The City of Asheville’s Community and Economic Development Department will be accepting applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for fiscal year 2025-26 until February 7, 2025. We expect to make around $1,000,000 in awards this year. Please note that this is separate from the recently awarded $225,010,000 CDBG-Disaster Recovery grant the city received. Information [...]
City Council votes to award contract for Downtown Business Improvement District service provider at January 14 meeting
On Tuesday, January 14, the Asheville City Council voted 5-to-1 to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with the Asheville Downtown Community Improvement District for delivery of downtown Business Improvement District (BID) services at their regular meeting. Following a competitive selection process, the contract was awarded to the top-ranked service provider, Asheville [...]
Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care seeks volunteers for the annual Point-in-Time Count on January 28 and 29, 2025
Join the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care for the annual Point-in-Time Count! Community members will work as part of a small team to canvas Buncombe County surveying people experiencing homelessness. This critical data collection happens nationwide during the last 10 days of January each year. The information gathered helps direct federal funding, inform local strategy, [...]
WNC Nature Center is sad to share news of the passing of Leafa, the red panda
The Nature Center is sad to announce the passing of our female red panda, Leafa, whose health had declined over the past few months. Born in 2009 at the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND, Leafa and her male counterpart, Phoenix, came to the Nature Center from the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in 2018 as [...]
Be winter ready for parks and greenways adventures
One of the many advantages of living in Asheville is experiencing all four seasons. While some advice is evergreen, winter comes with unique challenges (and rewards!) regarding outside recreation. The Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) pros share tips below to stay comfortable and safe while exploring the city’s parks and greenways during cold temperatures. Note: [...]
Winter Weather Updates – January 11; ART service suspended
The Asheville region is forecasted to receive substantial winter weather this weekend. The winter storm will likely have impacts to road conditions and traffic patterns. Due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, the City is especially vulnerable during these weather conditions. UPDATES Jan 13 8:00am – Parks and Recreation inclement weather schedule Community Centers will operate on an [...]
Asheville officials welcome HUD Secretary Todman, Gov. Stein and additional Helene recovery funds
Helene Recovery efforts in Asheville receive an additional 225-million dollars in fudning
Street and lane closures in downtown Patton Avenue area to allow for Carter-Ann-Patton stormwater project to move forward
The City of Asheville announces daytime lane closures and a night street closure on Patton Avenue as part of the ongoing Carter-Ann-Patton stormwater project. Drivers are advised to use I-240 or alternative routes to navigate downtown. Daytime lane closures beginning January 10 Beginning January 10, Patton Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction during [...]
The WNC Nature Center celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2025 with a little help from their Friends
The WNC Nature Center is proud to announce the celebration of its 100th anniversary as a zoo, marking a century of inspiring visitors to foster a deep connection with wildlife. With this milestone, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting the center’s mission, commemorates its 50th anniversary. These twin celebrations [...]
ART delayed operations on January 7; Community Centers on inclement weather schedule
ART bus service is suspended tonight, January 6, beginning at 7:30 p.m. due to icy road conditions. Tomorrow, January 7, buses will operate on a delayed schedule starting at 10:00 a.m. Should road conditions improve, staff will provide more information on when transit services will resume. Please check the Service Alerts section on the [...]
Stay Active in January and Win Prizes from Asheville Parks & Recreation
As temperatures drop and Ashevillians settle in for post-holiday relaxation, the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team has a fun challenge to keep the city moving, creating, and connecting during the first month of 2025. Community members can pick up or print a PARKS activity card, complete activities throughout the month, and [...]
What’s Up AVL! This week spotlights Helene debris removal efforts
What’s Up AVL! The City of Asheville’s bi-monthly radio show allows the community to take a deep dive with the City of Asheville staff and departments. You can learn about different departments and what projects are taking place in your community. On this episode of What’s Up Asheville host Sam Parada discusses post-Helene debris removal efforts with Jessica [...]
City of Asheville announces City Hall winter holiday closings and service impacts
City of Asheville offices will be closed December 24-26, 2024 during the winter holiday break. City offices will also be closed on January 1, 2025. Helene Recovery Efforts Debris Collection: Helene-related debris collection will continue throughout the holidays. FEMA Disaster Relief Center at Asheville Mall will have holiday hours: December 24: Closed December 25-26: Closed December 27: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. January 1, [...]