In a joint meeting short on controversy but long on mutual back-slapping, the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners celebrated common projects, resources and initiatives.
The green queen: Meet Asheville’s new chief sustainability officer
The city of Asheville has announced its new chief sustainability officer. Amber Weaver, who previously served as energy and environmental project manager for the DeKalb County Government in Georgia and director of Keep DeKalb Beautiful, joined the city in July.
Mountain BizWorks restructures, launches new programs
That year, a sudden funding crisis threw the long-running nonprofit Mountain BizWorks into a tailspin. An expected grant failed to come through, and just like that, the organization found itself struggling to survive.
What is your food philosophy?
Xpress is curious about Asheville’s food choices. Please take a minute to tell us what you eat by completing this poll. We will publish the results in late September.
Musical instrument drive supports young players
During the gear-raiser on Saturday, Aug. 22, supporters can tour Experience Music’s Merrimon Avenue studio and enjoy refreshments and live music.
Stirring the local political pot
Over the last few weeks, it seems as though many Asheville and Buncombe politicians are moving pieces in a bigger puzzle. From retirements to withdrawals, shifting boards to a run for state office — and 15 candidates running for Asheville City Council, a lot is happening these days in local politics.
Growing pains: Craft brewing comes of age
North Carolina has always had a complicated relationship with alcohol. However, alcohol has consistently been an economic driver in North Carolina, as it still is, with 130 craft breweries as of 2014 – the most of any Southern state. As the craft brewing industry in the region grows into a multimillion-dollar business, the desire to review the statutes and improve communication with state officials has come to the forefront.
Smart bets: Barn Raisin’ Concert
The concert to benefit the Appalachian Barn Alliance kicks off at the Ebbs Chapel Performing Arts Center in Mars Hill on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 3 p.m.
City Council and Buncombe Commissioners to meet in joint session, Aug. 18
Although Asheville City Council members and Buncombe County commissioners frequently attend the same meetings and community events, it’s been at least two years since the two bodies met in an official joint session. Finding a meeting time that works for all elected officials is challenging, explains City Clerk Maggie Burleson, but she believes that most officials will be present for the joint meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Former Rep. Ramsey lands state job
Former state Rep. Nathan Ramsey has landed a job with the N.C. Department of Commerce nine months after his defeat in a bid for re-election.
Affordable housing essay: Consider the bigger picture
“Basically, it’s going to take all hands on deck to change this dangerous trajectory of unaffordability and extreme gentrification.”
Affordable housing essay: Bridging the financial gap
“Develop vacant city-owned land into low-income/workforce housing communities.”
Affordable housing essay: Increase density and funding, mandate inclusivity
“There are proven strategies for increasing affordable housing: 1) increase density; 2) increase funding; and 3) mandate inclusivity.”
Affordable housing essay: Asheville is a national leader
“City Council recently adopted a goal of assisting in the production of 2,800 new affordable housing units in the next seven years. That, however, is only about half of the city’s projected need over the next five years.”
Affordable housing essay: There are factors we can’t control
“We strongly encourage including a certain percentage of affordable houses or apartments in every project.”
Asheville trampoline park scuttled; developer blames city for slow response
A businessman says he backed out of a plan to locate an indoor trampoline park in Asheville because of delays in getting city approval for the project. Chris Brown, owner of Velocity Air Sports, says he had planned to develop the facility at a site on Sweeten Creek Road, but scuttled the effort in favor […]
Affordable housing essay: Student labor cuts costs, provides job training
“Whatever approach we take to affordable housing, it must include healthy, sustainable construction practices for the homes to be truly affordable in the long term. “
Affordable housing essay: Incentivize job opportunities
“Buncombe County government works proactively to incentivize affordable and workforce housing options as well as a diversified economy.”
Small Bites: Mountain Jewish Festival
The Mountain Jewish Festival kicks off in Hendersonville, workshops are offered on fermented foods and foraging for mushrooms, Black Mountain Ciderworks celebrates its second year, ASAP hosts its Local Summer Cookout and food writer Jonathan Ammons talks about Nightbell’s unique take on the classic deviled egg.
Commissioner Holly Jones announces her bid for lieutenant governor
Buncombe County Commissioner Holly Jones announced today that she is entering the race for Lieutenant Governor. Jones, who has spent the last 14 years serving in local government, said she is running because of the General Assembly’s constant meddling in local affairs.
4×4: Four weeks, three candidates?
The final week of Xpress’ Asheville City Council candidates series comes with a surprise withdrawal from the race.This week, we have John Miall, Joe Grady, Keith Young and a withdrawal from Holly Shriner.