The bustling heart of Asheville's downtown area, home to local businesses.
The Asheville City Council has approved a significant contract with the Asheville Downtown Community Improvement District for business improvement services in downtown Asheville. This decision, supported by a 5-to-1 vote, aims to revitalize the area, support local businesses, and enhance the community’s economy following the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. The contract spans three years with potential renewals, ensuring ongoing support for downtown businesses.
Asheville is buzzing this week after the City Council made a big decision on Tuesday, January 14, approving a new contract with the Asheville Downtown Community Improvement District (ADID) for downtown business improvement district (BID) services. With a decisive vote of 5-to-1, the council has set the stage for a revitalized downtown area that aims to help businesses thrive.
So, what exactly does this mean for the vibrant heart of Asheville? Well, it’s all about creating a more robust and supportive environment for local businesses, especially in the wake of challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. The contract is basically a game plan that focuses on making downtown an even more attractive place for both locals and visitors. It was awarded to ADID after a competitive selection process. This partnership includes key players like the Asheville Downtown Association, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Nexstreet, a local minority- and women-owned business.
The initial term of the contract is set for three years, with the option for two additional one-year renewals. This means there’s plenty of time to put these plans into action and see real results. Furthermore, the Asheville City Council will continue to have the final say on annual budgets and tax rates, ensuring that the funding for these services is transparent and aligned with community needs.
One of the cool things about this new BID initiative is the commitment to regular reporting. The BID operator will regularly inform the City Council and the public about progress and activities. This will include keeping track of data and engaging the community to see how effective these new services are. It’s a step towards greater accountability, showing that your opinions and experiences matter.
Assistant City Manager Ben Woody emphasized that the BID’s role comes at a particularly crucial time for Asheville’s economic recovery following Hurricane Helene. To bolster support for local businesses, the ADID plans to hire a Business Resiliency Coordinator. This new role will be all about helping existing businesses and those affected by the hurricane. Handling everything from securing small business resources to launching marketing initiatives, the coordinator is designed to be a lifeline for Asheville’s entrepreneurial spirit.
There’s a clear timeline for when all of this will kick off! Here’s what you can expect:
According to state law, Asheville must roll out BID services before June 30, 2025, so you can expect things to move swiftly. For those interested in keeping tabs on this exciting initiative, additional information can be found on the City of Asheville’s project page, where updates about the Downtown BID will be posted.
Asheville’s future is looking bright with the approval of these services, promising to give a significant boost to the downtown economy and strengthen the community as a whole. Get ready for a more vibrant and resilient Asheville!
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