Local Politics · Asheville, NC
Two-term Asheville City Council member Kim Roney is running against incumbent Mayor Esther Manheimer for the second consecutive term, having lost to her by roughly 3,000 votes in 2022. In an Oct. 7 interview with Blue Ridge Public Radio, Roney outlined a door-knocking campaign exceeding 10,000 doors and priorities including affordable housing near transit corridors, a regional transit system, expanded mental-health co-responder programs modeled on Durham's HEART initiative, and eliminating three-by-three council check-ins. Roney has voted against Flock surveillance cameras, police equipment grants, and a panhandling ordinance, while Manheimer has pushed back on claims that such meetings violate transparency norms. The profile is the first of two candidate pieces ahead of Asheville's mayoral election.
Local Business · Asheville, NC
Some Asheville residents say finding late-night meals downtown is difficult, while the Asheville Independent Restaurants Association notes that extending hours involves significant operational costs and staffing challenges. An Oct. 9 Asheville Downtown Association report recorded approximately 1 million non-resident visits in September, up 7.4% year-over-year. Emily Glasgow of the restaurant association said a vibrant nightlife ecosystem requires coordination among restaurants, bars, music venues, and entertainment programming. Meanwhile, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority recently approved about $11.2 million through its Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund for 10 projects countywide to support post-Helene recovery.
Community News · Asheville, NC
Shawndra Russell, founder and owner of The Howlery, is transforming her 100-year-old home in west Asheville into a disaster-proof community hub to address gaps experienced after Hurricane Helene in 2024. The Howlery operates as a private membership association offering overnight stays, doggie daycare, community meals, and weekly campfires aimed at building neighbor networks. Russell held an open house for residents interested in learning about the project. She cited losing two businesses during the storm as motivation for creating a space addressing needs that went unmet in the immediate aftermath.
