Biologist wants #avlgov to be more proactive in ways that limit bear interactions with humans, including special trash cans, harsher penalties and enforcement against those who willingly feed bears.
October 27, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Biologist wants #avlgov to be more proactive in ways that limit bear interactions with humans, including special trash cans, harsher penalties and enforcement against those who willingly feed bears.
Formal council meeting should start any minute. @matildabliss.bsky.social will cover that live. #avlgov
Asheville city council meeting at 4:30. They'll appoint a successor to longtime city clerk Maggie Burleson.
On agenda: more money for (what else) cops, a housing development and updates on city hall's response to bears.
Not on agenda: public push for #avlgov to more fully support saving UNCA woods
On agenda: more money for (what else) cops, a housing development and updates on city hall's response to bears.
Not on agenda: public push for #avlgov to more fully support saving UNCA woods
October 27, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Formal council meeting should start any minute. @matildabliss.bsky.social will cover that live. #avlgov
Hess asks about enforcement of current bear ordinance.
Manhiemer says that having a bird feeder could be considered intentionally feeding bears. Biologist clarifies, "I have nothing against bird feeders." Manheimer making point that real enforcement could require a lot of resources #avlgov
Manhiemer says that having a bird feeder could be considered intentionally feeding bears. Biologist clarifies, "I have nothing against bird feeders." Manheimer making point that real enforcement could require a lot of resources #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Hess asks about enforcement of current bear ordinance.
Manhiemer says that having a bird feeder could be considered intentionally feeding bears. Biologist clarifies, "I have nothing against bird feeders." Manheimer making point that real enforcement could require a lot of resources #avlgov
Manhiemer says that having a bird feeder could be considered intentionally feeding bears. Biologist clarifies, "I have nothing against bird feeders." Manheimer making point that real enforcement could require a lot of resources #avlgov
Onto a discussion about bears #avlgov
Ashley Hobbs, a biologist w/ the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission discusses the situation about some potential responses.
This comes after a bear entered a local home & injured a resident. Many locals have rightfully defended the bear & her cubs.
Ashley Hobbs, a biologist w/ the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission discusses the situation about some potential responses.
This comes after a bear entered a local home & injured a resident. Many locals have rightfully defended the bear & her cubs.
October 27, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Onto a discussion about bears #avlgov
Ashley Hobbs, a biologist w/ the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission discusses the situation about some potential responses.
This comes after a bear entered a local home & injured a resident. Many locals have rightfully defended the bear & her cubs.
Ashley Hobbs, a biologist w/ the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission discusses the situation about some potential responses.
This comes after a bear entered a local home & injured a resident. Many locals have rightfully defended the bear & her cubs.
Bobby Skelton criticizing #avlgov for its continued surveillance of locals. "Catch a few criminals along the way for the press release."
October 27, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Bobby Skelton criticizing #avlgov for its continued surveillance of locals. "Catch a few criminals along the way for the press release."
Biologist suggesting #avlgov ask its constituents. "If you were receiving the calls that I'm getting" from constituents, city hall would do more. Something needs to be done.
Manheimer: "we don't charge for the bear can." But she does admit that "we charge a higher fee" for trash collection
Manheimer: "we don't charge for the bear can." But she does admit that "we charge a higher fee" for trash collection
October 27, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Biologist suggesting #avlgov ask its constituents. "If you were receiving the calls that I'm getting" from constituents, city hall would do more. Something needs to be done.
Manheimer: "we don't charge for the bear can." But she does admit that "we charge a higher fee" for trash collection
Manheimer: "we don't charge for the bear can." But she does admit that "we charge a higher fee" for trash collection
Developer's arguing with council, saying that residents wouldn't have their apartments flooded.
Council member Sheneika Smith: "Can we name what we're afraid of?"
Ullman: "Death." #avlgov
Council member Sheneika Smith: "Can we name what we're afraid of?"
Ullman: "Death." #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 11:06 PM
Developer's arguing with council, saying that residents wouldn't have their apartments flooded.
Council member Sheneika Smith: "Can we name what we're afraid of?"
Ullman: "Death." #avlgov
Council member Sheneika Smith: "Can we name what we're afraid of?"
Ullman: "Death." #avlgov
Robert Nelson talks about surviving Helene as a homeless person because a bus saved shelter residents.
"I am alive today because of the bus service."
"This bus service does not have a funding issue. It is instead creating a humanitarian issue." #avlgov
"I am alive today because of the bus service."
