The Haw Creek Community Association is pleased to co-host two candidate forums for the 2026 Asheville municipal election, featuring candidates for Mayor and City Council.
These free community events provide residents with the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, learn about their positions on issues affecting Asheville, and submit questions about topics that matter to Haw Creek—including neighborhood priorities, city policies, and future development.
We encourage everyone to attend these important civic events and take part in these community conversations. See details and registration links below.
MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM
Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 7:00 pm
East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road
Register Here
Hosted by: The Friends of the East Asheville Library and the Haw Creek Community Association
The closely watched race for Asheville’s next mayor will be a central focus of this event. The mayor serves as the presiding officer of Asheville City Council, leading council meetings and helping guide the city’s legislative process. In addition, the mayor serves as Asheville’s ceremonial head of government, representing the city at official events and in the broader community.
Two candidates are seeking Asheville's mayoral office in this nonpartisan election on November 3, 2026:
- Esther Manheimer (incumbent)
- Kim Roney
Esther Manheimer has served as Asheville's mayor since 2013 after serving on City Council beginning in 2009. She is seeking a fourth term.
Kim Roney has served on Asheville City Council since 2020. Prior to her election, she served on several city advisory boards.
Community members will have the opportunity to submit questions to the candidates.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM
Tuesday, September 29 - 7:00 pm
Evergreen Community Charter School, 50 Bell Road
Register Here
Hosted by: Evergreen Community Charter School and the Haw Creek Community Association
This unique forum will feature questions developed and asked by Evergreen Community Charter School's 7th and 8th grade students. Students will research local issues, gather input from community members, and create questions that reflect the concerns and priorities of local residents. Audience members will also have the opportunity to submit questions for the candidates.
Three City Council seats are up for election on November 3, 2026. Candidates include:
- Drew Ball
- Jeffrey Burroughs
- Antanette Mosley (incumbent)
- Sheneika Smith (incumbent)
- Maggie Ullman (incumbent)
- Keith Young
The forum will be live-streamed on the school’s Facebook page and the recording will be posted on Evergreen's YouTube channel. Free childcare will be available during the forum.
