Read Just Economics’ full 2025 legislative review here.
Right now, local governments in North Carolina are working through their budgets which need to be approved by the end of June. The North Carolina General Assembly is in the midst of the bi-annual long-session where the majority of state policies are made and our 2-year state budget is passed. Helene recovery has dominated our legislative agenda. Here is the run-down what we are doing and how you can help:
State
- Rental assistance included in Helene relief bills.
- Small business grants or forgivable loans to assist WNC employers.
- Centering voices of western North Carolinians in state-level decision making.
- Discontinuing income tax cuts to corporations and wealthy individuals.
How You Can Help:
- Contact your State Senate and House representative to share your priorities. Find your legislators and their contact information here.
- Stay tuned to ACTION ALERTS from Just Economics and other statewide partners like the NC Budget & Tax Center and the NC Justice Center.
City of Asheville
- Use of CDBG-DR funds for housing and to benefitting low income people (outside of annual budget process).
- Living Wages for all City employees.
- No cuts to transit, preparations for improvements.
How You Can Help:
- Attend the Public Budget Hearing for the City of Asheville, on May 27th at 5pm at City Hall. More about the budget process found here.
- Contact Asheville City Council using this address [email protected] or find contact information for the Council members here.
Buncombe County
- Living Wages for County Staff.
- No cuts to funding for local schools.
How You Can Help:
- Contact the Buncombe County Commissioners. The Buncombe County budget hearing is on May 20th at 5pm at 200 College.
- Support the Local Buncombe County and Asheville City Association of Educators 2 Cents Campaign by following their calls to action.
City of Brevard
- Living wage and paid family leave for City employees.
How You Can Help:
- Contact the Brevard Mayor and City Council and attend a meeting.
Transylvania County
- Living wage and paid family leave for County employees
- Approval of Board of Ed. budget giving raises to Transylvania school staff.
How You Can Help:
- Take the 2025 State of Work Survey (for Transylvania County residents).
- Contact the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners and attend a meeting.
