professional headshot of Paul ballard

Transition in Asheville’s Transportation Department

Paul Ballard will be joining the organization as the new Interim Transportation Director effective, Monday April 29.  Jessica Morris will continue to serve as the Assistant Director of Transportation. Ballard is a nationally recognized transportation executive who led transit systems in Fort Worth, Nashville, and St. Louis, among others, prior to his retirement in 2019.  He [...]

artistic drawing of Montford park showing trees in bloom and flower beds

Park Views: Montford Park

This entry is part of Park Views, a weekly Asheville Parks & Recreation series that explores the history of the city’s public parks and community centers – and the mountain spirit that helped make them the unique spaces they are today. Read more from the series and follow APR on

beauty shot of downtown Asheville shows downtown skyline against blue skies

Recent statistics show a year on year reduction in property and violent crimes

At the most recent Environment and Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Asheville Police Department (APD) Chief Lamb and Captain Aardema updated committee members on city-wide crime statistics for the first quarter compared to the same quarter in 2023.  Good News in Crime Reduction The comparisons are positive according to APD data.  Statistics show an [...]

affordable housing photo illustration

The City of Asheville allocates over $4.8 million to affordable housing projects via the Housing Trust Fund

The City of Asheville Housing Trust Fund (HTF) exists to support the development and preservation of affordable housing within the city. The HTF provides financial assistance in the form of loans to developers and nonprofit organizations to help create and preserve affordable housing units. On April 23, City Council reviewed 2024-25 HTF proposals [...]

group gathered putting puzzle together

City of Asheville approves fourth round of Strategic Partnership Grant awards

Award Announcement Asheville City Council approved last night, as part of Council’s agenda, the fourth round of Strategic Partnership Grant (SPG) Program awards and authorized the City Manager to execute grant agreements.  Using Strategic Partnership funding, the City has awarded $237,000 in grants to five different non-profit organizations to help address the opportunity gap for low to [...]

drink this that shows a view of reservoir, not that showing bottles of water

Bottled water vs. tap water? In Asheville, the answer is easy.

In recent years, many cities have been in the news when water from their distribution systems did not meet national safe drinking water standards. It’s easy to understand why more and more residents are feeling concerned about their water. Some are choosing bottled water over tap, because they think it’s a safer alternative. However, take [...]

spring free store information

Donate and attend the Spring Free Store in May!

Did you know the City of Asheville has a goal to reduce landfill waste by 50% by 2035?  Please join us in being part of the solution! The Spring Free Store is a  fun “shopping” event that is good for your wallet and for the planet. The Spring Free Store is like a yard sale, but [...]

electrify buncombe logo

Electrify Asheville-Buncombe brings an “Electrification” Marketplace to local residents

Buncombe County and the City of Asheville are partnering on a unique program designed to support Asheville and Buncombe County’s clean-energy goals. The innovative program, Electrify Asheville-Buncombe, provides support to residents of Asheville and Buncombe County by helping homeowners explore new proven electric technologies, choose participating local contractors, and get help with identifying discount purchase [...]

al kopf and susannah horton looking towards front of city hall

APR Innovators: Al Kopf

APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone. When did you [...]

Earth Day photo illustration

Earth Day is here!

The Sustainability Department invites you to join in the fun of making a cleaner, greener Asheville at home, at work, and in our community. Keep reading to find ways to get involved and have a positive impact, while enjoying the outdoors and our community. Earth Day is today, but if it snuck up on you [...]

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