ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Candidates for Asheville Mayor, Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commissioner will be in attendance for a forum next week at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Asheville.

The free event, organized by the Asheville Buncombe Hotel Association in collaboration with ArtsAVL, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and Go Local Asheville, will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at the Wortham Center, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, N.C.

The evening will begin with tabling in the lobby, followed by a moderated forum at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. RSVP at www.worthamarts.org/events/asheville-buncombe-candidate-forum.

The discussion is expected to cover topics including Tropical Storm Helene recovery, affordable housing, public safety, local economy, city services and regional collaboration.

“We’re looking forward to an evening of productive discussion and thoughtful discourse with the future representatives of Asheville and Buncombe County,” said Rick Bell, executive director of Asheville Buncombe Hotel Association. “This forum brings together organizations representing Asheville’s core economic sectors — including
arts, small business, hospitality and tourism. It’ll be a chance for the candidates and the community to engage around important issues.”

Bell sees managing the economy as one of the most pressing issues facing Asheville politicians.

“Our organization (ABHA) represents a large portion of Asheville and Buncombe County’s workforce. Visitors contribute nearly $3 billion annually, or 20% of Buncombe County’s GDP,” Bell said. “On top of that, 70% of hotels in our area are locally owned. Our members are active in the community because we care about it and want to see it thrive. That’s why we’re so involved.”

The election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.