Antanette Mosley | MosleyForAVL.com
Why are you running for Asheville City Council and what do you think distinguishes you as the best candidate?
I am running because Asheville needs steady, experienced leadership during a period of recovery and real strain. I come from a multi-generational Asheville family, and this city is home in a very real way. As Vice Mayor, I have focused on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and post-Helene recovery, bringing a practical, collaborative approach to complex decisions. I offer experience, institutional knowledge, and a commitment to keeping Asheville livable and economically strong.
Please briefly describe your experience and qualifications that will enable you to be an engaged and effective member of the Asheville City Council, including other elected or appointed offices that you’ve held:
I was appointed to Asheville City Council in 2020 and subsequently elected in 2022. I currently serve as Vice Mayor and chair the Housing and Community Development Committee. I also serve on the Council’s Public Safety Committee and have previously served on the Planning and Economic Development Committee. In addition, I serve as an ex officio member of the Tourism Development Authority and the Asheville Downtown Improvement District. Before Council, I worked in affordable housing and as an attorney, which informs my approach to policy, governance, and accountability.
What do you believe are the most pressing issue(s) for our city? What specific policy changes would you propose to address these issues?
Housing affordability, infrastructure reliability, public safety, and long-term recovery remain Asheville’s most pressing issues. I support increasing housing supply in thoughtful, predictable ways while preventing displacement. I prioritize rebuilding and hardening infrastructure after Helene, streamlining permitting, and aligning land-use decisions with infrastructure capacity. Addressing these issues together is essential for residents, workers, and businesses.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has a policy agenda, which focuses on four key areas: housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and resources and support for businesses. Based on those key areas, how would you prioritize these and are there policies that you would move forward to address these issues?
These priorities are deeply connected. Housing and infrastructure are foundational to workforce stability and business growth. I prioritize expanding housing options, investing in reliable water, roads, and transit, and supporting workforce development through housing stability and access to jobs. Supporting businesses also means clear rules, predictable timelines, and coordinated recovery and economic development efforts.
Specifically, how would you propose that the City of Asheville allocate its resources to grow the economy, attract workforce, and support businesses?
The City should prioritize investments in core infrastructure, housing stability, and efficient processes that reduce uncertainty for businesses. That includes accelerating permitting for repairs and tenant upfits, investing in infrastructure that supports growth, and using recovery and economic development funds strategically. Most recently, Council voted to allocate $15.5 million to support businesses impacted by Helene, reflecting a commitment to stabilization and recovery. Supporting locally owned businesses helps keep economic benefits in the community.
The City of Asheville is planning to update the Unified Development Ordinance, with a process anticipated to begin this year. How important is this issue? And how will you, as a member of Council, support the success of this project?
Updating the Unified Development Ordinance is critically important. Clear, predictable development standards are essential for housing production, business investment, and neighborhood stability. I will support a transparent, inclusive process that balances growth with infrastructure capacity and community input. The goal is a UDO that is easier to understand, more consistent to administer, and aligned with long-term planning goals.
It’s been 16 months since Hurricane Helene devastated our region. What are the most important issues/priorities for Asheville when it comes to recovery? How do you plan to address those issues/priorities?
Key recovery priorities include restoring and hardening infrastructure, helping residents remain housed, and supporting small businesses as they recover. Recovery is not just about fixing what failed, but about rebuilding in ways that are more resilient and prepared for future storms. I will continue to focus on deploying recovery funds quickly, transparently, and responsibly.
While there are always competing priorities, the safety of our community is always top-of-mind. How will you prioritize investments in and policies that promote and enhance public safety?
Public safety requires both strong emergency response and prevention. As a member of the Council’s Public Safety Committee, I focus on ensuring police, fire, and emergency services have the resources they need, while also investing in infrastructure, lighting, and neighborhood conditions that improve safety. Public safety works best when departments coordinate effectively and when residents and businesses trust the systems meant to protect them.
What is your vision for Asheville in the next 5-10 years?
I envision an Asheville that is livable, resilient, and economically strong. A city where people who work here can afford to live here, infrastructure is reliable, neighborhoods are stable, and businesses can grow with confidence. Growth should be intentional and balanced, strengthening what makes Asheville unique while preparing for the future.
If elected, how would you engage with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce?
I value the Chamber as a partner and will continue to engage through regular dialogue, shared problem-solving, and transparency. The Chamber plays an important role in representing businesses large and small, and collaboration helps ensure city policies support a healthy local economy.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share with our members that would help them to evaluate you as a candidate?
I bring a steady, practical approach to leadership focused on follow-through and results. I believe in listening, being honest about constraints, and making decisions that support long-term stability for residents, workers, and businesses alike.