A little background

Review the recommendations

• Criminal justice includes increasing Black representation in City and County criminal justice programs and jobs + mandatory annual training for public servants in the criminal justice field.
• Economic development includes establishing an Economic Development Center for Black Asheville + funding grants for Black-owned businesses.
• Education includes a recruitment and retention package for Black educators + creating an Education Accountability Task Force.
• Health and wellness includes funding Black-owned and led health centers + mental health support for Black residents.
• Housing includes acquiring the South Charlotte Street corridor City-owned property for mixed-used, mixed-income development + creating a Black Homeownership Financial Literacy and Action Campaign.

• Walking Meditation in the Park | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Main Street Nature Park, 25 US-19 Business, Weaverville | $10-$20 | Relax, restore, and practice mindfulness during this stroll out in nature.
• The World’s Finest Free Bistro | Thursday, Oct. 19 | Times vary | 12 Baskets Cafe, 610 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Select from multiple entrees, sides, and desserts from local chefs + restaurants during this weekly free lunch with new friends.

• Kooky Spooky Toddler Halloween Party | Friday, Oct. 20 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | $5 | Let your little one ages 2-5 dress up for a costume parade and explore a fun fest of inflatables, crafts, and snacks.
• Roll of the Dice: A Comedy Show of Chance | Friday, Oct. 20 | 9-11 p.m. | Catawba Brewing, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | Each comedian rolls a 20-sided die to see how much stage time they’ll have — one-minute laughs to 20-minute sets.

• 6th Annual Wicked Halloween 5k & Fun Run | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | $25-$50 | Run or walk in your Halloween costume to support Asheville Humane Society.
• Cornhole Tournament | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 3-6 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue, 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $5 | Show off your cornhole skills, and enjoy cocktails, craft beer, BBQ, and family fun — benefiting MANNA Food Bank.

• R.I.P. Yoga | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain | $15 | It’s a spooky name for a gentle flow — restore strength, improve flexibility, preserve balance.

• During a session of the Homelessness Learning Series on Tuesday, Oct. 17, City of Asheville leaders shared their plans for addressing homelessness, with the top priority being expanding local housing + shelters. The two other key focus areas are developing income and increasing treatment services for those in need. (WLOS)

• After receiving feedback from a public survey, the Buncombe County Board of Elections approved the 2024 Primary Election Early Voting Plan. The plan added the Shiloh Friendship Center as an early voting site and established all sites, weekday hours of operation, and weekend hours.

• The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved the acceptance of two grants for the Stream Restoration Project. The first grant is an American Rescue Plan Act appropriation of $2,750,000 from the state. The second, a state grant of $1,008,500, will be allotted to a restoration project for Dillingham Creek.

• Are we on the same page? Support local literature at Black Mountain Library’s 2nd Annual Write Local, Read Local Author Fair on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet local authors + illustrators and buy their works, then settle in for a reading series from an illustrator, poets, and an award-winning author.

• Raise your glass because Devil’s Foot Brewing is hosting ZeroFest, Asheville’s first nonalcoholic drink festival, at The Mule. The two-day festival will showcase nonalcoholic products from more than 15 brands with a Black Tie Soiree on Friday, Nov. 10 and a laid-back Afternoon Shindig on Saturday, Nov. 11.

• The Buncombe County Planning Department and the Communications and Public Engagement team have earned Marvin Collins Awards from the NC chapter of the American Planning Association. The awards, for overall plan + public engagement respectively, were presented for work on the Comprehensive Plan 2043.

• We’re stepping off your screens and out into the real world. Join City Editors Grace + Molly for AVLtoday’s Storytelling Open Mic: “Pride in Place” on Monday, Oct. 30 at Highland Brewing’s Barrel Room. Take up the mic to tell a tale of your own, or just sit back and listen. Get the details.

• NC Native Plants Week runs through Sunday, Oct. 22. The campaign encourages homeowners and businesses to use native vegetation when planting. The NC Department of Cultural and Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation have adopted policies requiring native plants at state parks, historic sites, and along roadways.

• Choosing a company to do business with, especially in the construction-related trades, can be a difficult decision. Besides evaluating reviews, pricing, employee size, etc., this key factor can help you make the right choice.*