PHASE 1

To u r i s m M a n a g e m e n t
& Investment Plan
to Develop Community Assets
OCTOBER 2019
PHASE 1 1
 OCTOBER 2019

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s

4 Introduction

10 Executive Summary

12 Best Practices for Tourism Management

20 Past Planning Efforts

26 Community Engagement

43 Guiding Principles

91 Summary & Conclusions

92 Appendix

PGAV
200 North Broadway, Suite 1000
St. Louis, MO 63102

Magellan Strategies
P.O. Box 5632
Asheville, NC 28813

Prepared for the Buncombe County Tourism

Development Authority
PHASE 1 2
 Photo credit: WLOS Staff

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Chris Smith, AB Regional Sports Commission Jerry Vehaun, Town of Woodfin
Clark Duncan, Economic Development Coalition John Kempsky, Downtown Asheville Residential
Dave Nutter, Urban Planning Professional Neighbors
BCTDA Board Steering Committee David West/Mike Butram, Land of Sky
Jim Muth John Pierce, UNC Asheville
Gary Froeba, Chair Association of Realtors Josh Harrold, Town of Black Mountain
Himanshu Karvir, Vice Chair John Ellis Debra Campbell, City of Asheville Justin Hembree, Land of Sky Regional Council
Leah Ashburn Robert Foster Demp Bradford, AB Regional Sports Commission Karen Ramshaw, Public Interest Projects
Andrew Celwyn Mark Hemphill Walt Rapinsky, AB Tech Kevan Frazier, Western Carolina University
Chip Craig Himanshu Karvir Dewana Little, YMI Cultural Center Programs in Asheville
John Luckett Ruth Summers DeWayne Barton, African American Heritage Kit Cramer, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Commission Lew Bleiweis, Asheville Area Regional Airport
John McKibbon
Community Leadership Council Don Collins, Town of Black Mountain Liz Button, AIR
James Poole Al Root, Town of Weaverville Esther Manheimer, City of Asheville
Tom Ruff Meghan Rogers, Asheville Downtown Association
Andrew Fletcher, Public Space Franzi Charen, Asheville Grown Business Mike Dempsey, Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville
Councilwoman Julie Mayfield Management Committee of the Alliance Nancy Cable, UNC Asheville
Commissioner Joe Belcher Downtown Commission Gar Ragland, Asheville Area Arts Council Nathan Ramsey, Mountain Area Workforce
Anthony Thomas, YMI Cultural Center Gene Bell, Asheville Housing Authority Development Board
Explore Asheville Staff Ashleigh Hardes, South Slope J. D. Lee, Blue Ridge Parkway Rich Lee, Multimodal Transportation Commission
Stephanie Brown Neighborhood Association Jack Thomson, Preservation Society of Asheville Ron Storto, Asheville Lodging Association
Pat Kappes Avril Pinder, Buncombe County and Buncombe County Sage Turner, Asheville Downtown Commission
Barber Melton, City of Asheville Jackson Tierney, Homestay Network Scott Dedman, Mountain Housing Opportunities
Marla Tambellini
Neighborhood Advisory Council Jane Anderson, AIR Sekou Coleman, Southside Rising
Kathi Petersen Brownie Newman, Buncombe County Katie Cornell, Asheville Area Arts Council Selena Coffey, Town of Weaverville
Carleton Collins, Asheville Area Janet Cone, UNC Asheville Toby Weas, Asheville Downtown Association
Riverfront Redevelopment Jason Young, Town of Woodfin
Commission PHASE 1 3
INTRODUCTION

PHASE 1 4
 BUNCOMBE COUNTY
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY

The Buncombe County occupancy tax was established by North Carolina state law in 1983 to create a source of funding
to attract overnight visitors and enhance the economic vitality of the community. The tax was established as a surcharge
paid in addition to sales tax. The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority was created by the same legislation
to administer the proceeds of the tax and ensure the effective investment of the resources collected from lodging
properties. The tax was increased in 1985, and again in 2001 to establish the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF).

In 1997 the North Carolina House of Representatives adopted uniform guidelines for the use of occupancy taxes. Under
these guidelines, no more than 6% may be assessed, at least two-thirds of occupancy tax revenue must be used for
tourism promotion, and up to one-third may be allocated for tourism-related expenditures as further defined in the
guidelines.

The Buncombe County tax was increased from 4% to 6% in 2015. The ratio of tourism promotion and product development
was maintained with a total of 4.5% assessed for promotion and 1.5% dedicated to the Tourism Product Development
Fund.

