Blog posts
Labor Day 2021
This Labor Day, a year and a half into a global pandemic, twelve years into a minimum wage of $7.25 and decades into growing income inequality in this nation. Isn’t it time? Isn’t it time to not just honor the workers who make our society work with a holiday but…
Asheville City Budget Analysis
Tuesday, May 25th, the Asheville City Manager’s budget was introduced and June 8th, the public will get a chance to weigh in on the budget during the public hearing. The final vote on the City of Asheville’s budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, will take place on June…
What if we all took responsibility for the increased cost of living?
The cost of living in Asheville and the surrounding area has been a regular topic of conversation on social media, in the press, and around our office. At Just Economics, we run a voluntary Living Wage Certification Program that certifies (and then recertifies every two years) employers who voluntarily pay…
Why is the Cost of Living So High in Buncombe County?
I moved to Asheville from the Piedmont of NC in 2008 to go to college at UNC Asheville. I rented my first house in 2009 in Montford, a two bedroom house for $900 which at the time felt EXPENSIVE, so after bringing in an extra roommate for a while to…
Just Economics Relaunches Living Wage Certification Program
Just Economics has relaunched our Living Wage Certification program and reopened our application for Living Wage Certification!
Check out our new Take Action page!
We’ve added a new page to our website that features a new issue each week and a couple of way to engage with that issue. We’re also launching a video series called, Policy Minuet. Each week, we will release a new, 60 second video about a current policy issue. Check…
We’re Hiring!
Just Economics is hiring for a part-time Office Administrator (approximately 20 hours a week). This job will initially be remote. Once it is safe to return to work in person, this job will take place in our Asheville office. See the job description below. To apply, fill out the google application and…
2021 Buncombe County Living Wage Update
Each November, Just Economics reassesses the Buncombe County Living Wage Rate based on Federal Fair Market Rent data released by HUD. In 2020, the living wage rate was calculated at $15.50/hour or $14.00/hour with employer provided health benefits. All new businesses in 2020 were certified at that rate, but Just…
COVID 19 Resources 2021
Community Resources For Buncombe County Information and Resources from Buncombe County Mutual Aid: BeLoved COVID-19 response Facebook Group: Asheville Survival Program Internet Access: Comcast: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19#gethelp&all_Pricingandotherinfo Spectrum: https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/assistance-communities-need/ Food Assistance in Buncombe County Mental Health: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:800-950-NAMI, info@nami.org Transit: COVID related updates at Asheville Transit: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/transit…
Just Economics Annual Celebration and Raffle!
Join us on December 3rd for our first ever Virtual Annual Celebration! It will be an hour filled with celebration, trivia, music and inspiration!Just Economics’ Annual CelebrationDecember 3rd 6:30-7:30 Register for FREE here: http://bit.ly/JEannualcelebration2020 While it is a new thing that our Annual Celebration will be virtual, we promise to…
Build Power with Us – Become a Just Economics Member Today!
Hello Friends, Fall is here and Just Economics is proud to share some new changes we’ve been working on for awhile now. It’s been a tough year and the work of Economic Justice has never been more important than it is today. As a community, we know there is power…
It’s Time to Vote!
As a 501(c)3 organization, Just Economics is nonpartisan and does not endorse or oppose any political candidate or party. We do; however, support everyone’s right to vote! This year we’re partnering with Jenna from Patton Ave Pet Company and Democracy NC to get out the vote! Check out VoteAVL.org for…
10 Easy Ways to Support Workers around Labor Day
10 Easy Ways to Support Western North Carolina Workers Around Labor Day Show your appreciation for working people through our pandemic version of Love Letters to Workers. So many people from grocery workers to CNAs have put their health at risk, working through this pandemic with low wages and little…
COVID-19 Resources
Just Economics is continuing to hold our meetings online. Stay tuned to email and social media for updates. Contact vicki@justeconomicswnc.org with any questions. COVID-19 Resources: For Businesses For Workers Advocacy Mutual Aid Information To Help/Donate For Businesses: The Asheville Grown Business Alliance made a poster for the windows of businesses in the process of…
