I’ve lived in Black Mountain most of my life. I’m raising my family and building my businesses here—and I believe our brightest days are ahead when we work together.

John Richardson for Black Mountain Town Council

John Richardson has lived in Black Mountain most of his life and is raising his family.

Local business owner John Richardson announced, April 13, he would seek a seat on the Black Mountain Town Council in November. 

A Black Mountain business owner who is disputing measures undertaken by the town regarding two of his properties will seek a seat on its governing board in November. John Richardson, co-owner of property at 141 Richardson Boulevard, the former site of the RailYard, and Black Mountain Brewing, which operates at 131 Broadway Avenue, cited unsuccessful mediation with local officials when announcing his candidacy for Black Mountain Town Council.

Local business owner to run for Black Mountain Town Council

John Richardson is a local business owner.

Ten apply for vacant Black Mountain Town Council seat

This is Richardson’s first time running for a local government position, saying, “It is. Hopefully, my first and last.”

Black Mountain Town Council candidate discusses brewery-deck controversy and campaign

John's campaign for Black Mountain Town Council is his first run for a local government position.

Brewery owner announces candidacy for Black Mountain Town ...

2026 North Carolina General Election

“We entered mediation in good faith. We asked for dialogue. We asked for common-sense solutions,” the press release stated. “What we received instead was silence, escalation and a system more willing to spend taxpayer dollars on legal battles than to support the small businesses that built this community.”

Our priorities

A practical plan for Black Mountain

The work ahead is clear. These are the commitments I’ll bring to Town Council.

02
Spend every dollar wisely

Restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to Town Hall so every taxpayer dollar is managed with care, transparency, and common sense.

Calls for dialogue and common-sense solutions in disputes between town government and local businesses.

Plans to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability in town government.

- Calls for dialogue and common-sense solutions in disputes between town government and local businesses.
- Plans to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability in town government.

Economy

Richardson also mentioned wanting to change the town’s mindset and how it operates.

“I feel like we’ve taken our eye off the ball in terms of what’s important and if we can bring some civility back to the town meetings so that the energy is better and it's more a sense of community participation and willingness to work with our neighbors versus the attitude of, with which I’ve been met, which is trying to put me out of business, then I hope that’s one of the things that we can get accomplished,” Richardson said.

Calls for more civil town meetings and greater community participation.

- Calls for more civil town meetings and greater community participation.

Public Services

Our priorities

A practical plan for Black Mountain

The work ahead is clear. These are the commitments I’ll bring to Town Council.

03
Protect the heart of our town

Strengthen and preserve our vibrant downtown—the local gathering place and the character that makes Black Mountain unique.

Plans to strengthen and preserve Black Mountain's downtown character and gathering place.

- Plans to strengthen and preserve Black Mountain's downtown character and gathering place.

Housing & Urban Development

Our priorities

A practical plan for Black Mountain

The work ahead is clear. These are the commitments I’ll bring to Town Council.

01
Keep Black Mountain safe

Support the police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel who protect our neighbors and respond when our community needs them most.

Supports police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel.

- Supports police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel.

Public Safety

As of September 2, 2026, John Richardson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

LinkedIn

Facebook

John Richardson

- Plans to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability in town government.

A stronger Black Mountain, together.

I’ve lived in Black Mountain most of my life. I’m raising my family and building my businesses here—and I believe our brightest days are ahead when we work together.

Several residents spoke in favor of Black Mountain Brewing during the public comment period, including owner John Richardson. He began by thanking the council members for their service to the town and said one of the reasons for starting Black Mountain Brewing was "so neighbors could sit down, talk about tough conversations, disagree and still have a beer and respect each other."

Black Mountain former employees made mistakes in permitting, officials say

Black Mountain said previous employees 'made mistakes' in permitting

Black Mountain town council candidate discusses brewery deck controversy

John's campaign for Black Mountain Town Council is his first run for local government office.

John Richardson's campaign for Black Mountain Town Council is his first run for local government office.

02
Spend every dollar wisely

Restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to Town Hall so every taxpayer dollar is managed with care, transparency, and common sense.

03
Protect the heart of our town

03
Protect the heart of our town

Strengthen and preserve our vibrant downtown—the local gathering place and the character that makes Black Mountain unique.

04
Invest in the next generation

01
Keep Black Mountain safe

Support the police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel who protect our neighbors and respond when our community needs them most.

02
Spend every dollar wisely

Sahid Burgos

Buket Urgen

Walter Ley

Brittany W. Williams

C. Michael Sobol

Michael Roberts

- Town council members serve as the governing body of the town, along with the mayor. 
- The town council members make policy decisions for the town, including creating ordinances, policies, and making agreements with other governments. 
- The town council can amend and revise town policies, as well as approve or reject the town budget. 
- The town council is also in charge of the appointment of advisory boards, commissions, task forces, committees, the town manager, and the town attorney. 
- Members of the town council are elected to staggered 4 year terms. 

Part of the governing body of your town. 