Asheville has a council-manager form of local government, which is prescribed by its charter.
Under the council-manager system, the elected Asheville City Council provides leadership by establishing the city’s policies.
Jackson manages the city’s 1,000 employees and daily operations and executes Council-established laws and policies.
Describe Asheville, North Carolina, for people who’ve never been to the area.
Asheville has a colorful and active downtown surrounded by mountains and natural areas that offer opportunities for outdoor activities.
The scenery is outstanding, no matter the season.
There’s a lot of distinctive Art Deco architecture that pairs with an artsy flavor on the streets.
Built in 1928, it’s on theNational Register of Historic Places.
We’ve also been called a “foodtopia” because we have so many independent restaurants.
The Biltmore Estate is located here and is our biggest tourist draw.
What makes Asheville a livable community for people of all ages, and especially for older adults?
Asheville andBuncombe Countyserve as a regional hub for medical services and jobs.
We’re home toMission Hospital, which is staffed by physicians in more than 50 specialties.
Asheville plays a critical role in the regional economy.
We currently have the lowest unemployment rate in the state, down to 3.7 percent this year.
Our residents enjoy a great quality of life with little traffic and a low crime rate.
There’s a vibrant theater scene here, too.
Asheville is experiencing rapid development.
[See the sidebar below for a brief definition of pickleball.]
Asheville recently updated its rules about accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Why and how were the rules changed?
What can other communities learn from what Asheville has done?
Asheville continues to see an influx of people moving to the area.
We now have a structure in place that we hope will encourage the building of more of these units.
There was a lot of discussion at the neighborhood and the City Council level before the changes were enacted.
Our community actively engages in local government and participates regularly in the plans that will shape Asheville’s future.
What other community programs does Asheville have that other communities should know about and possibly replicate?
The city recently concluded its 123 Graffiti Free initiative, which was an 18-month-long campaign to discourage graffiti.
We provided financial assistance to property owners to get this vandalism and that’s what graffiti is addressed promptly.
We’re working to make that happen.
Curbside compost, or organics, collection is also under consideration.
We already have a vigorous recycling mentality in the city.
Our recycling rate is double most municipalities, so that gives us a leg up on our waste-reduction goal.
Melissa Stantonis the editor ofAARP.org/livable.
