Mayor Terry Bellamy
Terry Bellamy served Asheville
for a total of 14 years.

On December 10 Mayor Terry Bellamy completed her second term as Mayor of Asheville.

The first African American and the second woman to hold the post, Bellamy’s terms were marked by many successful initiatives along with some controversy. Perhaps the most long-lasting achievements of the past eight years are economic development incentives that encouraged several large businesses to locate or expand their operations in and around Asheville, and a range of programs to help reduce the homeless population by providing a wide range of services and opportunities to regain stable housing.

As a moderate Democrat, Bellamy was sometimes the most conservative voice on Council, most memorably when she opposed extending spousal benefits to gay partners of city employees. Her position—which lost 2-5—drew the ire of gay progressives, though Bellamy has pointed out that her opinion has continued to evolve, as has President Obama’s, though she does not make the comparison herself.

But more problematic for the Mayor were outside forces that have undercut the city despite her, and City Council’s, best efforts: the state legislature, which has openly voiced its resentment of Asheville as a liberal outpost in a conservative part of the state, has removed from city control the airport, the WNC Agricultural Center, and the municipal water system, and has stripped the city of its right to annex and grow.

Mayor Bellamy shows nephew Keith Whitmire (right)  her official mayoral portrait that will hang in Asheville City Hall. (L-R) Husband Lamont Bellamy, children Seth  and Imani.  Photo: Renato Rotolo/Urban News
Mayor Bellamy shows nephew Keith Whitmire (right) her official mayoral portrait that will hang in Asheville City Hall. (L-R) Husband Lamont Bellamy, children Seth and Imani. Photo: Renato Rotolo/Urban News

Bellamy’s was among the most determined, yet also professional, voice from city government challenging the state government’s actions against the city, but as a creature of the state, the city has no legal power to keep the legislature from doing whatever it likes.

Despite those forces, virtually everyone would consider Asheville a better place as a result of Terry Bellamy’s eight years as mayor. Shortly before she relinquished the reins of power to Esther Manheimer, she took the opportunity to reflect on her 14 years of service in local government, including eight as Mayor of Asheville.

“I want to thank you for believing in me,” said Mayor Bellamy, “for supporting me, [first] as your councilperson and as Mayor of the City of Asheville for eight years.”

Lamont Bellamy straightens Mayor Terry Bellamy’s photo after the unveiling.  Photo: Renato Rotolo/Urban News
Lamont Bellamy straightens Mayor Terry Bellamy’s photo after the unveiling. Photo: Renato Rotolo/Urban News

As a crowd of well-wishers lauded the Mayor’s many accomplishments, Bellamy continued, “I love Asheville, and have given the best of my services with you (the citizens of Asheville) in mind. I’ve listened to you, [heard the] good and bad, and learned from your constructive advice. For that I’m grateful.”

A native Ashevillean and alumna of Asheville High School, Terry Bellamy graduated from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte.  After college Bellamy was employed as the Community Development Marketing Director for Mountain Housing Opportunities.

While serving as a council member and mayor she made workforce and affordable housing, along with economic development, her priorities for the city.

President Obama and Mayor Terry Bellamy talk after the president’s speech at the Linamar Plant in Arden, NC.   Photo: Renato Rotolo/Urban News
President Obama and Mayor Terry Bellamy talk after the president’s speech at the Linamar Plant in Arden, NC.
Photo: Renato Rotolo/Urban News

Some of Mayor Bellamy’s many achievements were:

•     Economic development collaborations that helped bring Linamar, General Electric Aviation, and New Belgium brewing to Asheville.

• Collaborations to end homelessness in the City of Asheville.

•     $72 million in improvements to the Municipal Water System.

•     Eagle – Market Place and Mountain Housing Opportunities Revitalization Project—which will offer 62 affordable housing units, along with a number of commercial business space units.

•     Federal “Weed and Seed” program; to bring about job-training programs, deterring street and drug crimes throughout targeted communities;  and community center upgrades and participation.

•     River Arts District—Which is home to a bustling eclectic blend of art galleries, restaurants, loft-workspace living, and affordable housing.

Isaac Coleman shared his opinion of Bellamy’s tenure in office this way: “I feel that Mayor Terry Bellamy did a great job throughout her entire political career. I’ve never seen anyone so dedicated. As mayor, she helped the city grow, and got recognition in Washington from President Obama by bringing federal funds into the city through his administration. She made the right decision to not run for any political offices at this time, because her past record speaks for itself. I personally was honored to be able to work with her.”

From all of the staff at The Urban News, we say, “Thank you Mayor Bellamy for your service, your honor.”