Why is Downtown Important?

The mission of the Asheville Downtown Association is to be a voice of the downtown community and to promote and support quality economic, cultural and residential development of downtown Asheville.

The Asheville Downtown Commission was created by City Council "...for the sustainability and continued development of downtown, a vital urban center of western North Carolina's economic, cultural and visitor activity." LAMA (the Lexington Ave Merchants Association) promotes Lexington Park's independent businesses, architecture, and unique arts culture by preserving its historical character and encouraging progressive development. Our mission is to represent Lexington Park as a distinctive Downtown sub-district in the community and local government. EMSDC’s mission is to bring the opportunity for economic and social independence to the low- to-moderate-income community. EMSDC focuses on property development, on minority-owned and minority-operated businesses and other corporate formation, as well as on partnerships that deliver a continuum of economic development and human services. The CVB works daily to carry out the BCTDA’s mission: “To be a leader in the economic development of Buncombe County by attracting and servicing visitors, generating income, jobs and tax revenues which make the community a better place to live and visit.” Along with its industry partners, CVB staff promotes the area as an attractive tourism destination to visitors, meeting and convention planners, tour operators and incentive groups The objectives and primary purpose of DARN are to serve as the point where residents of the Central Business District of Asheville connect to each other and the community, and to give strength to their voice in neighborhood issues. DARN Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors

How did we get here?

Public investment (staff, policy, capital projects) Private ventures (civic leaders, business risk, volunteering)

City Council forms the Asheville Downtown Commission, originally called: The Asheville Revitalization Commission 1977 Elvis dies August 16th

In the 80’s and early 90’s… A number of large projects were completed here: - Pack Place - Pack Plaza - Wall Street Revitalization - The Akzona Building Results: A lot of expensive construction and more hope for downtown….. but still few people.

The mission of the Asheville Downtown Association is to be a voice of the downtown community and to promote and support quality economic, cultural and residential development of downtown Asheville. 1988

Along with the big projects, local government, lead by the City, had taken some important steps: 1. Liquor by the drink for restaurants was passed 2. The City approved sidewalk dining

3. The City Built Parking Garages

The Civic Center 4. Major public buildings were kept downtown Justice System and Jails Also: The Library Sheriff’s Office Baseball Field City Hall County Offices Federal Courthouse and Offices Social Services Health Department

Diverse Heart Arts Restaurants & Entertainment Residents Religious Institutions Civic Institutions BusinessesHistory Gatherings

Where’s the money?

Retail Value

Asheville Buncombe

Asheville Buncombe Asheville Buncombe

What is the Value?

Efficiency

Efficiency Factor

Efficiency Factor 3.3

$2.7 Million to the City, and

$3.4 Million to the County.

Buncombe Annual Budget

WE’RE DOING GREAT!

…but we’re at a crossroads. Which prompted the Downtown Master Plan

Downtown Master Plan What is the Downtown Master Plan?

Zoning Amendments Downtown Master Plan Design Guidelines Variances Incentives Enforcement Culture and Arts Transportation & Parking Management Urban Design Ordinances

Downtown Management MSD Tax Marketing City Contribution Downtown Events & Festivals Revolving Funds Façade Grants County Contribution NGO Contribution Clean & Green Ambassadors & Security Public Art RFP Redevelopment Streetscape projects TIF

Downtown is in need of professional management Balancing the entrepreneurial and the managerial…

How is downtown managed? Economic: Business & Development Physical: Safety & Cleanliness Social: Events & Marketing

What should be standard equipment for a downtown and what is optional “extras”?

Downtown Planning/Development Staff v.Downtown Tax Value $104 Million $350 Million $552 Million ¾ staff equivalent 3 staff equivalents 5 staff equivalents We may be applying insufficient staff resources to meet the challenge ahead

How do we pay for it? Downtown makes (financial and cultural) wealth How do we move into the future?

The lion’s share of this growth was through the community …

Is the effort leveraged?

Downtown Are we reinvesting in downtown?

Downtown Management MSD Tax Marketing City Contribution Downtown Events & Festivals Revolving Funds Façade Grants County Contribution NGO Contribution Clean & Green Ambassadors & Security Public Art RFP Redevelopment Streetscape projects We need everyone’s help to put together a sustainable and ongoing tool kit. TIF

How does Asheville compare?