From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Two months after rolling out the Asheville Police Department’s “Downtown Plan,” officials reported on June 26 a visible increase in foot and bike patrols. 

The initiative targets quality-of-life concerns—such as public drug use and trespassing—while collaborating with mental health resources to connect individuals in crisis with appropriate services.

While some downtown business-owners and stakeholders reported that the enhanced patrols and friendly, proactive engagement are making a positive difference, the city continues to balance enforcement with community-support initiatives.

The APD on April 9 launched the “Downtown Plan” to address repeated complaints from local business-owners, residents and visitors regarding open drug use, public intoxication and a visible homelessness crisis. 

The new initiative combines doubled foot and bike patrols with enhanced coordination between law enforcement, local firefighters, and mental health crisis responders.

The safety push was rolled out in direct response to intense, mounting pressure from downtown merchants, hotel operators, and visitors regarding rising issues with open-air drug use, property vandalism and visible homelessness.

From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —The Housing Authority of the City of Asheville announced on June 25 that it is reducing its workforce by more than  50 percent — from 112 to fewer than 50 employees — by the end of 2027. 

This drastic restructuring follows an agency review revealing an unsustainable financial trajectory, with HACA having depleted about 75 percent of its financial reserves over a two-year span, culminating in an overall $9 million shortfall.

To stabilize its budget and refocus solely on its core mission of developing and providing affordable housing, the agency is changing its operational model as follows:

• Outsourcing: HACA is outsourcing specialized services, such as maintenance and human resources, to community partners.

• Prior layoffs: These upcoming staffing reductions build on a prior reduction in force from April 2026, where the agency cut 34 positions and transitioned its youth after-school and summer programs to third-party providers.

• Leadership response: Under Chief Executive Officer Ella Santos, the agency maintains that restructuring is necessary to be good stewards of public funds and restore cash reserves. Advocates, such as the Asheville Area Tenants Union, have criticized the plan, expressing concern that staff cuts could negatively impact living conditions at housing authority properties. 

Because the restructuring will take place over the next 18 months, the housing agency does not yet have a final breakdown of every position that will be affected.

Staffing decisions will continue to be made as operational needs are evaluated and responsibilities shift under the new model. 

Santos, the housing authority’s CEO, started her job in Asheville on Nov. 3. 

A native of the Bronx borough of New York City, Santos moved to Asheville in June 2025 to run the agency. 

According to the housing authority, she makes $195,000 a year.

From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — UNC Health on June 29 agreed to purchase six parcels — about 22 acres — for $19.9 million at the Westgate Shopping Center off Patton Avenue in West Asheville. 

The health system plans to build a new 92-bed acute care hospital, called UNC Health West, in partnership with UNC Health Pardee. 

Following is the backstory on UNC Health’s quest to build a new hospital in Asheville::

• The new hospital plan: UNC Health filed a Certificate of Need application for the 92-bed hospital. It is projected to open in late 2032 and feature an emergency department, ICU, and a maternity ward. 

• The Westgate property: The 1950s-era shopping center is home to tenants such as Earth Fare and CVS. While there was initial concern that a hospital would force immediate closures, the system is evaluating construction timelines that will respect long-term leases. 

• The “two-hospital” strategy: This Westgate plan is a modified, relocated version of a 129-bed hospital UNC previously proposed for South Asheville. UNC Health is appealing a previous state denial of its earlier project, but submitted the Westgate application as a parallel effort. 

• WNC Healthcare Battle: UNC Health’s move is part of a larger push by major networks to challenge the dominant market hold of Mission Health and its owner, HCA Healthcare.

From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Asheville was named the No. 1 Best Wellness Town in America for 2026 by EatingWell magazine in late June.

“The city secured the top spot due to its exceptional air quality, walkability, farm-to-table dining, and conscious living. Furthermore, the recognition highlights the area’s incredible resilience and rapid recovery following Tropical Storm Helene,” AI Overview noted. 

“Asheville’s identity as a wellness destination is deeply rooted in its history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the mountain air was considered a curative environment for respiratory illnesses like tuberculosis.

“Wealthy individuals flocked to luxury sanatoriums to recuperate, eventually transforming the city’s reputation into a mountain sanctuary focused on holistic health.” 

Following are reasons cited for Asheville topping the 2026 list by EatingWell magazine:

• Conscious and plant-based food: Experts like Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist, praise Asheville for blending conscious, plant-based living with exceptional culinary flavor. 

• Outdoor access: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city offers immediate access to the North Carolina Arboretum and an abundance of outdoor recreation without leaving town. 

• Distinct spas and sanctuaries: The area is known for unique relaxation experiences, including subterranean spas and specialized salt cave sanctuaries. 

• Energy vortex: Many wellness-seekers are drawn to Asheville due to its reputation as a regional geographical energy vortex. 

The 2026 award carries extra significance given the widespread flooding in the River Arts District from Hurricane Helene in 2024. 

The designation reportedly honors the incredible resilience of local artists, business-owners, and non-profits who rallied together to rebuild Asheville’s wellness, hospitality and art scenes.

As for whether Asheville truly deserved the designation as the top wellness town in the nation, AI Overview stated, “Yes, the reputation is well-earned. Asheville was awarded the title of the No. 1 Wellness Town in America by EatingWell. 

“Its unique blend of outdoor recreation, holistic therapies, and plant-based conscious living routinely places the city at the top of national health and lifestyle lists 

The city’s wellness standing is backed by the following key pillars:

• A century of healing: Asheville has been a mountain spa escape since the late 19th century when doctors first sent patients there for the restorative mountain air. Today, this legacy lives on with state-of-the-art spas, such as the subterranean Omni Grove Park Inn and holistic wellness centers.