Asheville City Council approved a final plan on how to spend $225 million in disaster recovery funds at its April 8 meeting. Also at the meeting, water fee increases were approved, a BID steering committee was ok’d and more concerns over I-26 Connector were raised by the public.
The Asheville City Council voted March 25 to authorize the city to assume ownership of 31 storm-damaged buildings and turn their lots into green space under a FEMA program.
As part of Xpress‘ annual Kids Issue series, we reached out to the members of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to share their childhood recollections. Council member Kim Roney shares her tales.
Asheville City Council approved several changes to the city zoning codes at its March 11 meeting to make it easier, cheaper and faster to build regular and affordable housing along certain major thoroughfares. But it wasn’t without conflict.
Asheville City Council had its annual retreat to focus on a post-Tropical Storm Helene recovery plan. As Council members plotted a course, staff laid out a bleak fiscal landscape the city will have to navigate post-Helene.
For Xpress’ annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Council member Kim Roney about the benefits of walking, the joy that squirrels bring and the undeniable catchiness of Chapell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”
Asheville City Council had a lot to bite off at its Jan. 14 meeting. Much discussion arose over choosing a manager of a controversial Business Improvement District (BID), post-storm changes to building codes and solutions for those about to lose FEMA housing assistance.
Asheville City Council approved relief grants for housing, businesses and emergency shelter. It also tabled updates to building codes to have more time to explore environmental impacts and the scope of the proposed changes.
City Council tables proposed changes to cottage clusters and “flag” lots ordinances pending an overall affordable housing strategy for the city.
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.
In the third installment of Xpress’ limited series “On the Record,” Kim Roney shares her connection to Rodriguez’s 1970 album ‘Cold Fact,’ her own musical journey and the role of creativity in politics.
Opponents say downtown plan will further marginalize the unhoused population and duplicate services city should be providing.
“This is a straight rezoning, not a project,” Mayor Esther Manheimer said. “A sidewalk is not a requirement we can make.”
“We’re creating a budget that has recurring expenses,” Mayor Esther Manheimer said. “You’ve got to have a source of revenue that continues year after year.”
‘That’s just what it’s like working in a bar,’ some say. Others might push it aside for financial reasons — ‘Don’t you want more tips?’ But local advocates say addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence is key to preventing it from continuing. Especially in the hospitality industry, where it is prevalent.
With the general election six months away, Xpress asked each candidate about campaign strategy and lessons from the trail thus far.
“Let’s prioritize candidates who propose practical policies to ensure our city remains a safe, thriving place.”
“There are lots of things we can’t do, but are we doing what we can?” asks Council member Kim Roney, who is up for reelection this year.
Safety and hospitality ambassadors for a downtown Asheville business improvement district would be perceived as a welcome addition by some — additional “eyes and ears” on the street. But others aren’t sure that such a program is a priority.
As the saying goes, “All politics is local.” At Xpress, we firmly believe this, which is why we’ve focused our primary election guide on local races that pertain specifically to Buncombe County. There will be a lot of new faces on local boards, offices, councils and benches. Asheville Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore is one of several […]
A 25th anniversary concert celebrating the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus. Plus, the 26th annual Bluff Mountain Festival; The Big Secret returns; and more.
