In fiscal year 2019-20, the most recent year for which data is available, the city emitted the equivalent of roughly 18,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Its target for the year was approximately 15,600 metric tons of CO2, about 15% less than the actual figure.
New Stories
Q&A with Shannon Kauffman, homeowner services manager for Habitat for Humanity
In 2013, after years of struggling, Kauffman became a first-time homeowner thanks to Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Today, she helps other area residents become homeowners themselves as Habitat’s Homeowner Services Manager, where she says her personal experience not only informs her work but inspires others.
Area nonprofits combat hunger despite supply chain woes
Nearly two years after COVID-19 first disrupted daily life, local food-based nonprofits continue to struggle with logistical matters caused by the health crisis.
Local arts nonprofits creatively navigate pandemic hardships
Checking in with the executive directors of the Asheville Area Arts Council, Magnetic Theatre and Asheville Writers in the Schools and Community.
Around Town: Walking tour highlights Asheville’s eclectic music history
A new walking tour explores Asheville’s rich musical traditions. Plus, Rabbit Rabbit hosts a holiday tree event, The Magnetic Theatre travels back to the 1920s and a local author offers unreleased Beatles songs.
What’s new in food: Picklepalooza debuts on National Pickle Day
DJ’s Pickles celebrates National Pickle Day. Plus: Iron and Oak Brisket Co. continues to craft its menu; local shops offer Thanksgiving takeout; and plenty more.
Letter: Let cities regulate short-term rentals
“The state legislature shouldn’t tell municipalities how to run their towns.”
Letter: Thanks to local schools for alternatives in COVID-19 era
“So it was a great relief to hear that at least a few local schools are protecting children against what I firmly believe are the real dangers of our time.”
Letter: Don’t allow government interference with short-term rentals
“I would argue not to allow government interference with a homeowner’s right to use his/her property to its highest and best use.”
Letter: Don’t perpetuate vaccine dogma
“Excluding unvaccinated people perpetuates the false narrative that the only people contracting, transmitting and getting sick with coronavirus are the unvaccinated — and that is wildly untrue.”
Council to consider 911 services consolidation
Per the agreement, all city 911 dispatchers would be hired by Buncombe County, which would eliminate all transferring between the county and city, and the city would reimburse the county for the cost of its dispatches.
Letter: Short-term rentals are harming neighborhoods
“There absolutely should be zoning rules, restrictions and regulations in Buncombe County that prevent investors, who have no interest in an area beyond making money, from creating these stand-alone STRs in established neighborhoods.”
From CPP: Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest Plan nears completion
Groups in Western North Carolina are continuing their projects while the U.S. Forest Service finalizes its choices for the comprehensive 20-year plan.
Buncombe to preserve branch libraries
In a unanimous vote, the county Board of Commissioners directed staff to maintain the county’s current library branches — including those in Black Mountain, Oakley/South Asheville and Swannanoa — and explore other ways to improve the system.