ISSUES

From the River Arts District to North Asheville, residents face the same challenge: finding housing that matches the city’s growth while preserving its character. I believe in local solutions, zoning reform that encourages mixed-income neighborhoods, partnerships that empower builders to include affordable units, and creative incentives that keep our teachers, artists, and essential workers living where they work.

From local makers and restaurants to tech startups and small galleries, Asheville thrives when creativity meets opportunity. I’ll champion programs that strengthen our small business ecosystem: streamlining permits, expanding grants, and investing in workforce development tied to the arts, trades, and entrepreneurship.

After Hurricane Helene, I witnessed how community cooperation could rebuild faster than bureaucracy. Our city needs stronger flood preparedness, smarter infrastructure investments, and direct support for neighborhoods hit hardest by climate disasters. That means listening to the people most affected and investing where it matters most, before the next storm.

We must protect our environment while creating sustainable pathways for growth. I support expanding sustainable energy initiatives, investing in public transit, and developing eco-conscious infrastructure that honors both people and place. Let’s lead the region by example: through policies that reflect our values of conservation, creativity, and care for future generations.

Every resident deserves to feel safe, and every neighborhood deserves trust between the people and those who serve them. I’ll advocate for trauma-informed public safety practices, expanded mental health response teams, and stronger partnerships between officers, social workers, and community leaders.