Xpress asked developers, government officials, activists and others to weigh in on how local infrastructure and related issues shaped 2023.
![](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/radtip-9-330x185.jpg)
“Reactionary Edwards has decided who should count and who shouldn’t.”
Xpress asked developers, government officials, activists and others to weigh in on how local infrastructure and related issues shaped 2023.
Xpress reached out to dozens of local residents to discuss what keeps them hopeful heading into 2024.
Xpress heard from residents from all walks of life — some in health care, many not — about their thoughts on health and wellness in the region in 2023.
Pay for educators, equity for underrepresented populations and housing affordability, as well as nationwide inflation, underpinned efforts to improve the quality of life for Asheville-area residents in 2023, as expressed by Xpress’ Year in Review survey of engaged citizens and leaders.
A Cherokee potter will teach art students at UNCA. Plus, Jim Lauderdale headlines a benefit concert for the Junior Appalachian Music Kids of Henderson County, the Museum of the Cherokee People looks back to the 1990s and Arts AVL announces local grants.
If you’re looking for a food-filled New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of events to choose from.
“My idea is to sue to reclaim the name ‘Mission Hospital.’”
Asheville Police Chief David Zack submitted his resignation on Dec. 15, according to Kim Miller, the city’s communication specialist.
“Why are the schools so underutilized?”
“Listen to your heart,” says Lisa Forehand. “Do you want to be alone or with others to cultivate a more spiritual life? Are you open to trying new practices that might bring you closer to a higher power?”
“Are you OK with your local and state taxes helping these weapons industries?”
For two years, Stuart Smolkin, curator of the Asheville Radio Museum, has been restoring a 1946 Rock-ola 1422 jukebox. Now the machine is on display inside A-B Tech’s Elm building.
“Spirituality is being willing to show up in life with an open, curious mind and heart and grapple with the tough questions,” says Heather Hanson.
“We need to look at this problem and determine if the reason for the decline in the population in public schools is due to the filtering out of students to charter schools or if there is truly a drop in numbers of young children.”
“Unfortunately, all of us who currently live here experience the fragility of the HCA business model when it comes to our health care.”