The BCTDA is a public entity with the public purpose of expanding the base of customers available to local businesses,
providing jobs, and generating tax revenue. Since 2001, the BCTDA has awarded $44 million to 39 community projects
through the TPDF which was the largest source of grant funding available in Western North Carolina prior to the
establishment of the Dogwood Health Trust. $22 million has been awarded to projects owned by the City of Asheville.

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.

PHASE 1 5
 Buncombe County Tourism Product Development Fund

INVESTMENT STRATEGY
FOR
THE NEXT

10
YEARS

Maintaining the quality of our community for residents is

maintaining the quality of our community for visitors.

We understand that it is critical to preserve, protect, and

grow sustainably for the mutual benefit of residents and
visitors alike.

PHASE 1 6
 The Tourism Management & Investment Plan Process

Phase Assessment Phase Discovery Phase Collaboration Phase Prioritization

1 2 3 4

Beginning in the Spring of 2019, the Tourism Management and Investment Plan (TMIP) process kicked off with a presentation at the
Tourism Development Authority Annual Planning Retreat. This began Phase 1 of the process, geared towards assessing the community
and gathering the necessary data to have a baseline context for Buncombe County. The Phase 1 process culminated in a presentation and
report in October of 2019.

Phase 2, Discovery, is geared toward understanding the range and scope of capital improvement projects in Buncombe County. Using
the data gathering of Phase 1 as the baseline for needs and opportunities, the project team will continue to meet with public entities and
community stakeholders to better understand the projects in the pipeline. This phase will result in a comprehensive list of projects with
costs, timelines, and relevant stakeholders listed for each.

Phase 3 focuses on collaboration among the public entities and figuring out how projects discovered in Phase 2 might fit with each other,
in a strategic timeline, or otherwise be improved to fit the Tourism Product Development Fund guidelines or better serve community needs.
At this stage, the project team will utilize urban planning and design strategies to further project development and design. The key to a
successful Phase 3 will be the willingness for many parties to work together to determine the best way forward.

Phase 4 is about prioritizing opportunities and needs for the next 10 years of Buncombe County’s tourism management and investment.
Through meetings with stakeholders, intense financial evaluation, and strategic thinking, the project team will work to prioritize potential
projects to define a path forward.

The planning process will culminate in a final report, sharing the findings from all phases and defining implementation steps to take
the plan into reality. The planning process will be complete by April of 2020 and result in a long-range community based strategy that
manages the impacts of visitation while continuing to take advantage of the economic benefits of tourism that have strengthened the
economic vitality of Western North Carolina.
TIV CK

PRO THE
FRO
PEC DBA

VID COM
M
E
ERS EE

ING MU
& P ING F

GUIDING
A V NITY
VID

OIC

THE PROCESS
PRO

Community Buncombe
Steering
Leadership County
Committee
Council Residents
Community Volunteers who have served
Community Volunteers who represent on TPDF Committee in the past. Community Members who participate in
varied industries and interests in the online survey or public meetings.
Buncombe County. PHASE 1 7
 PLAN OBJECTIVES

Work collaboratively with the community to develop a long-term strategic investment plan for public projects
through the Tourism Product Development Fund.

Coalesce municipal and other partners around the strategic plan that outlines a long-range vision for
implementing capital projects.

Preserve and protect community character and the destination experience.

Enhance Buncombe County through new community projects (within the scope of the TPDF fund) that contribute
to quality of place for residents, workers and visitors.

Continue efforts already in place to attract overnight visitors through the development and enhancement of
destination assets.

Explore opportunities for financing and developing longer-term investments of significant impact.

Support high quality design to enhance and preserve with the community in mind.

Sustain the economic vitality of tourism in Buncombe County that is critical to the growth and financial health
of local business and 27,000 jobs in the community.

PHASE 1 8
 PHASE 1 SUMMARY

PUBLIC INPUT
Three Community Input Workshops
Resident Sentiment Survey
Visitor Survey
Two Community Leadership Council Meetings
Individual Meetings with Stakeholders

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Four Steering Committee Meetings
Two Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Meetings

COLLABORATION WITH FUNDING PARTNERS

Meetings with City of Asheville, Buncombe County, University of North Carolina Asheville, US Cellular Center, Asheville
Greenworks, RiverLink, Town of Woodfin, Asheville Buncombe Sports Commission, Center for Craft, Asheville Area Arts Council,
Asheville Downtown Commission Work Group

