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

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

One of the biggest tasks facing Council in the next four years is the changes to the UDO. If you’re re-elected, what’s going to be your priority in those changes? I’ve perhaps been the strongest voice on Council for getting into updating our comprehensive land use plan — the 2025

One of the biggest decisions facing Council in the coming four years is the UDO overhaul. If elected, what are going to be your priorities in dealing with that? I think Asheville does have to contemplate how to become a busier city with more people in it. Ten thousand or

One of the biggest tasks Council will face in the next four years will be the revision of the UDO. If elected, what will be your priorities for changing the UDO? We need to make sure we’re very intentional about getting the kind of development we want in the places

One of the biggest things facing Council in the next four years is the overhaul of the UDO. If elected, what are going to be your priorities on that? There’s been a lot of frustration with the number of hotels that are being built downtown and the amount of chain