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37 stories in Gov & Politics
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Four benches have been added at Weaver Park’s playground, and power has been restored to the restrooms and scoreboard. A custom rubber ramp is planned to improve playground accessibility, and the city says ballfield upgrades could begin Oct. 1. The changes follow residents’ concerns about seating, accessibility and playground equipment after the park’s renovation.
The Top 30 events happening in the next 7 days.
Stand up set from actor and comedian Mike Epps in a casino resort theater, blending sharp observational jokes with big stage energy. A late night headliner show suited for an adults night out in Cherokee.
Stand up set from actor and comedian Mike Epps in a casino resort theater, blending sharp observational jokes with big stage energy. A late night headliner show suited for an adults night out in Cherokee.
Stand up set from actor and comedian Mike Epps in a casino resort theater, blending sharp observational jokes with big stage energy. A late night headliner show suited for an adults night out in Cherokee.
Costumed, decorated-bike revelry takes over the brewery grounds with pedal-powered games, bicycle frolic, and colorful characters. Craft beer flows alongside a live-music lineup and awe-inducing sideshow-style performances for a big community festival vibe.
Costumed, decorated-bike revelry takes over the brewery grounds with pedal-powered games, bicycle frolic, and colorful characters. Craft beer flows alongside a live-music lineup and awe-inducing sideshow-style performances for a big community festival vibe.
Costumed, decorated-bike revelry takes over the brewery grounds with pedal-powered games, bicycle frolic, and colorful characters. Craft beer flows alongside a live-music lineup and awe-inducing sideshow-style performances for a big community festival vibe.
Indie rock and dream pop guitar chug with Luna’s graceful, chiming set led by Dean Wareham’s distinctive voice. An evening concert with Sister Ray Davies in an intimate music hall pub atmosphere.
Indie rock and dream pop guitar chug with Luna’s graceful, chiming set led by Dean Wareham’s distinctive voice. An evening concert with Sister Ray Davies in an intimate music hall pub atmosphere.
Indie rock and dream pop guitar chug with Luna’s graceful, chiming set led by Dean Wareham’s distinctive voice. An evening concert with Sister Ray Davies in an intimate music hall pub atmosphere.
Sweeping art rock and chamber pop blend experimental textures, orchestral instrumentation, and emotionally charged songwriting, bringing an acclaimed Cambridge band’s distinctive indie sound to Asheville.
Sweeping art rock and chamber pop blend experimental textures, orchestral instrumentation, and emotionally charged songwriting, bringing an acclaimed Cambridge band’s distinctive indie sound to Asheville.
Sweeping art rock and chamber pop blend experimental textures, orchestral instrumentation, and emotionally charged songwriting, bringing an acclaimed Cambridge band’s distinctive indie sound to Asheville.
Hyper catchy indie electronic and synth pop with glossy hooks that mask existential and emotionally complex lyrics. Expect a dancey outdoor amphitheater set with bright production energy and singalong choruses.
Hyper catchy indie electronic and synth pop with glossy hooks that mask existential and emotionally complex lyrics. Expect a dancey outdoor amphitheater set with bright production energy and singalong choruses.
Hyper catchy indie electronic and synth pop with glossy hooks that mask existential and emotionally complex lyrics. Expect a dancey outdoor amphitheater set with bright production energy and singalong choruses.
Pummeling death-metal night with Revocation’s technical riffs, rapid-fire drumming, and harsh vocals, backed by Defeated Sanity, Fuming Mouth, and Weeping. Expect loud, late, high-intensity pit energy in an intimate club setting.
Pummeling death-metal night with Revocation’s technical riffs, rapid-fire drumming, and harsh vocals, backed by Defeated Sanity, Fuming Mouth, and Weeping. Expect loud, late, high-intensity pit energy in an intimate club setting.
Pummeling death-metal night with Revocation’s technical riffs, rapid-fire drumming, and harsh vocals, backed by Defeated Sanity, Fuming Mouth, and Weeping. Expect loud, late, high-intensity pit energy in an intimate club setting.
An evening of stand up comedy on Brad Williams’ Tall Tales Tour inside the historic Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Expect a polished, ticketed headliner set with big crowd energy and late night laughs downtown.
An evening of stand up comedy on Brad Williams’ Tall Tales Tour inside the historic Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Expect a polished, ticketed headliner set with big crowd energy and late night laughs downtown.
An evening of stand up comedy on Brad Williams’ Tall Tales Tour inside the historic Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Expect a polished, ticketed headliner set with big crowd energy and late night laughs downtown.
Bikes and backyard-party energy with a community ride season closeout, custom hats, and a slow ride competition. Expect New Belgium beer vibes, a bike giveaway, and a DJ set driving late-night hangouts.
Bikes and backyard-party energy with a community ride season closeout, custom hats, and a slow ride competition. Expect New Belgium beer vibes, a bike giveaway, and a DJ set driving late-night hangouts.
Bikes and backyard-party energy with a community ride season closeout, custom hats, and a slow ride competition. Expect New Belgium beer vibes, a bike giveaway, and a DJ set driving late-night hangouts.
Roller boogie skating meets hard-hitting Blue Ridge Roller Derby action during a weekend takeover of an indoor arena in downtown Asheville. Expect high-energy laps, crowd-cheering bouts, and a late-night party vibe on wheels.
