At the City of Asheville, all employees are essential workers, because all City jobs have to be done in order to provide our community with vital City services. During the pandemic, approximately 20% of the workforce was able to work from home. For the remainder of our workers, this was not an option.
While the governor was encouraging North Carolinians to stay safe and stay home, these employees’ jobs couldn’t be done from the safety of home. So they consistently came to the jobsite each day.
For that, the City of Asheville recognizes those employees – in Public Works, Public Safety, Water, IT, Capital Projects, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Parks and Recreation, Development Services, Transportation, Communication and Public Engagement, and Employee Health Services – who were required to work onsite or in the frontlines for the majority of the time that City Hall was closed to the public.
In addition to receiving a one-time monetary recognition, the City’s onsite and frontline employees will be acknowledged at the January 12 City Council meeting with a Resolution of gratitude for their service under these difficult circumstances. Their names will also be displayed on the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Marquee the week of January 11.
The City of Asheville is deeply grateful to each of these onsite and frontline employees, along with the many other community heroes that have worked tirelessly during this pandemic. Thank you for everything you’ve done to keep our community healthy.