,000 contract for emergency repairs at the North Fork Water Plant, the largest of the city’s three water treatment plants.
Health officials ramp up preparations for coronavirus impacts
While only two cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, have so far been confirmed in North Carolina, local health department officials are working with state and federal agencies to monitor people within Buncombe County who may be infected.
Buncombe County leaders prepare for coronavirus
Representatives from Buncombe County Health and Human Services, Buncombe County Emergency Services and Mission Health held a press conference Feb. 28 about plans to prepare for and prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the county.
Newman, local hoteliers split on occupancy tax changes
“The good news — if you’re someone who wants to see the hotel tax law changed — is that all parties seem to be in agreement,” Newman told Xpress. “They want to see the law changed, but at this point, we’re not on the same page about how to change it.”
Asheville climate activists split on carbon tax
Asheville City Council will urge Congress to pass the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which is aimed at reducing fossil fuel use by imposing a tax that would increase over time. Before the 6-1 vote approving the board’s resolution, with Council member Brian Haynes opposed, members of the public weighed in on whether imposing such a tax is the right step.
City Council to schedule Feb. 25 hotel development work session
Asheville City Council will consider a number of items on its consent agenda for Tuesday, Feb. 11, including managing parking at the airport and setting a hotel development work session.
Author Patti Digh on making each day count
While some might find the notion morbid, author and activist Patti Digh says contemplating life as if it had a rapidly approaching expiration date actually reminds her to take care of herself and savor each moment.
Laura Juarez: Work hard, relax harder
After spending much of her working life as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies, Asheville career coach and entrepreneur Laura Juarez says that taking time to relax, unwind and detach may be the key to increased workplace performance and job satisfaction.
Hot seat: City Council candidates stake positions at forum
All nine Asheville City Council candidates shared their thoughts and ideas on everything from climate change to raising employee wages at the Asheville City Council Candidate Forum hosted by Mountain Xpress.
Maia Toll and forest medicine
Author and herbalist Maia Toll says incorporating herbs and medicinal plants into self-care routines involves more than just a chemical reaction in the body: It’s a way for people to link their personal health and well-being with ancient traditions and the natural world.
Bryan Robinson wants you to chill
In his 2018 book, #Chill: Turn Off Your Job and Turn On Your Life, psychotherapist Bryan Robinson says people don’t need lavish vacations or expensive therapies to practice self-care. Instead, he recommends what he calls “micro-chillers” that can be performed in just a few minutes a day to help relieve anxiety, enhance mental clarity and soothe physical tensions.
Lara Ferguson Diaz: Shhhhh…
“Our world is designed to be one big distraction: YouTube, email, Instagram, deadlines and numbing addictions,” declares Lara Ferguson Diaz, an acupuncturist, herbalist and qi gong instructor at Lutea Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine. “It is vital for our health to turn inward and be still and silent.”
Melissa Bertenthal: The power of discomfort
Yoga instructor Melissa Bertenthal asks readers to look past traditional notions of self-care.
TDA increases ad budget by $1M
As presidential hopefuls blitz the airwaves over the coming months to hook undecided voters, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority will be stepping up its own campaign. The authority’s board voted to increase its spring and summer advertising budget by $1 million, for a total of $12.65 million, during a Jan. 29 meeting. “We considered […]