On Tuesday afternoon, local leaders, business owners, and community members gathered to get a glimpse of the present and future of our city center at the Asheville Downtown Association's (ADA) State of Downtown event.

The association presented a variety of insights gathered from its Downtown Stakeholder Survey, with participation from business owners, residents, property owners, and visitors.

Post-storm challenges

Through foot traffic data from Placer.ai, it's reported that 3.9 million people visited downtown in the last six months — a 23% decrease from the year prior. Loss of customers and revenue topped a list of challenges, followed by utility disruptions and lack of access to financial assistance. Of downtown business owner respondents, 53% said they received no financial support, citing being denied by insurance or unable to qualify for grants.

The ADA estimates that about 40 downtown restaurants, retailers, and offices have closed or relocated as a direct result of Helene. Damn...is there a link to the findings published anywhere?

Ideas for an economic boost

ADA Executive Director Hayden Plemmons shared that the organization is working on a pilot program to implement a social district on the South Slope to boost foot traffic to local businesses. If you're unfamiliar, social districts allow you to carry open alcoholic beverages (purchased from licensed, permitted establishments) to be carried outside in the district's boundaries.

Of survey respondents, 75% were in favor, but concerns were raised about cleanliness and litter control. Approval from city council is needed to implement a social district.

Plemmons also spoke about establishing a plan for economic resiliency and stability, working with the city to refresh strategies laid out in the 2009 Downtown Master Plan.Do we have examples of what this means for context?

Downtown Improvement District starts up

The survey also informed the priorities of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID), the service provider selected to manage the Business Improvement District (BID), which saw its final vote in June. ADID, is comprised of a partnership between the ADA, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and San Fransisco-based firm Nexstreet.

Nexstreet CEO Christian Martin, whose family is from Asheville, spoke about ADID's plans to address survey respondents' top priority, enhanced cleaning (think:
litter pick-up and power washing). Services are expected to begin in May.

The next steps

The ADA's 2024 events brought 63,000 people, and there are multiple events slated for spring to bring even more folks back to the city center. The kickoff of Downtown After 5 (now back in Pack Square Park) coincides with the Downtown in Bloom campaign, showcasing spring-themed storefronts, a seasonal beverage program, and social media features.

Plus, on Thursday, May 29, Steep Canyon Rangers will light up the stage at Pack Square Park for a free community concert.
Suggestion for the NL inclusion: Highlight post storm challenges (overwhelmingly decreased foot traffic + lack of financial support) Proposed solutions: social district and upcoming events then mention DID cleanup priorities if there's room. That's how I would organize this info from most important to least important info :)