A native Ashevillian, working mother, and community advocate running for City Council to bring accountability, accessibility, and investment back to local government.

About Nina

Hi Asheville! I’m Nina Ireland, a second-generation native, mother of four, entrepreneur, and a hospitality worker. In other words… I look and work like the everyday Ashevillian.

I grew up here graduating from SILSA at Asheville High School and UNC Asheville. I continue to work and serve across this city—from salons, event spaces, community organizations, and nonprofit spaces. I juggle multiple jobs to raise my family here. I live the reality of how challenging it is for working people to remain in the place they love.

I’m new to politics, but I’m deeply connected to Asheville and the day-to-day experiences of the people who live and work here. I’m running because I believe our city works best when leadership reflects the real lives of its residents—not just those with access, influence, or spare time.

This campaign is about listening, showing up, and working together to build a city that is accountable to its people, accessible to its neighborhoods, and invested in its future.

I’m running for Asheville City Council because this city raised me—and I’m committed to helping it work better for all of us.

With gratitude and commitment.

-Nina

Why I’m Running

Decisions made at City Hall shape our daily lives - whether we can afford to live here, whether our water systems work when we need them, whether growth strengthens our neighborhoods or pushes people out. These decisions should reflect the lived experiences of the people who actually live and work here.

Asheville is at a turning point. With Helene recovery funding, major infrastructure projects like the I-26 connector, updates to the Unified Development Ordinance, and a significant city budget gap, the choices we make right now will define our future. We cannot afford to repeat past mistakes, approving development without infrastructure to support it, allowing displacement without protections, or making budget decisions without transparency and accountability.

I’m running because I believe recovery must be people-first, not profit. Housing must expand without harming neighborhoods. Growth should be focused where infrastructure already exists. Our water, sewer, and transportation systems must be strengthened with long-term resilience built in. Tourism and development should help fund the public safety, sanitation, and infrastructure they rely on. And every dollar of public funding should be transparent, measurable, and rooted in our local economy.

As the daughter of homeowners, an aspiring homeowner myself, and someone raising children here, I understand how deeply these decisions affect working families. I want Asheville to remain a place where teachers, service workers, artists, healthcare professionals, and young families can afford to stay.

I’m running to make sure everyday Ashevillians have a real seat at the table, and that City Hall is accountable, accessible, and invested in the people who call this place home.

PRIORITIES

Accountability

City decisions should be directed by and reflective of community needs - not just special interests. I support public meetings and check ins, participatory budgeting, transparency in spending and prioritizing public input.

Accessibility

Our government should be reachable, understandable, and present in our neighborhoods. As Helene recovery continues and the I-26 connector project begins, now is a crucial time for decision makers to look out for those who live and work here.

Investment

Asheville must invest in people - not just profit. I support investment in economic sustainability, housing solutions that prioritize people who live and work here, youth programs and workforce development.