Watch this space for the latest 2022 primary election results for Western North Carolina and commentary from the Mountain Xpress news team. The post will be updated regularly throughout the evening.
Buncombe proposes land conservation goal
At the recommendation of the county board’s Environment & Energy Stewardship Subcommittee, which includes board Chair Brownie Newman along with Commissioners Parker Sloan and Terri Wells, members will vote on whether to commit to conserving 20% of Buncombe’s total acreage by 2030.
Local schools seek major support from Buncombe leaders
Requests outlined by Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Tony Baldwin and Asheville City Schools Superintendent Gene Freeman sought county government spending increases of up to $27.9 million, representing a nearly 32% jump from the county’s current contribution.
Council to hear $11.7M in ARPA requests
A week after the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners doled out about $4.9 million of its own American Rescue Plan Act allotment, Asheville City Council will consider over $11.7 million in ARPA projects Tuesday, May 10.
Commissioners approve $4.9M for pre-K expansion, affordable housing
The three applications were the first to be funded out of 105 projects that had been submitted in response to Buncombe County’s latest request for proposals for American Rescue Plan Act support, which closed April 12.
Local political candidates offer takes on arts issues
AAAC Executive Director Katie Cornell discusses the latest candidate survey and the 2020 edition’s impact on local policies.
Development roundup: Airport expansion up for county approval
The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment will consider a special use permit for a proposed terminal expansion at the Asheville Regional Airport Wednesday, May 11.
Commissioners to consider $70M in bond referendums on November ballot
One referendum would authorize $30 million in borrowing for conservation projects while a second referendum would authorize $40 million in bonds for affordable housing efforts.
Salary increases drive Buncombe County budget growth
By far the biggest contributor to Buncombe County’s spending growth in fiscal year 2022-23, accounting for $14.6 million of a projected $20.4 million in new general fund expenses, is salaries and benefits.
Council approves more funding for Ramada deal
Asheville City Council’s April 26 meeting brought a new wrinkle to the already shambolic process of establishing permanent supportive housing at an East Asheville Ramada Inn.
From CPP: Asheville council will be asked to approve list of nonprofits to receive millions in ARPA funds
The city used a scoring system to winnow the field of applicants, but at least one council member questions the fairness of that approach.
Spring clean: Asheville organizations, volunteers clean up downtown
After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Asheville was due for a spring cleaning. City government, along with area nonprofits, kicked off the first of four community cleanup efforts downtown April 18.
Deaverview Apartments seeks zoning change for expansion
New construction at Deaverview Apartments, Asheville’s second-oldest public housing community, will consist of two three-story buildings and one four-story building containing 82 total mixed income units.
2022 Primary Election Voter Guide
In preparation for the primary election of Tuesday, May 17, Xpress sent questions to all candidates in contested races representing Buncombe County voters. Responses from candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, N.C. General Assembly, Buncombe County-level races and Asheville City Council are all collected here.
From CPP: New domestic violence shelter gets boost from ARPA funds
Jackson County, home to Western Carolina University, has no domestic violence shelter, but efforts to combine federal dollars and other funding are working to change that.
Voters may decide on $70M in Buncombe borrowing this year
During an April 19 briefing, the county Board of Commissioners heard a presentation by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land about the feasibility of issuing $70 million in bonds for housing and land conservation, which in this case would require approval through referendums of Buncombe voters.
From CPP: Shoring up Lake Tomahawk dam with ARPA funds
Black Mountain hopes to extend the life of a 90-year-old earthen dam using $300k from its share of federal American Rescue Plan Act money.
2022 Primary Voter Guide: Asheville Mayor
Primary candidates in the 2022 Asheville mayoral election share their positions with Xpress.
2022 Primary Voter Guide: Buncombe County Sheriff — Democratic
Candidates for the Buncombe County Sheriff Democratic 2022 primary share their positions with Xpress.
2022 Primary Voter Guide: Buncombe County District Attorney — Democratic
Candidates for the Buncombe County District Attorney Democratic 2022 primary share their positions with Xpress.
2022 Primary Voter Guide: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners District 1 — Democratic
Candidates for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners District 1 Democratic 2022 primary share their positions with Xpress.