Council gives controversial Craggy subdivision the go-ahead, some gentry throw a fit about ‘undesirables’ and the police buy more surveillance equipment Above: City-County Plaza, with the Buncombe County Courthouse and City Hall on the snowy morning of Feb. 24 In the morning hours before Asheville…

As a major land battle is delayed, Council turns its attention to local organizing, a contentious consent agenda and several reports Above: Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. File photo by Max Cooper. Asheville City Council’s Feb. 10 meeting began with the first appearance in the halls of…

Concerns, fears, mutual applause and setting the stage  for the biggest political fight Asheville’s seen in a long time, all at this year’s Council retreat Above: Council members’ notes, on the banquet room wall, about what accomplishments they’re proud of. This past Friday, Asheville City…

Behind a very general agenda, two meals and lots of debate over wording, Asheville’s leaders are about make some big decisions for the year Above: City hall by moonlight. Photo by Max Cooper. It’s not on the main page of the city’s website. Or their calendar…

About 140 city employees make less than a living wage. More on that issue, and how Council’s now considering a raise Above: the job description for a U.S. Cellular Center worker in “specialized unskilled work.” The job, like many others at the center, pays below…

In a time of growing demand, calls for reform and uncertain budgets, the Asheville Transit Committee sets some priorities for where the cash will go Above: The Asheville Transit Committee gathers for its Jan. 6 meeting, around one of those photographically vexing projectors city meeting…

A look at how the Asheville Blade came to be, what we did in 2014 and a thank you to the community that’s made it possible. Above: Fireworks outside City Hall. Photo by Bill Rhodes. I initially hesitated about writing this post. For all that…

For years, city government has claimed to pay a living wage. But there’s a big exception that leaves some city workers making far less Above: Lauren Bacchus, in front of the U.S. Cellular Center box office where she worked. Along with 139 other city employees, Bacchus…

Routs, truces, clashing views and more as Council closes out its year with the latest chapter in the development wars Above: the future sites of the River Mill Lofts and Hazel Mill Roads projects, on the city’s development maps. Historically, few things pack Asheville City…

While law enforcement sees local turmoil and national scrutiny, Asheville’s police advisory board gives staff an earful about the need for public oversight Above: Several members of the Citizens Police Advisory Board gather with city staff around tables in a training room for their Dec.…