Blake Butler | www.blakeforasheville.com
Why are you running for Asheville City Council and what do you think distinguishes you as the best candidate?
I am running to offer new leadership focused on practical solutions with better accountability, communication, and coordination for our City. As an Asheville native, co-owner of two Asheville based businesses (Seventy-two dpi and Adapt Public Relations), and former Executive Director of a state-wide trade association (NC Industrial Hemp Association), I want to apply all that perspective and experience to serve Asheville. I have a track record of bringing people together and establishing effective communication channels; skillsets our City could use at this pivotal time.
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 am very comfortable taking the lead, accepting the responsibilities involved, and speaking in public. I have never run for public office. I did serve as the Buncombe County Democratic Chair (elected by the members) and the Executive Director of the NC Industrial Hemp Association (elected by members).
What do you believe are the most pressing issue(s) for our city? What specific policy changes would you propose to address these issues?
Infrastructure upgrades – investments to build out transportation, sewer, water, and storm water systems. Economic Development – new access to loans for businesses and diversifying economic opportunities. Housing – utilizing recommendations from the “Missing Middle Housing Study” and “Affordable Housing Plan and increase density on corridors through strategic planning.
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?
Infrastructure
Housing
Workforce Development
Support for Businesses
Specifically, how would you propose that the City of Asheville allocate its resources to grow the economy, attract workforce, and support businesses?
The City needs to commit to a long term financial plan allocating resources to enhance business growth in sectors throughout Asheville. Supporting the existing “AVL 5×5” strategy and additional workforce training partnerships will create a more diverse and sustainable local economy.
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 UDO is important. It creates a more user-friendly, code and addresses housing supply and affordability issues by utilizing recommendations from the “Missing Middle Housing Study”. I will advocate for a transparent process, with multiple opportunities for public engagement. I will support simplifying the approval process, cutting out red tape and accelerating housing production.
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?
Infrastructure – Repairing water systems, roads, and bridges Housing & Economic Recovery – Rebuilding lost homes and supporting small businesses through financing options Strategy-Taking advantage of federal/state and public/private partnerships and properly manage the long-term recovery process.
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?
I will prioritize investments in police, fire, and first responders, to keep stability in our City and utilize the latest technologies to deter crime. I would also prioritize policies to combat Asheville’s growing homeless population. Coordinating with the County and law enforcement, we can utilize focus deterrence methods to address the mentally ill.
What is your vision for Asheville in the next 5-10 years?
I want for Asheville to be a model City, with thoughtful planning and fiscal discipline in place. A City that properly addresses infrastructure needs and encourages more public/private partnerships that enhance our quality of life. A City that embraces its character, the arts, downtown, outdoors, and its people.
If elected, how would you engage with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce?
I would be very pro-active by not only attending all Chamber events, but also set up meetings with Chamber staff to better understand how I can align interests.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share with our members that would help them to evaluate you as a candidate?
I am the only candidate from South Asheville and it has been six years since the area has been represented on Council. In my work as a public relations consultant since 2013, I have established personal relationships with hundreds of business owners in Asheville.