SOURCES
AirDNA
American Community Survey
Americans for the Arts Economic
Prosperity Report
Asheville & Buncombe County Budgets
Asheville Comprehensive Plan
Asheville Regional Airport
Austin Cultural Tourism Plan
Buncombe County Comprehensive
Land Use Plan
Buncombe County Property Tax
Records
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Charleston Tourism Management Plan
City of Asheville Downtown Circulator
Study
City of Asheville Parking Study North Carolina Department of
Denver Tourism Roadmap Commerce
Department of Housing and Urban North Carolina Department of
Destination Transformation Transportation
Downtown Master Plan Occupational Employment Statistics
Economic Complexity Index Survey
ESRI and Infogroup Retail MarketPlace Quarterly Census of Employment and
Data Wages
ESRI Business Analyst Savannah Tourism Management Plan
Explore Asheville Pipeline Report State of North Carolina Fiscal
GfK MRI National Survey of Guidelines
Households STR
Greenways Master Plan Tourism Economics
Heat Maps of Visitor Density U.S. Census
Historic Preservation Master Plan U.S. Bureau of Labor
Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan

PHASE 1 9
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY

PHASE 1 10
 During Phase 1, the project team received feedback from several
thousand Buncombe County residents, conducted a thorough analysis
of the community, and looked at best practices from around the
country. From this, several guiding principles emerged. These themes
represent what we heard from community members in Buncombe
County and draw on numerous sources.

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREAT

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION CONNECTIVITY
AUTHENTICITY ENCOURAGE
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECT
& PARTNERSHIP

GE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE
ECTIVITY
AUTHENTICITY MANAGE THE GROWTH
& PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE TH

PHASE 1 11
 BEST PRACTICES IN
TOURISM MANAGEMENT

PHASE 1 12
 BEST PRACTICES IN TOURISM
MANAGEMENT PLANS

Asheville and Buncombe County are different. What works in Charlotte won’t necessarily work in Asheville.
What didn’t work in Minneapolis, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a try in North Carolina.

The Tourism Management Plan best practice review revealed that there is no one way to solve these issues.
What it did show though, was that the tension that exists between residents and visitors exists in lots of places.
The conflicts between the two groups and their long-term needs and desires is a point of tension in many cities.

Through significant community engagement and long-term thinking,

there is a way forward.

PHASE 1 13
As a component of the existing conditions analysis, the project team conducted a review of tourism management
plans, looking at cities around the country for strategies that might be best practices to implement in Buncombe
County’s Tourism Management and Investment Plan. What follows is a review of several of these plans.

AU S T I N C U LT U R A L TO U R I S M P L A N : 2013
“The creative industries develop the product and the tourism industry markets and sells the product. And because the
industries are supported by the same funding mechanism, there is mutual benefit in working cooperatively to maximize
efficiencies and scale revenues.”

Austin’s Cultural Tourism Plan was developed by the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department in 2013 to continue to
build, invest, and provide the conditions that further Austin’s capacity to create and share the stories of the people and culture that
define the Austin Experience. With 24 million overnight visitors each year, Austin has a robust tourism economy, bringing both
opportunities and challenges.

The intent of the Cultural Tourism Plan was to:

Support economic growth in the creative sector by leveraging the travel industry and the City’s current
investment in the arts
Provide an opportunity to build new partnerships across sectors
Increase tourism around place-specific arts, cultural, and heritage offerings
Address the need to broaden marketing efforts and reach out to new audiences, both residents and tourists
Aim to elevate the City leadership’s understanding of the importance of culture and investment in its proliferation to build
a sustainable, resilient, 21st century city

BEST PRACTICES: Focus on revenue-generating connections between tourism and the arts I MOU between the Convention
and Visitor’s Bureau and the City’s Cultural Affairs Department
PHASE 1 14
 CHARLESTON TOURISM MANAGEMENT PLAN: 2015 UPDATE

In 2015, Charleston updated its Tourism Management Plan to maintain the critical and delicate balance between the residential qual-
ity of life and the tourism economy, while preserving the authenticity and sense of place. With 4.8 million visitors annually in 2015,
Charleston’s plan had a particular focus on its architectural and cultural heritage.

The intent of the plan was to:

Manage and monitor tourism for the benefit of residents, industry, and visitors
Improve visitor orientation
Sustain a reasonable balance between tourism and quality of life for residents in the historic neighborhoods
Ensure that special events enhance and respect the community
Improve transportation options for residents and visitors

BEST PRACTICES: Incorporation of signage, wayfinding, and technology for residents and visitors to help find destinations,
parking, and restrooms modeled after the program implemented in Washington, DC I New regulations mandating that
special events adhere to the “Charleston Standards for Tourism”

PHASE 1 15
 DENVER TOURISM ROADMAP: 2016
Denver’s Tourism Roadmap was developed in 2016 to guide tourism growth and increase overnight visitors to 25 million by 2025.
The comprehensive plan was designed to maintain responsible tourism growth, and the economic impact that comes with it, in a way
that will benefit both residents and visitors.

