While City Council wrangled over short-term rentals and the future of the city, I sat with the crowd in an overflow room. Here’s what I witnessed Above: City Hall under renovation, file photo by Bill Rhodes. The Aug. 25 Asheville City Council meeting saw a…

The short-term rental issue hits City Hall with a contentious debate, as Council tries to put the brakes on Airbnb and its ilk Above: Mayor Esther Manheimer, who vociferously defended the city’s ban on short-term rentals in most neighborhoods and the need to be careful…

After months of debate stepped-up fines on short-term rentals — and relaxed rules on residents renting out rooms — go to Council tonight. But a decision might be delayed due to concerns about how to grapple with a rapidly-changing issue Above: The logo for Airbnb,…

With a department in trouble a chief departs and Asheville’s city manager starts the search for another. Here’s the first of a two-part series delving into what happened next Above: City Manager Gary Jackson, behind his nametag on the Asheville City Council dais. File photo…

It’s election season and we’re asking for your help, readers, in crafting some hard-hitting questions for the 15 people running for Asheville City Council seats Above: Downtown Asheville by night, photo by Max Cooper It’s that time, readers. As the October primary approaches, you’ll see…

As pushes for higher wages increase, can Asheville pass its own minimum wage? A look at the legal questions and political battles over a key issue Above: Raise Up for 15 protesters near the Biltmore Avenue Hardee’s in April. Partly inspired by that regional labor movement,…

No, Asheville’s government isn’t far-left. That’s absurd. But over the past decade city government’s politics have changed. Here’s an analysis of what actually happened. Above: A pride flag flies from City Hall after the state’s ban on equal marriage was struck down in October. Photo…

Airbnb cues up the lobbyists to push Asheville City Council as the fight over short-term rentals continues, local government considers new rules and the tech giant turns its attention to our city Short-term rentals are, to put it mildly, a controversial topic here. With the…

The Burton Street community faces down I-26 as the controversial interstate plans advance and criticisms about local and state government arise Above: The sign for Burton Street’s community center. Photo by Emily Foley. The Interstate 26 connector project has stirred debate for nearly 20 years…

While Council is set to pass a budget tonight, it will still be months before it’s clear if all city workers will actually get a living wage Above: the description of a U.S. Cellular Center job from the city of Asheville’s website last year, paying…