The Asheville City Council race this year is bustling with competition as twenty candidates vie for just three available seats. With the elections approaching, the candidates are laying out their visions for the city’s future at various forums, including a recent event at The Grey Eagle.
Fifteen hopefuls attended the “Get There AVL” forum, showcasing their ideas on improving housing affordability, enhancing transit systems, and ensuring safer streets. This event, organized by Asheville on Bikes, MountainTrue, and Strong Towns Asheville, saw candidates sharing their platforms in front of a packed audience.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding future improvements, a significant issue—Asheville’s $30 million budget gap—received little attention. This omission was noted by local resident Jen McMahon, who expressed her concerns about the lack of discussion on strategies to address the deficit following the hurricane.
“I’m really excited to hear that folks want to be able to connect our city. But something that wasn’t really talked about is we’re facing a $30 million deficit after the hurricane,” McMahon remarked.
Similarly, voter Ben Spencer voiced his frustration over the generality of the campaign promises. “So far, a lot of platitudes,” he said to BPR, urging candidates to be more specific about affordable housing solutions and tenant protections.
Among the candidates, David Moritz, a newcomer to the political scene, broached the budget issue, questioning the city’s increased spending without clear returns. “What have we gotten from that? How many greenways could we have paid for that?” he asked.
Keith Young, a former council member aiming for another term, highlighted the shared concerns among candidates but emphasized the importance of delivering tangible results. “This is an election about results,” he stated.
Incumbents Maggie Ullman, Antanette Mosley, and Sheneika Smith are focusing on continuity and recovery efforts post-hurricane. Ullman, in particular, is advocating for zoning code reforms to increase housing options. “I have fought to modernize our zoning code, so that ADUs and flag lots and cottage courts are bringing housing choices, because that matters,” she said.
Mosley, on the other hand, is cautious about zoning changes that might impact long-standing communities, especially in legacy Black neighborhoods. “We need to build more homes, but we also have to protect the people who already live here,” she emphasized.
A fresh perspective was introduced by Tiffany DeBellott, who suggested a city-wide youth plan to empower young residents. “We need something that protects our young people so that they have a piece of the pie to usher into a new future,” she said.
As the March 3 primary approaches, candidates are working to stand out to voters. Only six will proceed to the general election. Another opportunity to engage with the candidates will occur during a “speed dating style” event on Monday, February 9, hosted by the Asheville Downtown Association.
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