The process included robust resident engagement and resulted in a plan with six key goals:

Expand meetings and convention business and infrastructure

Attract visitor-driven events
Create world-class attractions and services
Enhance connectivity and mobility
Improve downtown visitor experiences
Strengthen destination branding

BEST PRACTICES: Including short, medium, and long-term goals for various investments I Leveraging existing assets for
broader marketing efforts I Considering the future, multi-lingual population of Denver

PHASE 1 16
 SAVANNAH TOURISM MANAGEMENT PLAN: 2018

Developed in 2018, Savannah’s Tourism Management Plan aimed to be a comprehensive, living document that would serve as a
roadmap to guide City, residential, preservation, and tourism industry efforts for the next three to five years in managing tourism
related dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. With 12.1 million overnight visitors each year, Savannah’s plan included key issues
and strategies to address three major issues:

Preserving the National Historic Landmark District experience

for residents and visitors
Tour management
Balancing visitation and interconnecting districts

BEST PRACTICES:

Focus on “after-hours management” through limiting after-hours walking tour operations in

residential areas, shifting these to particular “hospitality districts”

Focus on the interconnectivity of Districts with wayfinding, bike paths, or walkways as a way
to manage tourists in certain areas, particular focus on pop-up demonstrations to help residents
experiment with temporary measures before investing in larger scale changes

PHASE 1 17
 DESTINATION TRANSFORMATION, MINNEAPOLIS: 2016

In 2016, the City of Minneapolis embarked on a planning process to expand tourism in Minneapolis and the Metro Area to create a
City that is livelier, more attractive, compelling, and accommodating to travelers and delivers those same benefits to residents. With
32 million annual visitors, the plan was geared towards getting Mall of America visitors out into the rest of the City, dispersing both
the concentration of tourists, and the benefits.

Recommendations from the plan included:

Attract 50 million visitors, with at least 11 million of those in the winter

Implement unified programs for transportation and wayfinding
Identify and secure resources for tourism growth in the long-term
Launch a metro-wide branding campaign
Build an iconic visitor’s center on the riverfront
Adopt a placemaking plan
Increase hospitality jobs to 40,000

BEST PRACTICES:

Creating a go-to online resource for visitors

including restaurants, ticket purchases, and
directions that can also be used by residents

Focused marketing toward visitors; directing them

to certain Districts to alleviate tourism-overload in
residential areas

PHASE 1 18
PHASE 1 19
 EXISTING
PLANNING EFFORTS

PHASE 1 20
EXISTING PLANNING EFFORTS

Buncombe County and the City of Asheville have conducted several important
planning efforts in recent years. The project team examined these plans, looking
to better understand the community and its residents.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN, 2013 UPDATE

LIVING ASHEVILLE: A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE, 2018

HISTORIC PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN, 2015

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN, 2015

PHASE 1 21
 BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

The Buncombe County Comprehensive Land Use Plan update was completed in 2013 to account for the changes in land use policies
and patterns in the County since the last update in 2006. Demographic changes in population and growth trends in the County
altered the land use context and required new recommendations. The update provides an assessment of current land use conditions
and also provides an outlook for future land use, including strategies to address upcoming needs.

With a growing population only expected to continue its trajectory, County planning officials embarked on the process to update the
comprehensive land use plan in 2012. The plan considers the growth clusters identified by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
and identifies the associated opportunities and challenges. In particular, the challenges identified that relate to tourism management
include the cost of living and workforce skills gap.

The plan includes key issues and recommendations to address those issues, one of which was connectivity. The recommendations
have a particular focus on encouraging a more urban street context through Complete Streets. The plan also stresses the need for
encouraging regional connections by assessing infrastructure needs and putting a strategic focus on preserving the unique Mountain
aesthetic of Western North Carolina.

While updated in 2013, the plan is still relatively dated. The County has seen significant growth and investment in the past six
years and, due to age, the Buncombe County Land Use Plan does not account for those changes. That being said, the plan provides
a framework for understanding the County’s priorities when it considers land use and reinforces the desire to implement more
connectivity within the County.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN, 2013 UPDATE
September 17, 2013

PHASE 1 22
 LIVING ASHEVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

After an extensive engagement and robust data collection process, the City of Asheville published their Living Asheville
Comprehensive Plan in June of 2018. The nearly 400-page document represents the first Comprehensive Plan for the City since 2003.
The plan is organized into themes including Livable Built Environment, Resilient Economy, Harmony with the Natural Environment,
Healthy Community, Interwoven Equity, and Responsible Regionalism. These themes represent the feedback received throughout the
process and help to guide the recommendations later in the plan.

