Asheville For All’s Endorsement for Asheville Mayor

Asheville For All is pleased to endorse Esther Manheimer for Asheville Mayor.

This race seems unique to us, in that both candidates for mayor have been serving Asheville on its governing council for at least four years. As such, we were not just able to compare campaign trail speeches, conversations, and interviews. We could look at the extensive tale of the tape.

Only one candidate has voted consistently for pro-housing zoning text amendments as well as conditional zonings for multifamily housing development. And only one candidate has consistently voiced their commitment to attacking Asheville’s housing deficit with a multi-pronged, “yes and . . .” approach. Significantly, the mayor has exhibited a deep and broad understanding of land use policy and economics. In just two recent examples, she has considered the property tax revenue implications of infill housing and articulated in common language the “moving chains” theory of housing supply.

The race for mayor in 2026 is a clash in style as well as substance. As such, it might be difficult at times for Ashevilleans to separate the light from the heat. We have no doubt that Esther Manheimer is the correct choice if we want to see real progress towards making Asheville a place where ALL working people and their families that live here, and that want to live here, might find a home.

Introducing Asheville For All’s “Vote Tracker” Web App

Because the political rhetoric of housing can so often obscure the actual political outcomes when housing comes up for a vote, now seems like the perfect occasion to unveil a project we’ve been working on for two years: our own web application.

The Asheville For All “Vote Tracker” aims to keep Ashevilleans informed on the housing-related items that come before Asheville City Council. You can compare how councilors voted, and you can also drill down into the details on specific agenda items to find links to media articles and local government reports.

Make a Plan to Vote!

We can make a real difference in how policy is enacted in our community. We just need to show up at the polls!

If you’re not registered to vote, you can find a form here, or you can register in person at any polling place in the county during the early voting period.

Please remember to bring a photo ID when you vote. (More info on that requirement here.)

And you can click here to find our other endorsements, including those for Asheville City Council and ballot questions relevant to all of Buncombe County.