News Summary
Asheville has officially approved the establishment of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) aimed at boosting public safety, cleanliness, and addressing homelessness in the downtown area. The decision was made during the city council meeting on April 8, 2024, with local stakeholders voicing their support. The BID will operate with a $1.25 million annual budget funded by property owners, and will include the hiring of downtown ambassadors to enhance community safety and cleanliness.
Asheville Welcomes New Business Improvement District Amid Ongoing Conversations About Homelessness and Safety
In a significant move to enhance the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Asheville has made waves with the recent approval of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID). This decision was reached during the city council’s meeting on April 8, 2024, where the proposed slate for the board of directors was green-lighted. The board is set to oversee the operations of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), a measure supported by local property owners, businesses, and residents.
Aiming for a Brighter Future
The plans for the Downtown BID are expected to kick off this spring following a feasibility study conducted last year. Local stakeholders rallied behind the BID idea primarily due to increased worries over issues like homelessness, cleanliness, and overall public safety. About a year ago, these growing concerns prompted a collective effort to boost initiatives aimed at creating a safer and cleaner downtown environment.
On June 11, 2024, the creation of the BID was ultimately approved in a 6-1 vote, despite some members of the community raising their voices in opposition. There have been hiccups along the way; shortly after the council’s approval, vandalism targeted vehicles associated with the BID Steering Committee, highlighting some tensions within the community. Yet, hope persists that the BID will foster an improved atmosphere for both businesses and residents alike.
Funding the Future
The BID is set to operate with an annual budget of $1.25 million, financed through a special tax levied on property owners within its geographical boundaries, which encompass I-240, Knoxville Place, Hilliard Avenue, Asheland Avenue, South Charlotte Street, and College Place. The initial tax rate has been firmly established at 0.0877 cents for every $100 of taxable property value, and assessments will start in the 2025 tax year.
A major element of this initiative is the planned hiring of downtown ambassadors, who will focus on addressing homelessness and enhancing safety throughout the district. Allocated funding for this ambassador program is around $700,000, while an additional $300,000 will be dedicated to improved cleaning services in the downtown area.
Engaging the Community
Annual public input and feedback will be an integral part of the BID’s functioning, ensuring that community voices are heard and considered. Furthermore, the BID will be required to submit annual reports to the city. The ambassadors, described as unarmed community stewards, will receive special training in areas such as anti-racism and de-escalation, thoroughly preparing them to handle sensitive situations within the community.
Addressing Public Concerns
Local business owners are hopeful that the BID will not only enhance the downtown ambiance but also improve outreach efforts directed at unhoused individuals. However, resistance still lingers among some community members concerned about potential gentrification and criminal activities targeting supporters of the BID.
In a recent survey, a significant 45% of respondents expressed feeling uneasy while navigating downtown at night. In response, the city plans to enhance lighting and implement new safety measures as a proactive step toward addressing these feelings of insecurity. Additionally, continued investments in educational programs focused on homelessness are in the works, exemplified by a forthcoming Homelessness Learning Series.
Collaboration is Key
Mayor Esther Manheimer has underscored the need for collaboration among various service providers to maintain infrastructure and address the challenges facing the community in the upcoming year. The creation of the BID and the ambassador program aims to not only tackle public safety but also foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness in downtown Asheville.
As Asheville forges ahead with this new initiative, the city remains committed to listening to its residents and creating a downtown environment that feels safe, clean, and welcoming for all.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Welcomes New Business Improvement District
- AVL Today: Asheville City Council Approves Downtown BID
- WLOS: Asheville Business Improvement District Safety Issues
- WLOS: Asheville Chamber Seeks Public Opinion on BID
- WLOS: Explore Asheville’s Downtown Capital Improvement Projects
- Wikipedia: Business Improvement District
- Google Search: Asheville Downtown Improvement District
- Google News: Asheville BID
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
