“An empty town hall is what happens when a politician is invited to a community forum but decides to ghost their constituents harder than a bad Tinder date,” Gerry Nugent of Good Trouble WNC told the crowd of 2,000 at Pack Square Park.
The music and politics behind Drew Ball
In December, Drew Ball was voted in as the newest member of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Despite newfound responsibilities, Ball still plays in three bands in addition to his full-time job with the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Asheville City Council OKs plan for $225M in disaster recovery funds
Asheville City Council approved a final plan on how to spend $225 million in disaster recovery funds at its April 8 meeting. Also at the meeting, water fee increases were approved, a BID steering committee was ok’d and more concerns over I-26 Connector were raised by the public.
Tourism survey shows shift in residents’ attitudes
Several tourism and hospitality representatives noted that maintaining the positive sentiment that some residents feel, however, may prove challenging as Asheville continues to recover and visitors begin returning to the city.
Future wildfires will likely be more severe, county warns
Ryan Cole, Buncombe County Emergency Management assistant director, said that while some fallen trees left by Helene are not dried out enough to be considered a fire hazard, the accumulation of debris over the next several years will increase the likelihood of more intense fire seasons.
Buncombe County libraries adjust to life under Helene-related hiring freeze
Six Buncombe County libraries are operating fewer days than normal because of a hiring freeze. Officials say the changes are just temporary.
Proposed I-26 connector overpass sparks opposition
Two presentations before Asheville City Council offered alternatives to a large overpass atop Patton Avenue in proposed I-26 Connector plan.
City may assume storm-damaged properties
The Asheville City Council voted March 25 to authorize the city to assume ownership of 31 storm-damaged buildings and turn their lots into green space under a FEMA program.
The hidden costs of ‘free’ parking
Curbing parking requirements is a trend nationwide. According to Portland, Ore.-based Parking Reform Network, over 1,000 U.S. cities have reduced parking minimums, while 82 U.S. cities have eliminated them altogether.
Buncombe’s budget outlook ‘not quite as dire’ as initially thought
Staff projects county revenue will come in $15.6 million under what was initially projected last summer, far better than the up to $25.7 million drop staff feared was possible in January. Next year’s numbers look similar.
State legislators discuss federal cuts and disaster relief at town hall in Asheville
Over 300 constituents gathered at the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech for the latest town hall, featuring Sen. Julie Mayfield (District 49) and Reps. Lindsey Prather (District 115), Brian Turner (District 116) and Eric Ager (District 114).
Coxe Avenue affordable housing project inches forward
Plans take another step for more than 200 affordable housing units on Coxe Avenue near the South Slope.
Annual State of Downtown event talks BID, grants and plans for generating revenue
After nearly 40 downtown retailers, restaurants and offices closed or relocated in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, business leaders and government officials met at the annual State of Downtown event to discuss ways to revive the central business district.
Constituents speak out at Rep. Chuck Edwards’ town hall
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards addressed a full house at the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech during his March 13 town hall. Along with the 350-plus people inside the event space, an estimated 2,500 constituents gathered outside.
Council approves zoning code changes to accelerate projects
Asheville City Council approved several changes to the city zoning codes at its March 11 meeting to make it easier, cheaper and faster to build regular and affordable housing along certain major thoroughfares. But it wasn’t without conflict.
HUD rejects City of Asheville’s disaster funds plan because of DEI
The City of Asheville is updating its plan for $225 million in disaster recovery funds after the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rejected it because it included Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) criteria.
After storm delays, countywide property tax assessments resume
Properties that remain damaged or destroyed as of Jan. 1 have been reappraised for 2025. Businesses and private property owners will begin receiving property valuation notices for the current tax year as soon as next week.
Congressman Chuck Edwards to hold town hall at A-B Tech on March 13
Edwards, who breezed to reelection last November in the staunchly conservative 11th Congressional District, held eight in-person town halls in his first term and had another planned but had to cancel it due to Tropical Storm Helene.
From CPP: New Helene bill has ‘good things.’ Just one problem: It falls short of the need.
On Tuesday, the state House voted unanimously in favor of a $500 million funding package to aid Western North Carolina following the severe storm’s devastation in September 2024.
Concerns about the Trump administration overwhelm Chuck Edwards’ office hours
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire whom President Donald Trump has entrusted to oversee the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was front of mind for many in attendance.
Buncombe County lobbies legislature for financial flexibility
After a meeting with lawmakers in Raleigh on Feb. 5, an idea emerged that could give local officials more flexibility in how some sales tax revenue is spent.