"This bus service does not have a funding issue. It is instead creating a humanitarian issue." #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Robert Nelson talks about surviving Helene as a homeless person because a bus saved shelter residents.
"I am alive today because of the bus service."
"This bus service does not have a funding issue. It is instead creating a humanitarian issue." #avlgov
"I am alive today because of the bus service."
"This bus service does not have a funding issue. It is instead creating a humanitarian issue." #avlgov
Jodilynn Byrd appointed unanimously as new city clerk.
Byrd thanks council for the "dream opportunity."
Burleson, who's worked for the city for 50 years, clerk for over 20, gets a proclamation and standing ovation. #avlgov
Byrd thanks council for the "dream opportunity."
Burleson, who's worked for the city for 50 years, clerk for over 20, gets a proclamation and standing ovation. #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Jodilynn Byrd appointed unanimously as new city clerk.
Byrd thanks council for the "dream opportunity."
Burleson, who's worked for the city for 50 years, clerk for over 20, gets a proclamation and standing ovation. #avlgov
Byrd thanks council for the "dream opportunity."
Burleson, who's worked for the city for 50 years, clerk for over 20, gets a proclamation and standing ovation. #avlgov
Thanks, Matilda. They're on to the quarterly financial update.
Sales taxes and payroll are, according to the city staffer, about where expected.
Last year city hall had a self-inflicted "budget crisis" because they insisted on hiring 24 more cops and giving higher-ups massive raises. #avlgov
Sales taxes and payroll are, according to the city staffer, about where expected.
Last year city hall had a self-inflicted "budget crisis" because they insisted on hiring 24 more cops and giving higher-ups massive raises. #avlgov
Handing things over to @davidforbes.bsky.social to cover the next part of this meeting.
Thanks so much for following our coverage tonight. Our working class trans local media co-op depends on your support.
Subscribe below.
Or send us a one-time donation paypal.me/AshevilleBlade #avlgov
Thanks so much for following our coverage tonight. Our working class trans local media co-op depends on your support.
Subscribe below.
Or send us a one-time donation paypal.me/AshevilleBlade #avlgov
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October 27, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Thanks, Matilda. They're on to the quarterly financial update.
Sales taxes and payroll are, according to the city staffer, about where expected.
Last year city hall had a self-inflicted "budget crisis" because they insisted on hiring 24 more cops and giving higher-ups massive raises. #avlgov
Sales taxes and payroll are, according to the city staffer, about where expected.
Last year city hall had a self-inflicted "budget crisis" because they insisted on hiring 24 more cops and giving higher-ups massive raises. #avlgov
Ullman: Can't support a project in the floodplain after Helene.
Developer rep says parking is allowed to be built along river, and they'll deal with stormwater.
Turner cuts them off, says wants to see more affordability and guarantees around flooding. #avlgov
Developer rep says parking is allowed to be built along river, and they'll deal with stormwater.
Turner cuts them off, says wants to see more affordability and guarantees around flooding. #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Ullman: Can't support a project in the floodplain after Helene.
Developer rep says parking is allowed to be built along river, and they'll deal with stormwater.
Turner cuts them off, says wants to see more affordability and guarantees around flooding. #avlgov
Developer rep says parking is allowed to be built along river, and they'll deal with stormwater.
Turner cuts them off, says wants to see more affordability and guarantees around flooding. #avlgov
Hess, who started his council career fighting basic flood regs even the federal and state governments were demanding, says "sure there are risks" but wants more development around river, to let developers build whatever they wish.
He's far-right. #avlgov
He's far-right. #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Hess, who started his council career fighting basic flood regs even the federal and state governments were demanding, says "sure there are risks" but wants more development around river, to let developers build whatever they wish.
He's far-right. #avlgov
He's far-right. #avlgov
Now city staff are starting the "budget crisis" drumbeat early, propaganda to excuse cutting services (again) while pouring yet more cash into cops and lining the pockets of the higher-ups that, conveniently, write the budget. #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Now city staff are starting the "budget crisis" drumbeat early, propaganda to excuse cutting services (again) while pouring yet more cash into cops and lining the pockets of the higher-ups that, conveniently, write the budget. #avlgov
Next commenter is first among what is many standing up for the UNCA forest that is in jeopardy of being cut down by UNCA. The school is hoping to build a soccer stadium.
Talk about bad choices during the climate emergency #avlgov
Talk about bad choices during the climate emergency #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Next commenter is first among what is many standing up for the UNCA forest that is in jeopardy of being cut down by UNCA. The school is hoping to build a soccer stadium.
