ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Downtown Association will host a City Council Candidate Café on Monday, Feb. 9, giving voters a chance to meet and speak directly with candidates ahead of the upcoming primary election.
The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Battery Park Hall and is expected to feature 18 of the 20 declared candidates running for Asheville City Council. Each candidate will begin with a one-minute introduction before participating in a structured, small-group discussion format that allows attendees to rotate among candidates.
Organizers say the format is designed to encourage face-to-face conversations focused on issues affecting Downtown Asheville, including economic vitality, public safety, infrastructure, housing and overall quality of life.
“Local elections shape the future of downtown Asheville in very real ways,” Hayden Plemmons, executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, said in a news release. “This Candidate Café is about creating space for open conversation, where voters can hear directly from candidates, ask questions and better understand how their priorities align with the needs of our downtown community.”
Registration is required, and space is limited. More information and registration details are available at ashevilledowntown.org.
The event comes as the election cycle enters a critical phase. Early voting begins Feb. 12, and Election Day is March 3. Following the primary, six candidates will advance to the November general election.
“This is one of the few opportunities voters will have to engage with nearly the entire field of candidates at once,” Plemmons said. “We encourage people to take advantage of this format, have thoughtful conversations and make informed decisions.”