When considering Central Asheville, one of the five geographies studied, recommendations regarding the built environment include
encouraging higher density development, ensuring the area is walkable and bikeable, and being aware of the impacts on the
environment. There is acknowledgment that the area, which includes Downtown, is the economic center of town, serving as a lively
central gathering place for restaurants, bars, and events. With this activity though, comes concern about things like parking and
overcrowding, which are sometimes associated with tourism in the plan.

Several specific recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan related to tourism include:

• Protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway as a tourist asset

• Continuing to develop the historic components of Asheville’s tourism economy
• Maintain and improve Asheville’s streetscape and urban character for tourists
• Improve air quality and protect natural resources, both crucial to tourism’s success
• Prioritize the development of family-oriented tourism amenities
• Maintain a strong Parks and Recreation program in the City to provide a venue for tourist and resident activities

PHASE 1 23
 HISTORIC PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN
The Heritage Tourism Master Plan for Asheville and Buncombe County was developed in 2015 and serves as a guide for retaining the historic beauty
of the area through strategic implementation steps. The plan is organized into several chapters, first defining the importance and history of the area,
and then summarizing the financial tools available. The report then outlines Historic Neighborhoods and Historic Business Districts in Asheville,
providing key issues and opportunities related to historic preservation in each.

The report pays special attention to the economic value that historic preservation has in neighborhoods, business districts, and in particular,
Downtown Asheville. Implementation steps include further rehabilitation of historic buildings in Downtown through creative financing and
continued implementation of the Downtown Master Plan.

The report also stresses the importance of preserving the historic culture and heritage in Buncombe County. With a different context, the preservation

Historic Preservation Master Plan for

strategies differ, but both contribute to an overall regional strategy.

Lastly, the report outlines the importance of cultivating and supporting Heritage Tourism. Based on
Asheville and Buncombe
the engagement
“It is, in fact, the juxtaposition County,
done as part of the planning North
process, visitors say that theCarolina
city’s historic sites and
landmarks are one of the top two reasons they visit. While the Biltmore historic site continues to
of splendid buildings with
spectacular mountain views see strong visitation, the Urban Trail and River Arts District also possess historic structures and see
Historic Resources Commission
that makes Asheville’s
architecture so appealing.
less consistent visitation.

of Asheville The
The constraint of topography and Buncombe
plan calls County
for a collaborative effort to incorporate tourism, the arts, and historic preservation
to provide for additional, more robust, tourism opportunities. In particular, placemaking efforts in
has shaped that cityscape in
exciting ways, virtually unique Downtown Asheville might “tell the story of our heritage” while also supporting tourism and the arts.
among American cities.”
Other recommendations include:

• Develop a comprehensive interpretive and visitor experience plan
• Understand historic context studies
• Invest in Asheville’s story via the Urban Trail or Walking &
Driving Tours
• Create a “Neighborhood Trail” as a companion experience
• Implement the Asheville wayfinding system in historic districts
• Engage in other placemaking activities to illuminate
Asheville’s heritage
• Establish a partnership to promote networking of organizations
whose work relates to history and preservation

PHASE 1 24
 DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
The Asheville Downtown Master Plan was completed in 2015 and provides a framework for the long-term vision for Downtown. The project
included robust stakeholder input to define shared goals for Downtown moving forward. With seven principles, the plan deals with both the built
environment, and the people that occupy it. The principles include:

Enhance the Downtown Asheville experience by cultivating its creative,

“It is essential that Asheville retain
the special attributes central to
its soul - creative, artsy, walkable,
funky, fun, full of great restaurants,
locally-owned, and offering an
outstanding quality of life.”
cultural, and historic character
Expand convenient choices for Downtown access and mobility
Inaugurate an urban design framework to extend Downtown’s sense of place
Shape building form to promote quality of place
Update Downtown design guidelines to be current, to be clear, and to
promote sustainable development

Make Downtown project review transparent, predictable, and

inclusive of community input

Nurture a sustainable and resilient economy through active

management of Downtown

PHASE 1 25
 COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT

PHASE 1 26
The project team is committed to a robust community engagement plan, engaging as many
Buncombe County residents and stakeholders as possible. To honor Buncombe County’s
commitment to creating an equitable community, the project team incorporated equity into
the Tourism Management & Investment Plan process, encouraging engagement at every
level and often asking ourselves...

Will this help create a resilient, equitable, healthy community?

