City News

Category: Featured

The 2023 City of Asheville Disparity Study supports extending its race- and gender-conscious contracting policy

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Kim Miller

The City of Asheville has released a Disparity Study report detailing its contracting and purchasing activities and practices for the past 5 years. A Disparity Study is a type of research study that is designed to assess whether there are disparities, or differences, in the participation rates and opportunities for various groups in a particular program or industry. The goal of a disparity study is to identify any barriers or obstacles that may be preventing certain groups from participating fully, and to develop strategies to promote greater diversity and inclusion.

Asheville Transportation Director Ken Putnam announces retirement

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Christy Edwards

Asheville Transportation Department Director Ken Putnam has announced plans to retire from local government, effective January 1, 2024. Ken has been Director of the Transportation Department for the City since 2009 and has served in previous roles of City Traffic Engineer and Assistant Director of the Engineering and Transportation Department. He also serves as the [...]

New Federal Housing Administration policies expand financing for Accessory Dwelling Units, supporting the City of Asheville’s housing policy

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Kim Miller

The city announces that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just released a new policy that now expands access to mortgage financing for homes that have or will include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are also known as backyard cottages, mother-in-law suites, basement apartments, ancillary units, carriage houses, and garage apartments. The City of Asheville supports ADUs as a way to spur the development of more affordable housing options and promote diversity in the types of housing choices available for residents.

City of Asheville Business Inclusion Office to Host second MWBE Vendor Outreach Event in Asheville

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Kim Miller

The Asheville Business Inclusion (ABI) office is excited to announce it will host a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) outreach event on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event welcomes all Minority- and Women-owned businesses operating in the construction trades or offering services related to construction. Attendance from Prime contractors seeking collaboration opportunities with MWBE vendors is highly encouraged.

City of Asheville shares dashboards, data resources related to downtown safety and cleanliness

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Kim Miller

After a 60-day safety and cleanliness initiative in the spring of 2023, City departments continued focused efforts to support a safe and welcoming downtown and are collaborating on new ways to deliver and track services with maximum impact. Are you interested in following our progress? Sign up for monthly updates here.

The City of Asheville announces the Homelessness Learning Series for November and December

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Kim Miller

The Homelessness Division of the City of Asheville Community and Economic Development Department invites members of the public to join them for an informative learning series focused on homelessness in our community. Individual sessions can be attended in either November and/or December. The series offers community members the opportunity to learn more about the causes, responses, and actions that surround the homelessness issue in Asheville and the region.

The City announces the final Art in the Heart project by late artist Lara Nguyen

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Sam Parada

From October 22 – November 27, 2023, the final Art in the Heart project, Letters to my Children, will be on display in the median of Pack Square Plaza. Art in the Heart was part of the engagement efforts surrounding the Pack Square Plaza Visioning and Improvements Project which looked [...]

The Community Reparations Commission releases draft recommendations

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Sam Parada

The Community Reparations Commission has been meeting since April of 2022 to develop short, medium, and long term recommendations. A batch of draft recommendations has been released. The recommendations align with the five impact focus areas of the commission: housing, economic development, criminal justice, education, and health & wellness. These draft recommendations are [...]

Code Purple program goes into effect October 15, 2023

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Kim Miller

The Code Purple program kicks off this year on October 15, 2023 and runs through April 30, 2024.

City of Asheville shares data from new solar installation at Broadway Public Safety Station

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Kim Miller

The Broadway Public Safety Station on Broadway Street, even though not officially open yet, it is producing solar energy. This is the seventh City facility to include renewable energy production. The Broadway Public Safety Station will produce approximately 77,386 kilowatt hours per year, enough electricity to power 7 homes.

What’s up AVL: This week hear from Parks and Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Kim Miller

Director of Parks and Recreation D. Tyrell McGirt talks about the city’s comprehensive plan for public leisure spaces and recreation programs. He and Sam discuss how the plan will help guide the department’s decisions for the next 10-15 years to connect, fix, build, and preserve recreation programs and parkland. You can get involved as the department has invited community members to share innovative ideas at Recreate Asheville workshops and online at RecreateAsheville.com now through November 20, 2023.

blue and green questions marks as background with title Asheville Asks

Asheville Asks: Does the new NC state budget provision on plastic bags impact Asheville’s leaf collection ordinance?

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Kim Miller

Does the recent North Carolina state budget provision addressing the use of plastic bags impact Asheville's new leaf collection ordinance that went into effect August 1, 2023? The quick answer is no, but expand this article for a fuller explanation and a reminder of good practices.

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