Up, Up and Away: Buncombe County’s living wage keeps climbing
Volume
30
/ Issue 30
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
iStock
According to Just Economics of Western North Carolina, which has been calculating the local living wage since 2008, a single person working full time in Buncombe County needs to make $22.10 per hour to afford basic expenses. Other organizations, including Living Wage for US and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, show an increasing living wage in Buncombe County as well.
arts
ArtsAVL surveys the creative community
Executive Director Katie Cornell provides updates on the designated arts agency for Buncombe County.Around town: Story Medicine Worldwide founder passes the torch
Story Medicine Worldwide founder passes the torch to new spiritual teachers. Plus: Casting call for Asheville Musical Theatre, passion mapping at the Art Garden and more!food
What’s new in food: YMCA unveils Nutrition Outreach Hub
Nutrition Outreach Hub opens in Woodfin. Plus: Asheville Cat Weirdos host food drive, Pubcycle turns 10 and more!living
Law enforcement undergoes crisis intervention training
The 40-hour crisis intervention training prepares first responders to interact with someone in crisis. A significant component is making them aware of local resources that exist for people with substance…news
By several metrics, Asheville’s living wage keeps going up
According to Just Economics of Western North Carolina, which has been calculating the local living wage since 2008, a single person working full time in Buncombe County needs to make…Native salamander species nears endangerment
The Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, found exclusively in a 14-mile-long gorge southeast of Asheville, is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and…CMS report on Mission Hospital details deaths of patients, significant delays in care
The 384-page document details why CMS placed the hospital in immediate jeopardy, the most serious sanction a hospital can face. It spotlights not only patient deaths and long delays in care but…Asheville school staff gets promised raises as district faces $4.5 million shortfall
The Asheville City Board of Education voted unanimously Feb. 12 to make 2% supplement increases permanent, despite a projected $4.5 million budget shortfall in 2024-25.Council approves downtown restroom project after heated debate
Tension was high at the Feb. 13 Asheville City Council meeting as Council members decided the fate of a plan to install a 24-hour, prefabricated restroom unit outside the Rankin…opinion
Letter: Site would be ideal for homeless shelter
"While sitting in traffic jams on Patton Avenue, I often wonder why the city doesn’t try to purchase the old Kmart shopping center at Louisiana Avenue. It has sat there…Letter: An argument for year-round schools
"Our local public schools in Asheville and Buncombe County need to be at the front of the pack when it comes to best practices. Providing a new model of year-round…Letter: Focus on what makes area inviting
"Include friendly, helpful people actually attending the paid parking lots we now have dotted all over."Letter: Edwards’ legislation hasn’t helped WNC
"None of Edwards’ co-sponsored laws are helping law enforcement or anyone else in Western North Carolina."All bottled up
Letter: BCS book ban will backfire
"By banning this book, the county schools have just made it very popular and sought after by many students."Letter: Haw Creek rezoning is not in community’s best interest
"As an Asheville and Haw Creek resident, I must ask our City Council members: Why would you approve a rezoning that is so openly opposed by the community and in…Letter: Vote — and make sure your vote counts
"Remember — your vote is your voice, and we want to make sure all voices are heard."A bridge too far