On Aug. 13, the Planning & Economic Development Committee recommended that staff throw out the kitchen sink from the current definition. Council members Gwen Wisler, Vijay Kapoor and Julie Mayfield moved to adopt a new “maximum flexibility” definition for kitchen spaces.
Behind the wheel: A chef-farmer collaboration reboots the Ujamaa Freedom Market initiative
Through a partnership with Patchwork Urban Farms, chef Gene Ettison is leveraging a new entrepreneurial venture to bring healthy meals and grocery options to Asheville’s food deserts.
WNC seed companies work with local growers
Local farmers find another revenue stream in cultivating plants for seed.
Local outdoors outfitters keep things stylish and environmentally friendly
Sylvan Sport founder Tom Dempsey says the inspiration for his company’s adventure camping trailers comes from spending time outdoors — and there’s no better place to find inspiration than this area. “We couldn’t do what we do anywhere else,” he says.
Happy 242: Independence Day events around WNC
Western North Carolina towns exude charm throughout the year, but on Independence Day they take that appeal to another level. That tradition continues in 2018 with streets and parks across the mountains playing host to parades, live music, festivals and other family-friendly celebrations while the sun is out, followed by fireworks and shows to cap off the night. […]
Sustainability has multiple meanings for Asheville restaurants
From environmentally friendly takeout packaging to local sourcing to surviving on razor-thin profit margins, Asheville-area food businesses look at sustainability from multiple perspectives.
“Fireworks” in store for June 19 Council meeting
Two weeks before the Fourth of July, the meeting’s agenda promises a grand finale of rhetorical explosions over two matters of unfinished business. The first is the Asheville city budget, which Council member Brian Haynes has said he will not support as long as it contains funding for additional officers to staff the Asheville Police Department’s downtown district. The second is a series of resolutions to rescind and replace the three motions on police policy previously proposed by Young and passed by Council on May 22.
Ten things to know about the Asheville city budget
On Tuesday, June 19, Council will put the result of its planning process to the test as its members vote to adopt the proposed budget. The document must account for $180,388,554 in spending, enough to fund the current work of over 1,200 employees and invest millions in the city’s future.
Mission Health sale could create massive community nonprofit
HCA’s purchase price for the system, plus Mission’s remaining net cash and investments, would fund a nonprofit foundation specifically devoted to boosting public health in the region. At a meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners, President and CEO Ron Paulus claimed that the new organization’s assets, which could range from $1 billion to $2 billion depending on the final sale price, would make it one of the three largest foundations in North Carolina and the richest foundation per capita anywhere on the planet.
Planning, permitting focus of spring city manager’s development forum
Roughly 80 attendees had lunch on the city while hearing updates related to development, design and construction at the May 17 city manager’s development forum. City officials said permitting activity is significantly lower in the current fiscal year than last year.
Blue Ridge Biofuels brings its closed-loop cooking oil initiative closer to home
Although some question its overall sustainability, Blue Ridge Biofuels’ Field to Fryer to Fuel program is transitioning to a new facility and on the verge of expansion.
Local nonprofits work with donors for planned giving
They say you can’t take it with you, but what will your money do without you after you’re gone? Many local nonprofits would like you to consider them as you ponder that question. “Most people want to take care of people first,” says Sheryl Aikman, vice president of development for the Community Foundation of Western […]
Behind the food scene: A network of diverse businesses keeps Asheville’s restaurant industry cooking
A surprisingly diverse community of businesses collaborate with Western North Carolina’s hospitality sector through the Mountain Area Restaurant Vendors nonprofit group.
WNC’s industrial hemp growers reflect on experimental first season
Last year, a handful of area farmers planted the first hemp crops to be grown legally in Western North Carolina in over 70 years. That first crop was plagued by delays introduced by regulators at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who held up shipments of seeds and seedlings, leading to a late start. Growers expect a smoother process for the 2018 growing season.
Carolina Beer Guy: Despite aluminum tariff, more brewers using cans
Local brewers discuss the benefits and costs of aluminum packaging and whether a new federal tax will change the price of their beers.
Weaving the web: Diverse connections strengthen WNC’s local food network
The growing network of relationships that comprises WNC’s local food system is far more complex than just farmer and buyer.
Asheville City Council, Buncombe Commissioners discuss racial equity, development in joint meeting
2018’s annual joint meeting of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners highlighted issues of racial equity, police use-of-force and zoning conflicts affecting Buncombe residents.
Future transit efforts, concerns mirror Asheville’s past
Asheville as we know it today was built upon the back of its electric streetcar system, one of the largest networks of its time. As the city finds itself in a growth spurt once again, could its defunct trolley system provide some clues to Asheville’s transit future?
Wintering over: Cold-season markets yield year-round benefits for WNC consumers, farmers
Growing vegetables in limited daylight and freezing temperatures is no picnic. But Asheville-area winter markets feature a surprising selection of fresh, locally grown produce, thanks to savvy farmers.
Could Beer City kill Foodtopia?
Lower margins on Asheville’s craft brews could negatively impact local restaurants.
Clean congrats
ASHEVILLE