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Asheville community centers host Green Book exhibit highlighting Black life during Jim Crow era

Posted on by Christy Edwards

In November, three Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) community centers host “Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina,” a traveling exhibit about sites important to, and personal memories about, African American travel using The Negro Motorist Green Book during the Jim Crow era of legal segregation. Published from 1936 to 1966, the book was used as both a travel guide and a tool of resistance to confront the realities of racial discrimination in the United States and beyond. The self-guided exhibit is free and open to the public at select APR community centers.

The 2023 City of Asheville Disparity Study supports extending its race- and gender-conscious contracting policy

Posted on by Kim Miller

The City of Asheville has released a Disparity Study report detailing its contracting and purchasing activities and practices for the past 5 years. A Disparity Study is a type of research study that is designed to assess whether there are disparities, or differences, in the participation rates and opportunities for various groups in a particular program or industry.  The goal of a disparity study is to identify any barriers or obstacles that may be preventing certain groups from participating fully, and to develop strategies to promote greater diversity and inclusion.

Asheville Transportation Director Ken Putnam announces retirement

Posted on by Christy Edwards

Asheville Transportation Department Director Ken Putnam has announced plans to retire from local government, effective January 1, 2024. Ken has been Director of the Transportation Department for the City since 2009 and has served in previous roles of City Traffic Engineer and Assistant Director of the Engineering and Transportation Department. He also serves as the [...]

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New Federal Housing Administration policies expand financing for Accessory Dwelling Units, supporting the City of Asheville’s housing policy

Posted on by Kim Miller

The city announces that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just released a new policy that now expands access to mortgage financing for homes that have or will include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are also known as backyard cottages, mother-in-law suites, basement apartments, ancillary units, carriage houses, and garage apartments. The City of Asheville supports ADUs as a way to spur the development of more affordable housing options and promote diversity in the types of housing choices available for residents.

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City of Asheville Business Inclusion Office to Host second MWBE Vendor Outreach Event in Asheville

Posted on by Kim Miller

The Asheville Business Inclusion (ABI) office is excited to announce it will host a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) outreach event on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event welcomes all Minority- and Women-owned businesses operating in the construction trades or offering services related to construction. Attendance from Prime contractors seeking collaboration opportunities with MWBE vendors is highly encouraged.

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The Community Reparations Commission releases draft recommendations

Posted on by Sam Parada

The Community Reparations Commission has been meeting since April of 2022 to develop short, medium, and long term recommendations. A batch of draft recommendations has been released. The recommendations align with the five impact focus areas of the commission: housing, economic development, criminal justice, education, and health & wellness. These draft recommendations are [...]

solar panels at Fire Station 10

City of Asheville shares data from new solar installation at Broadway Public Safety Station

Posted on by Kim Miller

The Broadway Public Safety Station on Broadway Street, even though not officially open yet, it is producing solar energy. This is the seventh City facility to include renewable energy production.  The Broadway Public Safety Station will produce approximately 77,386 kilowatt hours per year,  enough electricity to power 7 homes. 

City of Asheville announces appointment of Michael Cayse as Fire Chief

Posted on by Kim Miller

The City of Asheville is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Cayse as the new Fire Chief of the Asheville Fire Department. He joins us from Cincinnati, Ohio where he has spent much of his 34-year public safety career.   Chief Cayse will officially start his role on January 2, 2024. 

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