The new fiscal year is almost here. | Photo by AVLtoday
On Tuesday, May 13, the Asheville City Council heard the recommended fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, ahead of the council’s final vote on Tuesday, June 10.
Let’s take a look at where those recommended funds are going.
Note: The 2026 fiscal year begins on Tuesday, July 1, and runs through Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
A few quick facts:
The city’s proposed budget for FY2026 is $256.08 million — a 2.1% increase from last year.
The budget proposes a 3.26-cent property tax increase to fund salary increases for city staff. For taxpayers who own a home valued at $350,000, it would cost an additional $114 annually.
Property and sales taxes are the largest sources of revenue for the city and staff expect decreases in both areas due to impacts from Helene.
Safe Shelter’s Foundations of Hope | 5-8 p.m. | YMI Cultural Center | $50+ | The nonprofit serving families experiencing homelessness is hosting its first fundraiser with local bites, jazz tunes, a live auction, and speakers.
Introduction to Native + Edible Landscapes | 5:30-7 p.m. | Peace Gardens & Market | $10+ | Create beautiful landscapes using native and edible plants — you and the bees will be happy.
Visuals Wine Tasting | 6-9 p.m. | The Whale Outpost | $38+ | One ticket buys you small pours of five different wines by Burial, with Claudia Y Los Mariachis on site for your dinner plans.
Friday, May 16
Wilco | 7 p.m. | Asheville Yards | $71 | “How to Fight Loneliness?” Just jam out with the crowd to the indie rock band with support from Waxahatchee.
The Crane Wives | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $34 | Hear the Americana influences abound as the four-piece band lights up the stage.
Saturday, May 17
Drop in Pottery Painting | 2-4 p.m. | Resurrection Studios Collective | $12+ | Stop by to tour the new gallery and show off the pigment of your imagination.
Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra | 3-4:30 p.m. | Enka Candler Public Library, Candler | Free | The folk group will show off their talents on Appalachian mountain dulcimers.
Sunday, May 18
Uncommon Market Asheville | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | A-B Tech | Free | The market enters its 11th season, showcasing incredible antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and more.
Healthy Aging Day | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Corpening Memorial YMCA, Marion | Free | Celebrate Healthy Aging Day at the Corpening Memorial YMCA with group exercise classes, pickleball, informative lectures, free health screenings, free food, and drinks.*
At its Tuesday, May 13 meeting, the Asheville City Council agreed to direct more funding toward Buncombe County’s Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant Program. City Council approved allocating just over $135,000 in grant funds to support more than 25 local families.
Sliding Rock opens back up for summer fun in Pisgah National Forest this Memorial Day weekend. Lifeguards, restrooms, and staff will be on site from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. Want to know where else to splash around this season? Just keep scrolling.
Cause
The HOPE Bus is back at Bear’s Smokehouse for Mental Health Month. Stop by and donate $5 to Linked4Life to get a carabiner, then write a message of hope and clip it to the bus’ wall. Donations fund free counseling sessions for food service workers from All Souls Counseling.
Listen
Since October, Jon Page has been hosting On the Blue Ridge, a podcast highlighting the heroes of Helene. Listen to the latest episode where Page interviews Les Love, president of the Carolina Mountain Club, on all things trail recovery in advance of National Trails Day.
Eat
James Beard Award finalist James London of Charleston’s award-winning restaurant Chubby Fish is heading to the mountains for a special dinner. This Sunday, May 18, the chef will kick off the Cataloochee Ranch Supper Series. Reel in a ticket for the intimate dining experience.
Regional
Chimney Rock State Park’s estimated reopening has been pushed back to June. Officials hoped to welcome visitors back this Memorial Day weekend, but the restoration process remains ongoing. (WLOS)
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Biz
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Boxabl is revolutionizing homebuilding by bringing assembly line technology to the outdated industry. Learn how(and how you can join the movement).†‡*
Category
Outdoors
Cool off at these local swimming spots
Bonus: Splash also hosts summer pool parties. | Photo by AVLtoday
It’s about to get hot out here, y’all. Luckily, Asheville is home to great outdoor swimming spots, from pools to waterfalls and mountain water slides. Bookmark this list to stay cool as a cucumber all summer long.
Aloft Asheville + Moxy Asheville | Seasonal, daily | $20 per day, $300 seasonal pass | Have a glamorous day at the newly renovated hotel pool while you sip on drinks from the Splash bar and lounge under a rentable cabana. Seasonal passes are available to purchase at the front desk of either hotel.
Hominy Valley Pool | Seasonal, daily | 25 Twin Lakes Rd., Candler | $4 | If you’re headed to this outdoor spot (which also has baseball fields + a basketball court nearby), we recommend stopping by Sand Hill Kitchen for an award-winning fried chicken sandwich.
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
Cheers to the start of Asheville Beer Week. Today, May 15 through Thursday, May 29, celebrate the hoppin’ beer scene with educational opportunities, special tastings, and collaborations presented by Asheville Brewers Alliance. Here’s what’s on tap.
‡This is a paid advertisement for BOXABL’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.boxabl.com. Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq’s listing criteria to do so.
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