As part of Phase 1, the team sought information in several ways:

ONLINE SURVEY OF RESIDENTS

VISITOR SURVEY

IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

PHASE 1 27
 Resident Sentiment Survey

As part of the Phase 1 planning process, a Resident Sentiment Survey was conducted to assess the opinions of Buncombe County
residents. To gather this information, SMARInsights, a professional market research firm, worked with national sample vendors to
survey a mix of residents from the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. This random sample is referred to as the “Control” group
in the data results. A total of 468 surveys were completed for the random sample, including 189 City of Asheville residents and
279 Buncombe County residents outside the City of Asheville. These results have an accuracy of +/- 4.5% at a 95% confidence level.

In an effort to engage a wider audience, the survey was made available to residents online. More than 2,200 residents responded in
this way. For the purpose of the results, this population is referred to as the “Opt-In” group. The respondents in this group are much
more likely to be from the City of Asheville, specifically North Asheville and Central Asheville. If from outside the City, respondents
were most often from Weaverville and North Buncombe County. These respondents are also much more likely to be married, have a
college degree, be older, and have a higher household income than those in the control sample.

Both sets of respondents were asked the same questions on a variety of topics. The survey asked questions about sentiments toward
a variety of specific positive and negative aspects of tourism, perceptions about the roles and responsibilities of the tourism office,
areas to be addressed during the Tourism Management and Investment Plan process, and degree of awareness of projects previously
funded by the Tourism Product Development Fund.

A summary of the results is available on the following pages. The complete results are available in the SMARI report.

PHASE 1 28
 Employment
The Resident Sentiment Survey asked a series of questions to understand the respondent’s employment situation and relationship to tourism.
The results indicated that 35% of the Control group and 30% of the Opt-In group are not employed at least part-time. Of those that are working,
26% of the Control group and 20% of the Opt-In group are employed in a business or organization that receives a great deal of benefit from the
tourism industry; 38% of the Control group and 47% of the Opt-In group work in places that receive no benefit from tourism.

Community Pride
Eighty percent of the Control group and 83% of the Opt-In respondents said they somewhat or completely agree with the statement “I am
proud of my community.” While the numbers are slightly higher with the Control sample, the trends are the same. There was little difference
in agreement between City and County residents in either group.

Sixty-seven percent of Control and 54% of Opt-In respondents stated they at least somewhat agree that tourism is good for the community.
County residents in the Control group were less likely than City residents (32% versus 43% ) to completely agree that tourism is good for the
community. This difference aligns with some of the other information gathered during Phase 1, indicating that some County residents do not
feel like they receive the same benefits from tourism. For the Opt-In group, City residents were less likely to completely agree that they receive
benefits (20% vs 33%), which might speak to the type of respondents that chose to opt-into the survey.

Tourism Pros and Cons

The Control and Opt-In samples both had the highest levels of agreement (over 79%) with the following positive statements:

Tourism helps small businesses in my community

There are more restaurants, and a greater variety of independently owned restaurants, because of people visiting the area
Money from people who visit supports independent businesses

Respondents from both groups were least likely to agree with the following positive statements:

The tax revenue my community receives from people visiting reduces the amount of taxes I pay
The tax revenue my community receives from people visiting has gone to support important community services
Tourism supports well-paying jobs in my community

The two groups had the highest level of agreement with the following negative statements, with more than 67% strongly or somewhat
agreeing with the statements:

There are problems with parking because of people visiting the community
Because we have too many people visiting the area, we have traffic problems
The cost of housing is too high in the area because of people visiting the community
The area feels crowded and I can’t enjoy my city/county as much because there are so many people visiting

PHASE 1 29
 Tourism Management & Investment Plan Priorities
Respondents were asked about their opinions on a variety of different issues that could be addressed with the Tourism Management and
Investment Plan process. There were some significant differences in the top issues as selected by the Control and Opt-In samples with lesser
differences between City and County residents.

Which of the following topics do you think should be addressed in this plan?

Control Sample Opt-In Sample

Top Issues City County City County

Parking 55% 66% 58% 67%

Housing Affordability 62% 58% 56% 49%
City Cleanliness 46% 53% 51% 60%
Better Sidewalks/
Making City More 50% 39% 69% 64%
Walkable
Impact of Tourism on 41% 45% 56% 48%
Neighborhoods
Transportation (buses, 47% 39% 68% 58%
trolley, shuttles, etc.)
Walking Trails or Bike
Paths 40% 33% 57% 54%
Support for Arts &
Culture 37% 29% 52% 47%

As is shown in the table above, significant differences are noted between the Control and Opt-In samples when considering opinions on
Better Sidewalks/Making the City More Walkable, Transportation, Walking Trails or Bike Paths, and Support for Arts & Culture. Despite those
differences, the opinions appear quite consistent when considering Parking, Housing Affordability, City Cleanliness, and Impact of Tourism on
Neighborhoods.

