It’s hard to believe that we’re half way through July – 2025 has flown by so far! Like many organizations in Western North Carolina, the first half of the year was filled with disaster recovery efforts and adjustments in our programs in the wake of hurricane Helene. Through staff transitions, local and state budget cycles, and emerging disaster recovery needs, Just Economics is staying true to our mission and continuing to advocate alongside the people impacted by economic injustice for a more just and sustainable local economy.
So far in 2025, Just Economics has…
- Welcomed a new staff member – Seimy Mendoza, our new Community Organizer (stay tuned for another new staff announcement soon)
- Brought on 4 new board members – Jack Paksoy, Maleah Raymer, Ameena Batada, Cory Seithel, Lori Hedrick and Priya Ray
- Hosted another great year of Just Brew It!
We are getting ready to bring on another new staff person in August, planning for our annual celebration, and continuing to strengthen our capacity to meet the needs of our community in the second half of the year.
As part of our Policy Advocacy work, so far this year we…
- Advocated for higher wages for the lowest paid workers at the City of Asheville
- Advocated for rental assistance and small business grants as part of our state advocacy for a just recovery
- Participated as a member of the policy team of the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network
In the second half of the year, we plan to continue to advocate for a just recovery with the state government in partnership with NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network and continue to advocate for living wages, better transit, and affordable housing with our local governments.
Through our Grassroots Education and Engagement we…
- Graduated a virtual cohort from our Voices for Economic Justice series!
- Facilitated 2 Poverty Simulations
In the second half of the year, we are preparing for a Fall, in-person session of Voices for Economic Justice and working to further develop other workshops that help tenants, workers, bus riders and other members of the community meaningfully participate in the public dialogue around issues that impact their lives.
With our Living Wage Certification program we…
- Introduced Helene-related provisions for our previously certified employers
- Certified 21 employers new to the Living Wage Certification program
- Had a $231,920 impact with wage raises given to meet our living wage standards during certification and recertification
In the second half of the year, we plan to introduce a few updates to our program, highlight our first dual certified employers with Living Wage for US, and host our first employer networking event in Henderson County.
This year, as part of our housing work we have also…
- Co-led the Buncombe Affordable Housing Network
- Chaired the Housing Committee of the Buncombe County Long Term Recovery Group
We plan to continue to lead these housing coalitions in the second half of the year and advocate with partners for the best use of the City’s disaster recovery funds including the $225 million in CDBG-DR funds, as well as the money from the City of Asheville’s bonds.
We lead the WNC Tenants Network and this year we…
- Canvassed in public housing and helped with elections for the residents councils at public housing developments
- Paved the way for the establishment of the Asheville Area Tenant’s Union
Through our Tenant’s Network, we plan to work alongside the Asheville Area Tenants Union and focus our attention on tenant education (like Tenants Rights Workshops), mutual aid and advocacy for tenants.
Our transit work this year included…
- Leading the Asheville Regional Transit Coalitions, a coalition working to advance better transit in the region
- Beginning engagement with the City of Asheville in the Comprehensive Operations Analysis of the transit system
Later this year we plan to host a Transit Riders’ Assembly and take an active role in engaging riders in changes to the bus system that come about due to the City of Asheville’s Comprehensive Operations Analysis.
Just Economics is the convener for the WNC Workers’ Assembly, which…
- Helped organize a rally for May Day
- Joined in solidarity actions supporting local union efforts including rallying with nurses and the association of educators.
The second half of this year will be focused on organizing trainings for workers and building solidarity and momentum in the further activation of the local labor movement.
This year our affiliate, the Living Wage Coalition of Transylvania County…
- Newly certified 6 employers new to our program paying a Living Wage and recertified the existing list of Living Wage employers in Transylvania County, bringing our total to 70.
- Successfully advocated for an increase in the living wage with the City of Brevard.
- Successfully advocated alongside the NC Association of Educators in Transylvania County for the first county supplement pay increase for school staff in 11 years.
As we look ahead to the second half of the year we are planning to engage in a Sparkpoint partnership that will include workshops for workers, employers and the community.
We’re looking forward to what the rest of 2025 has in store! Please stay tuned and join us in this important work as we continue to educate, advocate and organize for an economy that works for everyone in WNC!