Leadership Asheville Forum – Mayoral Candidate Forum
A Conversation with the Candidates for Asheville Mayor
Leadership Asheville Forum invites you to a timely and important Candidate Forum for the Asheville Mayor’s Race. This highly anticipated event will provide voters, business leaders, and community stakeholders with a unique opportunity to hear directly from the individuals seeking to lead our city.
Join us as incumbent Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Councilmember Kim Roney share their perspectives on the issues shaping Asheville’s future. From economic development and housing to infrastructure, public safety, and recovery efforts, this forum will offer insight into each candidate’s vision and priorities.
The program will include moderated discussion and opportunities for questions, providing attendees with a clear and substantive comparison of leadership approaches at a pivotal moment for our community.
This meeting will also serve as the Annual Business Meeting of Leadership Asheville Forum, including the election of officers and the conduct of other organizational business.
Please note: This is expected to be one of our most highly attended events of the year. Seating is limited and capacity will fill quickly. We strongly encourage early registration to guarantee your seat. Late registration or walk-in attendance is not guaranteed.
Featured Candidates
Esther Manheimer
Mayor of Asheville
First elected to City Council in 2009 and serving as Mayor since 2013, Esther Manheimer has led Asheville through a period of growth and transformation. She currently chairs the Policy, Finance & Human Resources Committee and serves on multiple boards including the Metropolitan Sewerage District and Reparations Commission. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a law degree and Master of Public Administration, she is a partner at Van Winkle Law Firm and has focused her leadership on housing, infrastructure, economic opportunity, and community resilience.
Kim Roney
Asheville City Councilmember
A music educator, small business owner, and community leader, Kim Roney has served on Asheville City Council since 2020. She is an active member of the Policy, Finance & Infrastructure and Planning, Environment & Development Committees, and serves as liaison to numerous regional boards including the French Broad River MPO, Urban Forestry Commission, and Transit Committee. A graduate of James Madison University, Kim brings a background rooted in community organizing, small business, and public service.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Location: Country Club of Asheville, 170 Windsor Road
- Time: Food Service begins at 11:30 AM | Program at 11:45 AM
- Cost: $30 for LAF Members | $40 for Non-Members
- RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, May 20 by 12:00 PM
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and engage in one of the most important conversations shaping Asheville’s future.
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