Respondents were then asked to allocate 100 chips to these issues. The topic that received the most “chips” was Housing Affordability, which
remained consistent between both samples, regardless of geography.

PHASE 1 30
 Past Tourism Product Development Fund Activities
Respondents were asked about their awareness of Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority funding of individual projects when
provided a list of these projects. Forty-one percent of the Control sample stated they did not know any of them had been funded by Tourism
Product Development Fund dollars. This number was slightly lower, 31%, for the Opt-In sample.

The project with the highest level of awareness of Tourism Product Development Fund funding was the U.S. Cellular Center, which was
consistent with both groups. Despite this, only 32% of the Control and 45% of the Opt-In groups were aware of this project’s funding.

$44 MILLION IN TPDF FUNDING

AWARDED TO 39 PROJECTS SINCE 2001
Twenty-five percent of the lodging tax is dedicated to
the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) that has
awarded $44 million to community projects that attract “The additional support and
visitors to the destination and improve the quality of life in
the Asheville area — parks, theaters, museums, historic sites,
resources provided by the BCTDA
sports fields, arts development, greenways and supporting is helpful in expediting this much-
infrastructure. needed project that celebrates
In the 2018 TPDF grant cycle, the BCTDA awarded nearly and shares the legacy and
$10 million for six community projects: contributions of African-Americans
in our community. We welcome
Ϥ Enka Recreation Destination: $6 million
Buncombe County the Explore Asheville team in this
Ϥ LEAF Global Arts Center: $705,000
collaborative effort to preserve and
LEAF Community Arts protect Asheville’s African-American
Ϥ African-American Heritage Museum at Stephens-Lee history and culture.”
Recreation Center: $100,000 ~ Catherine Mitchell,
River Front Development Group River Front Development Group
Executive Director
Ϥ YMI Cultural Center Improvements: $800,000
YMI Cultural Center
Ϥ National Craft Innovation Hub: $975,000
Center for Craft
Ϥ Garden Lighting and Parking Enhancements: $905,000
North Carolina Arboretum

Also in 2018, the BCTDA dedicated support to the

development of the African-American Heritage Trail. The
vision for the project includes the creation of a heritage
trail which would utilize new physical and digital assets
to link key sites and showcase the unique history of the
African-American community in Asheville.
2018 - 2019 BCTDA Annual Report

The full results of the Resident Sentiment Survey are available in the Appendix of this report.

39 LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVED A TOTAL

OF $185,000 IN SUPPORT FOR FESTIVALS,
PHASE 1 31
 Visitor Survey

As part of the Phase 1 planning process, a Visitor Survey was conducted to assess sentiments of those who recently visited Buncombe
County. The survey questions were written by the project team and went to recent visitors of Asheville and Buncombe County via
the Explore Asheville email database. Visitors opted-in to participate.

More than 1,700 people participated in the visitor survey. Respondents are likely to have been in a party of two (60%), be traveling
without children (87%), and are regular travelers having been on three or more vacations in the last 12 months (78%). They are also
likely to be Caucasian/white (93%), between 55 and 74 years of age (66%), have no children in the household (86%), possess a college
degree or higher (71%), and have a household income of between $75,000 and $250,000.

A summary of the results is available on the following pages. The complete results are available in the Appendix of this report.

PHASE 1 32
 When was your last visit to Buncombe County?
As the chart to the left displays, of the 1,712 respondents, 58%
Within the last 12 months 58%
visited Buncombe County in the last year. An additional 22%
visited within 1-2 years prior. Given this, 80% of respondents to
1 - 2 years ago 22% the Visitor Survey have visited Asheville or Buncombe County
within the last 2 years, providing a useful, recent perspective on
3 - 5 years ago 10% the community.

More than 5 years ago 5%

I have never visited Asheville and

5%
Buncombe County, NC n = 1712

Respondents most often spent 2 to 3 nights when visiting. Nearly a quarter of respondents said they stayed 4-5 nights on their last
visit. When asked “How many times have you visited Asheville and Buncombe County?”, the responses were varied with more than
10% indicating each answer. The most often chosen response was 2-3 times, followed closely by 1 visit. Eleven percent of the 1,448
respondents said they had visited more than 20 times, indicating a level of familiarity with the community.

How many nights did you spend in Asheville and How many times have you visited Asheville and
Buncombe County on your last visit? Buncombe County?
53% n = 1064
n = 1448
24%
22%
18%

24% 14%
11% 11%

10% 11%

1% 1%

1 2-3 4-5 6 - 10 11 - 20 More than 20 Once 2-3 4-5 6 - 10 11 - 20 More than 20

When considering their visit to the area, respondents most often spent the night in a hotel, bed and breakfast, or hostel. The next
most often chosen response was “It was a day-trip - I did not spend the night.” The chart below indicates responses regarding where
visitors stayed, Downtown Asheville being the most popular with 27% of respondents indicating they stayed there. East Asheville or
Tunnel Road, and Biltmore Village or Biltmore Estate were the next most popular locations for overnight stays.

