Read about Asheville’s mayoral race in this second profile exploring the candidates. Check out our coverage of Kim Roney.
Esther Manheimer, the incumbent Mayor of Asheville, has a career that began behind the scenes of politics. As a legal advisor to the North Carolina General Assembly, she initially had high expectations of political figures. However, she soon realized that public service is accessible to anyone with determination.
Her journey into politics began when she returned to Asheville, engaging in local boards and commissions. By 2008, she had applied to join the Asheville City Council but was not selected, an outcome that fueled her resolve. “I just got fired up and I thought, ‘Well, I’m going to file and I’m going to run for office.’ And I did. And I beat him,” Manheimer stated, referencing her victory over then-council member Kelly Miller.
Manheimer is now campaigning for a fourth term as mayor, facing Kim Roney once again. In the 2022 election, Manheimer secured victory by about 3,000 votes. This year, Roney is advocating for change, emphasizing transparency and a new strategy for policing. In contrast, Manheimer seeks to continue her current path, confident in her capability. “I am glad to do this job for four more years,” she expressed. “I’m really good at doing this job and I want to keep doing it for our community.”
Gerard Albert III
/
BPR News
Strategies for Recovery
Manheimer’s campaign heavily emphasizes her strategic partnerships and efforts to secure funds for Hurricane Helene recovery, highlighting the nuanced nature of these processes. “I’m just going to be honest. It is political,” she mentioned in an interview with BPR, emphasizing the need to convincingly advocate for the city’s needs. Her proactive approach includes frequent visits to Washington, D.C., and Raleigh, collaborating with state and federal officials to ensure Asheville is prepared to utilize the funds effectively.
As co-chair of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery, Manheimer is deeply involved in recovery policy discussions. The city endured an estimated $1.1 billion in damages from Hurricane Helene, with $325 million already allocated for recovery, as reported by Bridget Herring, the city’s Helene Recovery Coordinator. Manheimer is optimistic about securing up to $1 billion in total recovery funding, with several applications still pending with FEMA and the EDA.
At a Leadership Asheville forum, she characterized this potential funding as a unique chance to enhance the city, something not financially feasible without external support.
Public Safety and Housing Policies
Public safety and affordable housing are pivotal issues in this mayoral race. Manheimer’s “Both-And” public safety strategy contrasts with Roney’s criticism of police department policies. Manheimer advocates for expanding crisis response options while maintaining police support. “We’ve got to build out other and different ways to respond to these types of crises,” she said. This includes backing the Asheville Police Department’s co-responder unit and the Asheville Fire Department’s REST program.
Manheimer actively supports revitalizing the police department, recently welcoming 20 new officers, addressing longstanding staffing challenges. She also took a stand to cancel the Flock camera contract due to privacy concerns, though she remains open to surveillance technology discussions based on community needs.
On housing, Manheimer highlights zoning reforms and public investments as solutions to increase affordable housing. She has supported zoning changes to reduce construction barriers and costs, and the city is revising its zoning code further. Despite an increase in available apartment units, the demand for deeply affordable housing remains significant. The city’s $45 million affordable housing bonds from 2016 and 2024 are pivotal to addressing this demand, funding affordable units and home repair projects for lower-income homeowners.
The Case for Experience
With nearly 13 years in office, Manheimer is the second-longest serving mayor in Asheville’s history. She has witnessed significant changes in the mayoral role and has adapted to the evolving social landscape of the city. She advises against “knee-jerk” decisions, emphasizing the importance of steady, informed governance. “One of the mistakes a politician can make, especially if you’re new, is you feel like every decision you make is sort of a do-or-die moment,” she shared with BPR.
While Manheimer highlights her experience as a key asset, Roney argues for new leadership after years of dissatisfaction. “If you want to get different results, try something different,” Roney stated at a campaign event. Manheimer counters that continuity in leadership is crucial for the city’s recovery and future resilience.