Talk about bad choices during the climate emergency #avlgov
Talk about bad choices during the climate emergency #avlgov
Byrd's an outside hire, previously deputy city clerk of Jacksonville Beach, Florida since 2021.
Burleson's a rarity in Asheville city hall, honest and genuinely helpful with access to public records. Too widely well-liked for repeated city governments to remove her... #avlgov
Burleson's a rarity in Asheville city hall, honest and genuinely helpful with access to public records. Too widely well-liked for repeated city governments to remove her... #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Byrd's an outside hire, previously deputy city clerk of Jacksonville Beach, Florida since 2021.
Burleson's a rarity in Asheville city hall, honest and genuinely helpful with access to public records. Too widely well-liked for repeated city governments to remove her... #avlgov
Burleson's a rarity in Asheville city hall, honest and genuinely helpful with access to public records. Too widely well-liked for repeated city governments to remove her... #avlgov
Manheimer touting that city manager DK Wesley is already bringing "efficiencies" to city hall budgeting, which I suppose is how lawyers who live in mansions refer to cutting services while the rich get richer. #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Manheimer touting that city manager DK Wesley is already bringing "efficiencies" to city hall budgeting, which I suppose is how lawyers who live in mansions refer to cutting services while the rich get richer. #avlgov
Asheville city council meeting at 4:30. They'll appoint a successor to longtime city clerk Maggie Burleson.
On agenda: more money for (what else) cops, a housing development and updates on city hall's response to bears.
Not on agenda: public push for #avlgov to more fully support saving UNCA woods
On agenda: more money for (what else) cops, a housing development and updates on city hall's response to bears.
Not on agenda: public push for #avlgov to more fully support saving UNCA woods
October 27, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Asheville city council meeting at 4:30. They'll appoint a successor to longtime city clerk Maggie Burleson.
On agenda: more money for (what else) cops, a housing development and updates on city hall's response to bears.
Not on agenda: public push for #avlgov to more fully support saving UNCA woods
On agenda: more money for (what else) cops, a housing development and updates on city hall's response to bears.
Not on agenda: public push for #avlgov to more fully support saving UNCA woods
Apocalyptic. When the next flood happens, and #avlgov rants about how much good they did responding to it, remind them that they helped cause that flood by allowing projects in the flood plain.
Major apartment complex next to flood-prone river passes 4-3. Roney, Turner, Ullman against. #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Apocalyptic. When the next flood happens, and #avlgov rants about how much good they did responding to it, remind them that they helped cause that flood by allowing projects in the flood plain.
Federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) grants give cops even more resources to surveil and harass low income and predominantly BIPOC communities.
#Avlgov shows that (outside of Roney tonight), it generally loves this shit by a 6-1 vote with Roney the lone 'no.'
#Avlgov shows that (outside of Roney tonight), it generally loves this shit by a 6-1 vote with Roney the lone 'no.'
October 27, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) grants give cops even more resources to surveil and harass low income and predominantly BIPOC communities.
#Avlgov shows that (outside of Roney tonight), it generally loves this shit by a 6-1 vote with Roney the lone 'no.'
#Avlgov shows that (outside of Roney tonight), it generally loves this shit by a 6-1 vote with Roney the lone 'no.'
Council member Maggie Ullman (who's running for re-election) and Roney both raising concerns about flood control, noting there's still a lack of flood restrictions in development code.
Over two years after Helene. Priorities! #avlgov
Over two years after Helene. Priorities! #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Council member Maggie Ullman (who's running for re-election) and Roney both raising concerns about flood control, noting there's still a lack of flood restrictions in development code.
Over two years after Helene. Priorities! #avlgov
Over two years after Helene. Priorities! #avlgov
Roney noting that she supported this project before Helene, but "now we've got new information" and the area does flood badly, and "the river goes changes."
Ullman, Turner also concerned about flooding.
Hess: city shouldn't restrain "someone willing to spend capital" in Asheville. #avlgov
Ullman, Turner also concerned about flooding.
Hess: city shouldn't restrain "someone willing to spend capital" in Asheville. #avlgov
October 27, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Roney noting that she supported this project before Helene, but "now we've got new information" and the area does flood badly, and "the river goes changes."
Ullman, Turner also concerned about flooding.
Hess: city shouldn't restrain "someone willing to spend capital" in Asheville. #avlgov
Ullman, Turner also concerned about flooding.
Hess: city shouldn't restrain "someone willing to spend capital" in Asheville. #avlgov