The future of Asheville’s downtown is in the balance. It’s time to have a much broader discussion about what that future should look like Above: downtown Asheville by night. Photo by Max Cooper Downtown Asheville never really leaves the news. It’s not just the seat of government or the location

Three new Council members are sworn in, a vice mayor is chosen, unity is proclaimed and the mayor’s father leads a sing-along Above: the new Council, seated on the dais. From left: Brian Haynes, Gordon Smith, Vice mayor Gwen Wisler, Mayor Esther Manheimer, Cecil Bothwell, Julie Mayfield and Keith Young.

With a new Council on the way, here’s a look at Asheville’s government, what it does and how you can change it Above: City Hall by night, photo by Max Cooper. Today three new Asheville City Council members — Keith Young, Brian Haynes and Julie Mayfield — will be sworn

For too long the city has neglected the Walton Street park and pool, a place of history and community. It’s time to change that Three months ago, the Southside Community Advisory Board started a petition to save the Walton Street Park/Pool in an effort to galvanize not just the Southside

AirBnB and its ilk (some of them at least) are back before Council as it tries to nail down rules for homestays and three members have their final meeting Above: Vice Mayor Marc Hunt. File photo by Max Cooper. When Asheville City Council members took their place on the dais

In the weeks between two citywide elections, local government still continued on with some important steps. Here’s what happened over at City Council Above: Mayor Esther Manheimer. File photo by Max Cooper. Asheville elections are interesting beasts. There’s a long primary season, with candidates usually declaring in the first half

Behind the results of election night upsets, the most closely-fought race Asheville’s seen in many years and the beginning of an era of conflict Above: Campaign signs outside the Board of Elections during early voting. Well, that was interesting. In a few hours last night, local electoral norms shattered and

In-depth interviews, questionnaires and more information about every candidate in our closely-fought election for three important Asheville City Council seats Above: City Hall under renovation. Photo by Bill Rhodes A hard-fought primary narrowed the field of Asheville City Council candidates from 15 to six (and a write-in candidate also launched

Campaign season sees a profusion of forums for Asheville City Council candidates and the public. A local photographer gives a look at one forum in her area, and what the candidates said Above: Five Asheville City Council candidates — Rich Lee, Lindsey Simerly, Julie Mayfield, Keith Young and Brian Haynes

One of the major issues facing the city in the next four years is the overhaul of the UDO. You’ve mentioned that you decided to run because you were concerned about the pace of development in the city. If elected what’s your thoughts about how the changes to the UDO