Water Resources Department spokesperson Clay Chandler spent most of his time at the daily Helene briefing on Wednesday talking about the water testing program, but he said afterward it does not come in response to customer complaints.
City Council frees up $4 million to provide grants to residents and businesses
The majority of the funds — $3.4 million — will help residents with rent and down-payment assistance and home repairs. The city will seek nonprofit partners to administer the grants.
Hot Seat: Race for chair of County Commission heats up
Commissioner Amanda Edwards, ex-Sheriff Van Duncan talk policy differences, ethics and politics as the general election race for the top seat in Buncombe County enters its final month.
Buncombe County Commissioners delay reappraisal deadline
Assessing storm damage and calculating Tropical Storm Helene’s effect on market prices prompts county to postpone property appraisal deadline.
‘Citizen-only voting’ referendum on NC ballot this fall
The General Assembly passed House Bill 1074, which would change the wording of the state constitution to clarify who is allowed to vote in state and local elections, but it requires majority approval from voters.
2024 Election Voter Guide: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
The 2024 races for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are unusual for their variety: there is a race for commission chair featuring an incumbent, a commission seat race featuring an incumbent and another commission seat race with two candidates who are new to public office.
City Council approves new housing mix at former Ramada Inn
After a previous developer went bankrupt, a new plan focuses on supportive housing for veterans and affordable housing.
BREAKING: Entire volunteer tax appeals board quits in wake of Tax Assessor firing
Board of Equalization and Review Chair Miriam McKinney wrote two letters to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners warning that all five volunteer members of her board would resign if Tax Assessor Keith Miller was fired.
Council considers affordable housing development at former Ramada Inn
At its Tuesday, Sept. 24 meeting, Asheville City Council will be asked to adopt a resolution that could result in a facility including 50 units of supportive housing for veterans and 63 units of affordable housing at the site of a former Ramada Inn. (Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services intended to help people […]
On the Record: Asheville City Council candidate Roberto ‘Bo’ Hess on the intersectionality of the arts, mental health and local government
In the fifth installment of Xpress’ limited series “On the Record,” Roberto “Bo” Hess discusses his youth, a life-changing event and how his profession as a social worker informs his views on the arts and local politics — all to the soundtrack of Erykah Badu’s 2000 album Mama’s Gun.
Buncombe County commissioners fire tax assessor
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners fired its tax assessor R. Keith Miller for a conflict of interest involving buying a South Carolina condominium with an employee under his supervision.
Commission to vote on funding for county sports park
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will be asked to approve a budget amendment and accept a $4 million grant from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority at its Tuesday, Sept. 17, meeting. Phase 2 of Buncombe County’s Enka Recreation Destination project includes turfing four fields and lighting three fields; a new playground that complies […]
Council tables zoning amendments pending larger overhaul
City Council tables proposed changes to cottage clusters and “flag” lots ordinances pending an overall affordable housing strategy for the city.
City manager addresses employee-compensation complaints
A group of Black women City of Asheville employees were lauded during the Sept. 10 Council meeting, after they raised concerns over hiring and compensation practices. The City of Asheville says it’s taking steps to address the concerns.
Council to review Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
The presentation highlights achievements, including progress on Council’s six key strategic priorities.
Buncombe considers funding for more low-barrier shelter beds
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reviewed $3.6 million in funding requests that would expand low-barrier homeless shelters, which do not require ID or sobriety, and are open 24/7.
Residents weigh in on the future of transportation in WNC
The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public input for Elevate 2050, a federally mandated plan setting transportation priorities for the next 25 years in WNC.
Council approves more time for Reparations Commission
Commission will receive city resources until February to continue plans to address harms from systematic racism.
On the Record: City Council candidate Kevan Frazier on cover songs, multifamily housing and grants
A native to Western North Carolina, Kevan Frazier says cheap rent is what initially drew many artists to the city. If elected to Asheville City Council, one of his top priorities will be to help find solutions to the current housing crisis as a way to assist residents, including those in the creative sector.
County to consider support for expanded broadband
Buncombe County was awarded the BellSouth Telecommunications Project in July, which could expand broadband access to nearly 1,000 new locations in rural parts of Buncombe County if approved by commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 3.
County, school boards discuss priorities in unusual joint meeting
On Aug. 22, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners called a first-of-its-kind joint meeting within the Asheville City and Buncombe County boards of education to identify the three elected bodies’ shared purpose.