Plastic Yard Waste Bag Ban
On Jan 10, 2023, City Council adopted a revision to City Code Chpt 15, which bans the use of plastic leaf bags.This will go into effect Aug. 1, 2023.
Visit ashevillenc.gov/brush for information about brush collection without plastic bags, including where to find biodegradable bags
The plastic yard and leaf bag ban is the first phase of a more comprehensive approach to curb single-use plastic waste.
Your Voice is Important
Phase 2 is the collection of feedback from the community, specifically residents and business owners, which will then inform staff's recommendation on next steps to curb single-use plastic waste.
The City would like your feedback. Community members are invited to take this short survey to help inform next steps and recommended actions.
The Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods encourages its neighborhood association members to take the survey, which is available in Spanish, Ukrainian nd Russian. The survey will close on Sunday, April 30 at 11:59 pm. Please take some time to fill out the survey, which can be found at:
Items currently under consideration are single-use plastic bags at the point of sale (i.e. at the register at check out) and expanded polystyrene [StyrofoamTM] disposable foodware containers (i.e. cups and containers used for to-go items from restaurants and hot bars).
Staff will analyze research data alongside internal and external engagement findings to develop a recommendation to the City Council in the Fall of 2023.
Full information about this initiative can be found at:
Single-Use Plastic Reduction Project Page
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Asheville Hires an Urban Forester
Exciting news March 2023, the City of Asheville has created a permanent new position of Urban Forester and has now filled the position. Read about Keith Aitken in the Asheville Citizen-Times article published last Friday:
This hiring is the culmination of at least six years of hard work and dogged determination by hundreds of Asheville citizens (many of you are among them), the Urban Forestry Commission, the Tree Protection Task Force, Asheville GreenWorks and other supporting partners, including, but not least of all, the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods.
As a member of the Urban Forestry Commission, the Tree Protection Task Force, and a firm supporter of Asheville GreenWorks, I personally want to thank you for your consistent and dedicated support in the effort to get the funding for an Urban Forester.
This is but another example of the power of CAN's influence in matters aimed at making Asheville a stronger and more viable city.
Patrick Gilbert,
Vice President - Government Relations
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What would you like the City of Asheville to invest in during the 2023/24 Budget? Your voice is needed.
The City of Asheville would like to encourage as many residents as possible to get involved in this year's budget process and would love to have your help getting the word out!
The 2023-2024 budget priorities survey is open through March 3. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian.
City Council will hold a budget public comment session at their February 28 meeting.
2022 Vote is IN (mostly)!
The Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods is a strong supporter of the community engagement in government. We facilitated a forum for local candiates and connected to other community meetings to prepare everyone to vote. Here is what we did! Ready the VOTE!
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Rebuilding Jones Park APPROVED!
The Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods is a strong supporter of the community effort to rebuild a beloved park. We are pleased that the school board, county and city finally did the right thing and committed to rebuild the park and maintain it!
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Homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County:
At the August 24, 2022 General Membership Meeting Emily Ball Homeless Strategy Division Manager City of Asheville spoke for an hour and answered questions from the attendees for another 30 minutes. If you missed it, please see the following documents, minutes and video recording:
Homelessness Planning, 2022 Homeless Count, Video of Meeting, Questions Answered, Meeting Minutes
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Do you need help getting your Neighborhood going or would you like to reinvigorate your Neighborhood?
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Boards and Commissions Restructuring - CAN Advocates for New Approach
The CAN Board of Directors, representing some 15 city neighborhoods, approved the creation of CAN's position demanding the current plan be changed: CAN Position. Tell City Council to listend to CAN and other organizations opposed to the existing plan. Read and sign this Google Form: Oppose Current Plan.
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Open Space Amendment - CAN seeks change
After due diligence and intense discussion, the CAN Board of Directors, representing some 15 city neighborhoods, voted to oppose the Open space amendment as it is currently proposed. Learn more...
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Urban Forester - CAN advocates for city budget
After short discussion, the CAN Board of Directors, representing some 15 city neighborhoods, voted to encourage city council to demand the inclusion of an Urban Forester in the 2022-2023 Budget. See our letter...
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!!!
Have your voice heard by registering.
Click here to Register now and start the path to more transparency, better organization, and support from CAN's registered neighborhoods!
MAKE DONATION
If you would like to support the work of CAN, please make your check payable to:
Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods
Post Office Box 1858,
Asheville NC 28802
Should any issues arise during your donation process you can reach out to us by sending an email to info@asheville-can.org.