Asheville City Council Launches Downtown Improvement District

News Summary

The Asheville City Council has officially established a Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) to enhance the area’s cleanliness, safety, and overall appeal. This initiative, approved on January 14, 2025, is expected to generate approximately $1.2 million annually through targeted taxes from property owners. The BID will employ various personnel such as power washers and graffiti removal specialists, and a Business Resiliency Coordinator to assist local businesses, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Services are set to begin by April 2025, marking a new era of community-driven improvements.

Asheville City Council Kicks Off Downtown Improvement District!

Asheville, get ready for some positive changes heading your way! The Asheville City Council has recently voted to establish a brand-new Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), aiming to make our vibrant downtown even more inviting. This exciting initiative was approved during the council meeting on January 14, paving the way for a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming urban environment.

How It Works

So, what exactly is a Business Improvement District? Well, it’s a special area where property owners will contribute through a targeted tax. This tax is projected to generate around $1.2 million annually to fund various downtown enhancements. That’s right! The dedicated folks at the BID will use this funding to tackle cleanliness and safety concerns raised by our community.

Property owners participating in the BID will pay a tax rate of 8.77 cents for every $100 of their property value. The extra funds will support a host of improvements and services designed to enhance the overall downtown experience.

A Team-Up for a Better Asheville

Leading the charge for the BID is a collaborative effort between the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and the Asheville Downtown Association, now known as the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID). This combined team is eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work!

The ADID plans to hire an array of personnel to ensure the district thrives. Among the new recruits, expect an in-house power washer to tackle grime and dirt and a graffiti removal specialist to beautify our streets. And let’s not forget those friendly ambassadors who will be there to address any concerns, especially around vagrancy.

Supporting Local Businesses

Businesses in the area are not left to fend for themselves either! The BID will employ a Business Resiliency Coordinator, dedicated to assisting both thriving and displaced businesses—particularly those hit hard by Hurricane Helene. This is a fantastic opportunity for local entrepreneurs to get the guidance and support they need to navigate tough times!

Community-Driven Oversight

At the helm of the BID’s operations will be a steering committee made up of property owners, merchants, and residents. This 17-member team will include 7 property owners, 4 merchants, and 3 residents, all working together to ensure that the BID aligns closely with what the community truly needs.

In a bid to maintain transparency and effectiveness, the City Council will have final authority over the BID’s budget and tax rate. The ADID will also bring in a consulting firm called Nexstreet to help manage operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Looking Ahead

What’s next? The implementation of BID services is set to kick off around April 1, 2025. Following that, they’ll hire and train new staff members in February and March, aiming for full operational status by June 2025. Regular reports will be presented to the City Council to keep everyone in the loop about how well the BID services are performing and how the community is engaging with these vital upgrades.

Why It Matters

The formation of the Downtown Business Improvement District reflects a strong commitment to enhancing our beloved downtown Asheville. With the community’s concerns about cleanliness and safety being addressed more systematically, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a revitalized city center where everyone can enjoy their time out and about. Cheers to exciting changes ahead!

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Asheville Business Improvement District Passes First Vote
• Wikipedia: Business Improvement District
• WLOS: Explore Asheville Eyes Downtown Capital Improvement Projects
• Google Search: Asheville Downtown Business Improvement District
• WLOS: Proposed Expansion of Downtown Asheville Hotel
• Google News: Asheville Improvement District

Author: HERE Asheville