Asheville has welcomed a new city manager, Dakisha “DK” Wesley, who was sworn in on Thursday in a ceremony attended by many of her supporters. Wesley steps into the role at a critical time for the city, following the retirement of Debra Campbell in December 2025.
Wesley, who previously served as an assistant manager for Buncombe County, addressed the pressing issues facing Asheville, which have been compounded since Hurricane Helene struck the area in late 2024. “Housing affordability, infrastructure needs, climate resiliency, workforce stability, and public safety are among a few,” Wesley highlighted in her speech. “None of these issues can be resolved in isolation. They require partnership between governments, community organizations, the business community, residents and regional partners.”
Emphasizing a collaborative and data-driven approach, Wesley assured her audience that her decisions will be “grounded in data, shaped by community voices, and guided by commitment to fairness.”…