Nina Ireland

Nina Ireland is 34. She is an entrepreneur, and mom of four. She has lived in Asheville more than 30 years and calls the River Arts District home.

In one word, what is the top issue that is motivating you to run for Asheville City Council?

Stability

The region is still recovering from Hurricane Helene — and likely will be for a long time. Considering that resources will be limited, where do you prioritize putting the redevelopment funds?

I would prioritize housing stability, infrastructure resilience, and local economic sustainability. Recovery funds should first help residents stay housed and rebuild critical systems like water, roads, and public safety. We should invest in projects that create year-round jobs and strengthen local businesses. The goal is to build back smarter and reduce our dependence on seasonal tourism. Recovery should leave Asheville stronger, not just restored.

One of the biggest issues facing Asheville is lack of affordable housing. What is your top policy change that you think would help address the situation?

My top policy change is modernizing zoning and land use to allow more missing-middle and workforce housing where infrastructure already exists. This includes plexes, townhomes, ADUs, and mixed-use housing near jobs and transit. I also support using city-owned land for long-term affordable housing rather than speculation. Growth must expand supply while protecting legacy neighborhoods from displacement. We can do both at the same time.

The city is facing a budget deficit of at least $30 million. How would you prioritize allocating what funds the city does have? Is there a section of the budget where you would make budgetary cuts, or would you choose to raise property taxes?

I would start with accountability and efficiency before raising taxes. That means reducing duplication between City and County services, rebidding contracts when appropriate, and aligning spending with measurable results. We should also advocate for tourism-related revenue to better support essential services like sanitation, infrastructure, and public safety. Residents shouldn’t carry the burden before we fully use existing tools. Smarter spending comes first.

The City of Asheville and Buncombe County spent years working on a reparations plan for Black residents. Now the federal government is withholding funds from any entity that refers to DEI or that singles out a specific race for any special consideration and is actively discouraging DEI initiatives in local government. What is your feeling about the work the Community Reparations Commission produced? Would you implement its recommendations considering the federal restrictions? How?

I value the work of the Community Reparations Commission and see its 39 recommendations as a starting point built from listening to residents and the lived experiences of our community. As a second-generation Asheville native, I’ve personally experienced the systemic impacts these recommendations address, and my mother was part of the integration of Stephens-Lee and Asheville High, so this history is not abstract to me - it’s family. The report outlines disparities across housing, health, education, criminal justice, and economic opportunity that still affect many Black families today. Even if federal restrictions limit how we label programs, we can still act by investing in affordable housing and homeownership pathways in legacy neighborhoods, supporting Black entrepreneurs, expanding workforce training, and improving infrastructure and services where disinvestment has been concentrated. Asheville has done better at hiring diversity than creating real opportunities to live and build wealth here, and that must change. Listening, acting on these recommendations, and focusing on tangible outcomes - not fear, helps ensure Asheville is a place where Black residents and all families can truly thrive.

Do you think the current City Council has prioritized the right issues? If yes, why are those the right issues? If not, where would you re-direct the focus?

Housing, recovery, and infrastructure are the right priorities, but we need stronger follow-through and clearer communication. Too often plans stall or feel disconnected from residents’ daily realities. I would focus on accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes. Council should be more present in neighborhoods and more responsive to concerns. Good priorities only matter if they are implemented well.

What do you love about Asheville that you want to see more of?

I love Asheville’s creativity, strong neighborhoods, and people who show up for one another. I want more locally rooted businesses, artists, and families who can afford to stay here. I want a city where everyday workers can live near where they work. Asheville should feel like home year-round, not just a destination. That sense of community is worth protecting.