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 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 AshevilleRevitalization 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 OfficeBaseball Field
City HallCounty Offices
Federal Courthouse and Offices
Social ServicesHealth Department
Diverse HeartArts
Restaurants & Entertainment
ResidentsReligious
Institutions
Civic Institutions
Businesses History
Gatherings
Where’s the
money?
Retail ValueRetail Value
Asheville
Buncombe
Asheville
Buncombe
Asheville
Buncombe
What is the Value?
Efficiency
3.2 7.1 3.0 1.3 4.7 2.1 9.6 0.5 2.1Efficiency Factor
6.4 15.6 9.5 0.5 22.3 10.0 38.6 11.5 7.9Efficiency Factor
3.3
$2.7 Million
to the City, and
$3.4 Million
to the County.
Buncombe Annual Budget
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?
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