Nina Ireland | www.nina4avl.com
Why are you running for Asheville City Council and what do you think distinguishes you as the best candidate?
I’m running because decisions made at City Hall deeply affect the daily lives of the people who live and work here, and those voices aren’t always at the table. As a second-generation Asheville native, raised in the East End Valley community, the daughter of homeowners and an aspiring homeowner, I understand firsthand how housing costs, wages, and infrastructure impact working families. What distinguishes me is lived experience paired with practical problem-solving. I’m an entrepreneur, hospitality worker, and parent who manages budgets, adapts quickly, and focuses on outcomes. I lead with accountability, accessibility, and investing in people.
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:
My background spans entrepreneurship, hospitality, healthcare support, and community service. Being an entrepreneur has taught me budgeting, customer service, and making tough decisions with limited resources, skills that translate directly to governing responsibly. I’ve served with local nonprofits and boards, including YMI Cultural Center and OnTrack WNC, and have consistently shown up for civic engagement and community advocacy. While this is my first run for office, it’s not my first time working for Asheville.
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, and economic sustainability are our most pressing issues. We can’t grow responsibly without housing people can afford, strong public systems, and stable year-round jobs. I support expanding missing-middle and workforce housing, updating zoning and permitting, using city-owned land strategically, improving infrastructure planning, and advocating for tourism dollars to better support essential services that residents and businesses rely on.
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 issues are interconnected. First is housing, because without it we can’t retain workers. Second is infrastructure, because growth must be supported by water, roads, and transit. Third is workforce development, followed closely by business support. Policies I’d move forward include workforce housing incentives, streamlined permitting, trade training pipelines, and stronger city-county coordination to keep dollars circulating locally and help small businesses thrive.
Specifically, how would you propose that the City of Asheville allocate its resources to grow the economy, attract workforce, and support businesses?
We should invest in infrastructure reliability, workforce training, and local business partnerships. That means using city-owned land for housing near jobs, supporting trade certifications and direct hiring pipelines, rebidding contracts locally when possible, and pursuing grants and public-private partnerships. We also need to advocate for more flexibility in tourism-related funding so the services that businesses rely on – sanitation, public safety, and transportation are fully supported.
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?
The UDO update is critical. Our current rules are outdated and often slow or unpredictable, which increases costs and limits housing supply. Clear, modern standards help both residents and developers. I will support practical reforms that allow more housing types, reduce unnecessary barriers, align development with infrastructure, and create predictable timelines so projects can move forward efficiently and responsibly.
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 must focus on housing stability, infrastructure resilience, and economic diversification. Helene showed how vulnerable our tourism-heavy economy can be. I support directing recovery funds toward rebuilding smarter – strengthening water systems, expanding housing, supporting local businesses, and investing in industries like trades and green jobs that provide year-round employment and long-term stability.
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 includes prevention, not just response. That means investing in reliable infrastructure, behavioral health services, housing stability, and sanitation alongside police, fire, and EMS. When we reduce homelessness, improve lighting and roads, and strengthen emergency response and staffing, we create safer neighborhoods for everyone while using resources more effectively.
What is your vision for Asheville in the next 5-10 years?
I envision an Asheville where working families can afford to live here, small businesses thrive year-round, and infrastructure keeps pace with growth. A city that’s less dependent on seasonal tourism and more economically resilient. Most of all, a city where our government is transparent, accessible, and rooted in the needs of the people who call Asheville home.
If elected, how would you engage with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce?
I value collaboration with the Chamber and local business leaders. Regular communication, listening sessions, and partnerships help ensure policies reflect real-world impacts. I want the Chamber to be a thought partner in workforce development, infrastructure planning, and small business support so we grow together.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share with our members that would help them to evaluate you as a candidate?
I’m grounded in this community. I work here, raise my children here, and plan to stay here. My leadership style is practical, collaborative, and accountable. I’m committed to making Asheville work better for the people and businesses who keep it running every day.