Roller boogie skating meets hard-hitting Blue Ridge Roller Derby action during a weekend takeover of an indoor arena in downtown Asheville. Expect high-energy laps, crowd-cheering bouts, and a late-night party vibe on wheels.
Roller boogie skating meets hard-hitting Blue Ridge Roller Derby action during a weekend takeover of an indoor arena in downtown Asheville. Expect high-energy laps, crowd-cheering bouts, and a late-night party vibe on wheels.
A late-night country and Americana concert built around story-forward singer-songwriter sets and crowd-sung choruses. Expect an energetic club-room vibe at Hellbender with touring headliners and a standing-room audience.
A late-night country and Americana concert built around story-forward singer-songwriter sets and crowd-sung choruses. Expect an energetic club-room vibe at Hellbender with touring headliners and a standing-room audience.
A late-night country and Americana concert built around story-forward singer-songwriter sets and crowd-sung choruses. Expect an energetic club-room vibe at Hellbender with touring headliners and a standing-room audience.
Electrifying late-night rock set that blurs garage grit with soul grooves, jazz fusion twists, psychedelia, and freewheeling improvisation. A Burnpile pre-party vibe with doors at 7 and an 8pm start in an intimate downtown venue.
Electrifying late-night rock set that blurs garage grit with soul grooves, jazz fusion twists, psychedelia, and freewheeling improvisation. A Burnpile pre-party vibe with doors at 7 and an 8pm start in an intimate downtown venue.
Electrifying late-night rock set that blurs garage grit with soul grooves, jazz fusion twists, psychedelia, and freewheeling improvisation. A Burnpile pre-party vibe with doors at 7 and an 8pm start in an intimate downtown venue.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority approved $11,186,513 in tourism tax funding Wednesday for 10 community projects. The North Carolina Arboretum will receive $2.4 million for an education and events plaza, and the River Arts District Artists Foundation will receive $2.1 million to help build a RAD Creative Campus. Grants reimburse recipients after approved expenses are reviewed.
The Housing Authority of the City of Asheville will lower affected households’ voucher payment standard from 150% to 120% of Fair Market Rent on Oct. 1. HACA says HUD never approved the higher standard. Some families face hundreds more in monthly costs; the number affected remains unknown.
Asheville City Council requested more research before deciding how to allocate $30 million in federal Helene recovery funds for flooded commercial corridors. No decisions were made at Thursday’s workshop. Staff will provide additional research and workshop notes and seek another discussion before community engagement.
According to HACA, Asheville’s housing authority became North Carolina’s first to join HUD’s Work & Dignity Coalition. Its policy requiring eligible household members to complete 15 weekly hours of work-related activity began for new admissions in June 2026 and expands to current eligible residents in January 2027.
Weaverville Fire Chief Ray Canafax has resigned, with his last day set for Oct. 10. Town Manager Scottie Harris said he understood Canafax had accepted a fire chief position closer to family. The town has not determined how it will fill the vacancy.
Two years after Helene, businesses, roads and public spaces have reopened across Asheville, while damaged properties, erosion and landslide concerns persist. City officials say recovery is shifting toward long-term reconstruction and resilience, with major infrastructure projects expected to take years.
Asheville City Manager DK Wesley announced Sept. 24 that Jackie Stepp accepted the permanent police chief position following a national recruitment effort. Stepp has led the department on an interim basis since November 2025 and has served Asheville for more than 20 years.
Asheville City Council held a Sept. 22 public hearing on proposed changes to a $4.7 million regional homelessness assistance plan. Public comments are accepted through Oct. 2. City staff propose expanding temporary rental assistance and case management and prioritizing people experiencing homelessness.
Bishop William J. Barber II will speak at a voter mobilization rally at 6 p.m. Oct. 1, 2026, at Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, 15 Overbrook Place in Asheville. Dr. Hanna Broome, director of religious affairs for Repairers of the Breach, is also scheduled to speak.
Asheville City Council unanimously approved $403,000 for replacing lead and galvanized iron water service lines and $189,839 in transit planning funding on Sept. 22, 2026. Council also approved contracts and program agreements and held a public hearing on a HOME-ARP allocation plan amendment.
Biltmore Forest Town Hall will serve as a polling location on November 3, 2026, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Town Hall staff will work remotely that day. The voter registration deadline is October 9, 2026.
Alex McKnight becomes Buncombe County’s Director of Public Safety Communications on September 21 after four months as interim director. He plans to strengthen operations and expand technology use, public safety partnerships and alternatives for callers needing clinical or behavioral health support.
Five local organizations will host a free candidate forum at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on September 28, 2026, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Candidates for Asheville mayor, City Council and Buncombe County Commission will discuss local priorities; the moderated forum begins at 5:30 p.m.
Buncombe County Election Services recognized National Voter Registration Week from September 14–20 and urged eligible residents to register. The registration deadline for the November 3 general election is October 9, with same-day registration available during early voting October 15–31. Same-day registrants will need an acceptable photo ID and proof of residence.
Asheville Finance and Management Services Director Tony McDowell will retire December 31, 2026, after 28 years with the city. He will remain on staff through year-end to support the leadership transition. The city says it will announce a competitive recruitment process soon.