Drew Ball | www.Ball4yall.com
Why are you running for Asheville City Council and what do you think distinguishes you as the best candidate?
I’m running for Asheville City Council because rising costs, infrastructure constraints, and an uneven recovery are making it harder for businesses to operate and harder for working people and families to afford living here. Asheville needs leaders who understand that affordability and economic vitality go hand in hand. There are a lot of great candidates running who bring unique experiences. What distinguishes me is my policy and hands-on government experience delivering results in real time, balancing budgets, securing outside funding, and focusing on implementation so policies actually lower costs and support sustainable growth. I bring a clear understanding that good local government is about implementation, not ideology.
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 currently serve as a Buncombe County Commissioner, where I’ve worked to balance budgets, secure infrastructure investments, housing initiatives, and disaster recovery. That role requires close coordination with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, and state and federal partners. Over the past year, I’ve been focused on securing resources, at times traveling to Raleigh and DC to advocate for our community, and coordinating recovery efforts so Asheville can rebuild stronger and more resilient. I bring practical governing experience, an understanding of how to leverage public dollars, and a track record of collaboration to move projects forward efficiently.
What do you believe are the most pressing issue(s) for our city? What specific policy changes would you propose to address these issues?
The most pressing issues are housing affordability, infrastructure capacity, and workforce availability, all of which directly affect business costs and competitiveness. We need land-use and zoning reforms that allow more housing options, investments in water, transportation, and storm resilience, and faster, more predictable permitting processes. We also need a continued focus on supporting local businesses and neighborhoods impacted by Helene. I support data-driven budgeting, streamlining permitting, and aligning city policies with regional and state funding opportunities to move projects faster. These steps help stabilize costs, support workforce retention, safeguard our tax base, and make Asheville a place where employers can plan and grow.
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?
I view these priorities as interconnected. Housing and infrastructure must be top priorities because they are foundational to workforce development and business growth. Without enough housing and reliable infrastructure, employers struggle to attract and retain workers. I would advance policies that expand housing supply, invest in core infrastructure, and strengthen workforce pipelines by aligning training programs with the needs of local employers, while also working to ensure businesses have clear, consistent rules to operate under.
Specifically, how would you propose that the City of Asheville allocate its resources to grow the economy, attract workforce, and support businesses?
Asheville has a unique opportunity after receiving $225 million in CDBG-DR funding, and it’s critical we invest those dollars wisely to put us on a resilient path forward. City resources should prioritize modernizing outdated infrastructure in ways that unlock private investment, expanding housing options to ease upward pressure on costs, and supporting local businesses. Just as important, the city must focus on operational efficiency: reducing delays, improving coordination across departments, and making permitting and inspections predictable and timely. I support energy and operational efficiencies to help balance the city’s budget so we can reduce the pressure to increase taxes.
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 our outdated UDO is critically important because it directly affects housing supply, neighborhood compatibility, and economic development. As a council member, I would support a transparent, inclusive process that balances community input with the urgent need for more housing and flexibility. A modern UDO should make it easier to build housing, support mixed-use development and reduce uncertainty for property owners and businesses. The goal should be a UDO that is clear, modern, and aligned with Asheville’s long-term growth and resilience 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?
Recovery remains central to Asheville’s economic future. Priorities include rebuilding infrastructure resiliently, restoring and expanding housing supply, and supporting businesses still feeling the impacts. I will continue advocating for state and federal funding, coordinating regionally, and ensuring recovery dollars are spent efficiently and transparently so families, businesses and workers can fully rebound. Recovery isn’t just about rebuilding what we lost, it’s about being better prepared for whatever comes next . That’s how we create a stronger city now, and for future generations.
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?
As a first responder, public safety isn’t just policy, it’s personal to me. I support investments in first responders, emergency preparedness, community paramedics, and coordinated approaches that address underlying issues like housing instability and access to services. Safe communities are more attractive to workers, customers, and employers alike. That’s why I support a balanced approach that combines prevention, response, and long-term community well-being. I view public safety as essential to a strong business climate.
What is your vision for Asheville in the next 5-10 years?
I envision an Asheville that is more affordable and resilient, with a thriving broad-based economy. A healthy and vibrant city with high-quality parks and greenways, where workers can afford to live, infrastructure supports dense growth, and local businesses can thrive without unnecessary barriers. Preserving Asheville’s creative and welcoming character requires making it functional and accessible for the people and businesses that sustain it.
If elected, how would you engage with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce?
If elected, I would continue to engage regularly with the Chamber as a key partner, listening to member concerns to understand local business needs, sharing information about city initiatives, and working collaboratively on housing, infrastructure, and workforce solutions. Strong communication between the city and the business community is essential for smart decision-making. Local businesses are critical to ensuring Asheville’s long-term success, so local government needs to listen and work closely with our business partners.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share with our members that would help them to evaluate you as a candidate?
I approach public service with a focus on results, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and accountability. Asheville is at a turning point, and the decisions we make now will shape affordability and quality of life for years to come. I believe Asheville works best when local government, businesses, and residents pull in the same direction. If elected, I’ll bring experience, transparency, and a steady hand to the City Council during a critical moment for our community. I’m committed to pragmatic leadership that supports businesses, workers, and the long-term health of our local economy.