🌱 Rate Increase For Duke Customers + Downtown Safety Initiative Data

Hello again, friends. It's Wednesday in Asheville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Hazy sunshine. High: 76 Low: 47.
• Thursday: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 75 Low: 54.

Here are the top three stories in Asheville today:

1. Duke Energy customers in Asheville will be seeing a 4.8 percent increase in rates starting on Jun. 1. This includes a 2 percent increase due to the expiration of a federal tax refund that had subsidized rates, as well as a temporary 2.8 percent increase while regulators weigh a permanent three-year increase. The North Carolina Utilities Commission approved the rate increases last week. These increases are happening as Duke Energy has requested the commission to raise rates by 18.7 percent over three years, which regulators are expected to make a decision on this summer. (WFAE)
2. City leaders have released data that gives insight into how Asheville's Downtown Safety Initiative is progressing after its first three weeks. According to the City of Asheville, the Community Responder Pilot Program has spent 450 hours focused on the homeless community and police have conducted 315 hours of foot patrol. Almost 1,200 graffiti tags have been removed, and city staff has completed 34 biohazard cleanups in parking garages. City leaders said there has been positive feedback from businesses downtown, and city staff is working to schedule three upcoming safety assessment walks. (WLOS)
3. Buncombe County is seeking community input on a survey to determine what barriers exist for individuals to participate in local boards and commissions. Buncombe County has almost 50 boards and commissions that give residents the chance to shape how the local government operates. These include opportunities with the library system, planning and zoning, justice resources, and more. However, there can be barriers that prevent people from participating, such as time constraints, disabilities, and family or work commitments. The county is considering options, such as a cash stipend or voucher to support people becoming involved in local boards. (Mountain Xpress)

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Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Wednesday, May 24

• Well-Crafted Music With Matt Smith At Highland Brewing Co. (6:00 PM)

Thursday, May 25

• Improv Jam At Misfit Improv And Acting School (6:30 PM)
• Team Trivia Night At Creekside Taphouse (7:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Asheville Community Theatre announced an upcoming production of "Bat Boy: The Musical." This show will run from Jul. 21 to Aug. 6 and tells the story of a half-boy, half-bat creature from his discovery in a West Virginia cave to his quest for love and acceptance. (Asheville Community Theatre via Facebook)
• BeLoved Village shared that water pipes, electrical wiring, and bathtubs have been installed in three new houses. These homes are part of a larger effort to build affordable homes as well as a stronger community. (BeLoved Asheville via Facebook)
• Asheville City Schools sent out congratulations to Isaac Dickinson Elementary School Child Nutrition Manager Pearley Hampton for being named a winner of the Educational Snack's School Lunch Hero Contest! Way to go, Pearley! (Asheville City Schools via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!