Executive Orders Impacting Buncombe County
As lawsuits opposing executive orders to eliminate DEI and disincentivize illegal migration are working their way through the court system, the Buncombe County Commissioners went into closed session to discuss three of them.
New Mandate for Airbnb Managers
Legislation went into effect on July 1 requiring all North Carolina property managers renting lodging accommodations to receive human trafficking awareness training. A lodging facility's employees and contractors involved in housekeeping, maintenance, guest registration, or food and beverage service must also receive the training.
Labor Commissioner Honors Asheville Businesses for Safety Excellence
The N.C. Department of Labor's annual Safety Awards Banquet honored Asheville-area businesses for their commitment to workplace safety, recognizing those who achieved significant milestones in preventing workplace injuries during the 2024 calendar year.
Recreate Asheville Plan Earns NCASLA Merit Award
The City of Asheville's "Recreate Asheville" plan received a prestigious NCASLA Merit Award for its innovative approach to parks and recreation planning. The award highlights the importance of community engagement in shaping a resilient public space strategy.
Asheville Declares July 2025 Independent Retailer Month
Asheville has proclaimed July 2025 as Independent Retailer Month, encouraging residents to shift their spending towards local businesses. The initiative includes various campaigns aimed at boosting community engagement and supporting the local economy.
Hendersonville Prepares for 4th of July Parade and Celebrations
The City of Hendersonville announced its annual 4th of July Parade, starting at 10:30 AM on July 4, 2025. Participants will line up on Main Street between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. No parking will be allowed along the parade route after 6:00 AM, with Main Street closing at 9:00 AM. Paid parking is available at […]
NCDOT Worried Scheduled Maintenance Will Suffer
A very brief report, prepared by the Washington, DC nonprofit TRIP, argued that if the NCDOT did not get additional federal funding, cumulative deferred maintenance on roads not affected by Helene will substantially degrade driving conditions.
UNC Asheville Making Inroads Toward Developing Forest
Students, faculty, and neighbors who have been using UNC Asheville's forestland for educational and recreational purposes are feeling shut-out. After petitioning and demonstrating for the school to conserve the woods, UNC Asheville has posted signs and commenced site prep to build a soccer stadium, student housing, and more.
Buncombe County Urges Vaccination Amid Measles Concerns
As cases of measles rise rapidly around the country, Buncombe County has not had a single confirmed case in recent history, and county officials intend to keep it that way.
Asheville Suspends OPEB Contributions: Should We Care?
Pensions and retiree benefits are used to recruit talent and pay later. Unfortunately, 10-15 years ago, state and local governments were not getting around to funding retiree accounts and gong bankrupt. The risky business was so pervasive, the Government Accounting Standards Board started requiring these bodies to account for amounts due. The City of Asheville was more proactive than most, making contributions each year to a trust fund. Now, to patch its budget gaps, the city is going to suspend its contributions for two years.