LIVE @ Asheville City Council Primary Forum 02/05/20

Asheville City Council Primary Forum Recap: A Look at the Candidates' Visions for Our City

On February 5th, 2020, Asheville residents had a valuable opportunity to engage with the nine candidates vying for seats on City Council at a forum hosted by Mountain Express and AB Tech. The event, designed to inform voters ahead of the primary election, featured opening statements, responses to reader-sourced questions, and closing remarks. While no formal votes were taken during the forum itself, it provided a clear window into each candidate’s priorities and proposed solutions for Asheville's most pressing challenges.

A central theme throughout the evening was housing affordability. Candidates discussed a wide range of potential solutions, from exploring upzoning and community land trusts to considering rent control measures and incentivizing landlords to accept housing vouchers. This reflects the significant concern within our community regarding access to safe and affordable homes, a challenge many Asheville residents are currently facing. Alongside housing, climate change and sustainability were frequently addressed, with candidates discussing the city's commitment to achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Discussions centered on renewable energy, preserving our tree canopy, expanding public transit options, and promoting sustainable development practices.

Beyond these core issues, candidates engaged in discussions surrounding public safety, with debate focusing on the Asheville Police Department’s budget and policies. The need to address equity and social justice was a recurring emphasis, with several candidates highlighting the importance of community-led solutions to systemic inequities. Discussions also touched on transit and infrastructure improvements, as well as the complexities of balancing city budgets to fund essential services alongside initiatives like climate action and transit expansion. Several candidates proposed exploring options such as a sales tax increase or reallocating funds from the Tourism Development Authority (TDA).

The forum incorporated valuable community input through questions sourced directly from Mountain Express readers, ensuring that the concerns of Asheville residents were at the forefront. While audience members were asked to refrain from applause during the Q&A portion, the event provided a platform for candidates to directly respond to community concerns. Several candidates offered specific proposals; Keith Young, for example, advocated for exploring participatory budgeting to empower residents in budget decision-making and mentioned a local "Green New Deal" proposal coming before the council.

Looking ahead, several action items emerged from the forum. Residents are encouraged to consider the candidates’ platforms and make informed decisions in the upcoming election. Supporting Mountain Express's membership program was also highlighted as a way to ensure continued local journalism coverage of city and county government. Finally, candidates like Keith Young are actively pursuing initiatives like the Green New Deal, which will likely see further discussion and potential action within the council.

Ultimately, this forum provided a crucial opportunity for Asheville voters to understand the diverse perspectives of those seeking to represent them. The discussions highlighted a range of approaches to addressing our city’s challenges, offering residents a clear picture of the potential directions Asheville could take under different leadership. This matters to all of us because it allows for informed participation in our local democracy and shapes the future of our community.