Marc Hunt is Asheville’s incumbent Vice Mayor Name: Marc Hunt Profession: Former whitewater outfitter, community development lender, and land conservation professional In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am deeply committed to improving our community, and

Name: Brian Haynes Profession: Assistant Manager, Habitat for Humanity Re-Store In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Unafilliated In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am a native, former downtown business owner and long time Habitat supporter. I am running because I do not like the current pro

Name: Joe Grady Profession: Sales Specialist in Home and Business Group with Best Buy, and Community Commander overseeing the community volunteerism for 13 stores. In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Independent In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am a visionary with a

From missed stops to buses in disrepair and low morale, drivers and local activists assert the company in charge of managing Asheville’s transit system is failing Above: The SUV that, according to multiple drivers, transported some Asheville transit system riders in recent weeks because the system had a critical lack

City government will finally pay a living wage to all its employees. But the worker who raised concerns in the first place was fired. Above: Lauren Bacchus, a U.S. Cellular Center worker who raised concerns late last year about a lack of living wage for workers there. Shortly after going public

While City Council wrangled over short-term rentals and the future of the city, I sat with the crowd in an overflow room. Here’s what I witnessed Above: City Hall under renovation, file photo by Bill Rhodes. The Aug. 25 Asheville City Council meeting saw a big fight over short-term rentals

The short-term rental issue hits City Hall with a contentious debate, as Council tries to put the brakes on Airbnb and its ilk Above: Mayor Esther Manheimer, who vociferously defended the city’s ban on short-term rentals in most neighborhoods and the need to be careful about any regulations allowing any

After months of debate stepped-up fines on short-term rentals — and relaxed rules on residents renting out rooms — go to Council tonight. But a decision might be delayed due to concerns about how to grapple with a rapidly-changing issue Above: The logo for Airbnb, the tech giant that’s played

With a department in trouble a chief departs and Asheville’s city manager starts the search for another. Here’s the first of a two-part series delving into what happened next Above: City Manager Gary Jackson, behind his nametag on the Asheville City Council dais. File photo by Max Cooper. This is

It’s election season and we’re asking for your help, readers, in crafting some hard-hitting questions for the 15 people running for Asheville City Council seats Above: Downtown Asheville by night, photo by Max Cooper It’s that time, readers. As the October primary approaches, you’ll see more forums (the first is