Preliminary priorities and policies

• Prioritize supporting long-term affordability, deeper affordability, accessibility design choices, and the creation + preservation of quality affordable housing across the city.
• Advance racial equity by addressing the racial homeownership gap, eliminating housing-related racial disparities, and utilizing racial equity assessments for policymaking.
• Protect against physical, cultural, economic, and environmental displacement.
• Use data to inform the target for prioritizing investments.

Participate in the plan

• Eclipse Rooftop Viewing Party | Monday, April 8 | 2-5 p.m. | Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | See the solar corona with complimentary eclipse glasses, music, and a Cue the Sun beer special.
• The Hot Seat | Monday, April 8 | 7 p.m. | Fleetwood’s, 496 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Sign up to try your hand at stand-up comedy — a topic is pulled and if your name is called, you’ll step into the spotlight.

• Knitters and Stitchers | Tuesday, April 9 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville | Free | Bring your own project for a morning of craft and conversation.
• Fiddling on the Hill | Tuesday, April 9 | 5-7 p.m. | Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill | Tune up the banjo and rosin up your bow (or just grab a seat) for this monthly traditional jam session.

• Citizen Swing | Wednesday, April 10 | 6 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville | Free | Grab a cocktail and listen to old jazz vinyl before local talents Connor Law and Patrick Lopez take the stage.
• Fireside Whiskey Club | Wednesday, April 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue, 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $55 | Enjoy a guided whiskey experience with tasting flights, cocktails, food pairings, and samples of rare whiskeys.

• “Black in Asheville” Film Screening | Thursday, April 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Black Wall Street AVL, 8 River Arts Pl., Asheville | Free | Learn and be inspired during a screening of the documentary recounting the history and preserving the stories of the city’s Black community.
• The 90’s Speed Dating | Thursday, April 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Pillar Rooftop Bar, 309 College St., 6th floor, Asheville | $20-$30 | Singles in their 30s and 40s can travel back in time to the era of boy bands + dial-up and share their love of the 90s.

• Springtoberfest at White Labs Brewing Co. | Saturday, April 20 | 1-5 p.m. | White Labs Brewing Co., 172 S. Charlotte St., Asheville | Free | Tap your feet to Bavarian beats and enjoy food, games, cocktail specials + White Labs Brewing’s refreshing Spring Lager on tap.*

• If creature encounters are on your adventure agenda, squatch and learn. On Tuesday, April 16, Asheville Parks and Recreation is hosting WNC Bigfoot Tracking 101, a workshop of skills for finding the elusive cryptid. After those basics, you can join the Boojum Hike + Search on Saturday, April 27. Pre-registration is required for both.

• Buncombe County is building a bill of health. As part of an 18-county initiative called WNC Healthy Impact, Buncombe County is conducting a community health assessment to identify local health and wellness needs. The survey covers health factors like behaviors, physical environment, and quality of life. Submit your answers.

• If one health survey wasn’t enough for you, today’s your lucky day. Blue Ridge Pride (BRP) shared the first-ever health equity survey for LGBTQIA+ people in WNC, which will help BRP and other organizations advocate and create programs for community wellbeing. LGBTQIA+ people can take the survey and get incentives like a Go Local card or a T-shirt.

• On Monday, April 22, Buncombe County’s Planning Board will hold its next public meeting on proposed short-term rental amendments. The meeting will include a public hearing and a vote by the Planning Board on whether to recommend the amendments to the Board of Commissioners. Join in person or stream the meeting online.

• At its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, UNC Asheville will present honorary degrees to three local leaders. Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Company; David Holt, four-time Grammy Award winner; and Walter Ziffer, concentration camp survivor + author will receive Doctorates of Humane Letters. Read their stories.

• She made the grade. The Buncombe Partnership for Children announced the first winner of its new monthly Early Educator Spotlight Award. Ella Reid, an educator at Verner Center for Early Learning, was honored for her mentoring, positive energy, and work with students with special needs. Submit a nomination for next month’s award.

• Clean out your closet now because AVL Clothing Swap is hosting its spring swap on Saturday, April 13 at The Regeneration Station. Gather the clothes you don’t need (that are still in good condition) and drop them off before the day of the event — then purchase a ticket to shop. Tickets are available with or without clothing donation.

• The Asheville City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 9 at 5 p.m. has been canceled. However, there will be a budget work session at 2:30 p.m. Public comment is not accepted at work sessions, but you can watch the meeting and access meeting documents online.

• Duke Energy announced the launch of PowerPair, a pilot program for installing home solar generation with battery energy storage. The program will offer up to $9,000 in incentives for pilot participants, who will be chosen through a random selection process. Apply for your place in the sun starting Friday, May 10.

• Two homes for the price of one. This renovated, fully furnished space features modern finishes + an outdoor kitchen and bath area, and includes a detached tiny home that just screams rental. See all 30+ photos.*

• Help build America’s clean energy future with Blue Ridge Power, a utility-scale solar construction company looking for Project Managers and Construction Managers in the Asheville area. Perks include comprehensive benefits, flexible PTO, dog-friendly offices, and much more. Learn more + apply today.*