What best describes your last visit to Asheville and What part of Asheville and Buncombe County did you
Buncombe County? stay in on your most recent visit?
Respondents who visited within the last 5 years Downtown Asheville 27%
I spent the night in a hotel, bed and breakfast, or hostel 54% East Asheville or Tunnel Road 15%
Biltmore Village or Biltmore Estate 13%
It was a daytrip - I did not spend the night 16%
I'm not sure 10%
I spent the night in a vacation rental (home, apartment or
12% West Asheville or Enka-Candler 7%
condominium) where the owner was not present on-site

I spent the night with friends or relatives 9% Interstate 26 and Asheville Outlets 7%
South Asheville or Asheville Regional Airport area 6%
I spent the night in a home or apartment where I rented a
4%
room or bed and the owner was present on-site Black Mountain 5%
I spent the night at a campground 2% North Asheville or Woodfin 4%
Biltmore Park Town Square 3%
I spent the night in a second home I own 2%
Weaverville 2%
n = 1266
I'm not sure 0% River Arts District 2%

PHASE 1 33
 What best describes the purpose of your most recent visit? The chart to the left indicates that 79% of visitors came to
Asheville and Buncombe County for leisure, while 12% came to
Leisure 79% visit family or friends.
Visiting friends and relatives 12%
Based on data gathered by the airport, in Q4 of 2018 and Q1
Business and leisure 4% of 2019, of the 102,931 travelers surveyed, 66% of them were
traveling for leisure, and 34% for business. While different
Meeting, convention, reunion, or sporting event 2%
statistics, both show that an overwhelming majority of visitors
Sports competition 1% are coming to the area for pleasure, rather than business or
other reasons. Note: This data also includes traveling residents,
Business 1%
not just visitors.
Personal business, such as medical 1%
When looking at how people physically get to the area, based
Summer camp 0% on the visitor survey data, 82% of people visiting Asheville and
Buncombe County came by car, while only 7% came via the
How did you arrive on your most recent visit? Asheville Regional Airport. Another 5% came via other means,
which included RV travel or another form of transportation such
Other, 5% Flew to an airport other than Asheville as a chartered bus.
Regional and then rented a car to drive
there, 6%
Flew to Asheville When looking at what amenities visitors are thinking about
Regional Airport when they choose to visit Buncombe County, the Blue Ridge
(AVL), 7%
Mountains, local restaurants and bars, and Downtown Asheville
are ranked “very important” most often. More than half of
respondents indicated the Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore
Estate were “very important.” Outdoor recreation is also very
Drove from my popular.
primary residence, Other: Drove from 2nd
82% home/vacation home in area;
side trip; RV; Greyhound Bus Given that three related items appear in the top six, it is likely
n = 1503 that the outdoor recreation and natural amenities are a major
factor and should be considered a substantial tourism draw.

How important were each of the following in making your Other things mentioned by respondents included:
decision to visit on your most recent visit?
Arboretum Have always wanted to visit
Beautiful Scenery Laid back atmosphere
Very Important
Blue Ridge Mountains 66%
Camping Nearby Hot Springs
Local restaurants and bars 64%
Christmas vacation People
Downtown Asheville 62% Close to casinos Possible Retirement Spot
Blue Ridge Parkway 53% Dog-friendly Recommended by family/friends
Biltmore Estate 51% Drum Circle Relocation/Future place to live
Outdoor recreation 40% Escape a hurricane Side trip from another destination
The visual arts, including handmade craft 38% Fall Foliage TOPS for Shoes
Breweries, wineries, or distilleries 35%
Family/Friends visit Tour of UNC Asheville
Riverfront area/River Arts District 33%
Festivals Weather
Shopping 26%
Live music, including concerts
Ghost Tour Wedding/Wedding anniversary
24%
Special event 20% n = 1175
Grove Park Inn
The performing arts, including theater 13%

PHASE 1 34
 On their trip, visitors were most likely to have visited local restaurants and bars and Downtown Asheville. In addition, 60% said they went
shopping. About half of respondents indicated they visited the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Biltmore Estate. Over a
quarter of visitors experienced breweries, wineries, or distilleries, the Riverfront Area/River Arts District, the visual arts, or participated in
outdoor recreation. Twenty-two percent went to the Town of Black Mountain, 12% to the Town of Weaverville, and 4% to Woodfin.

On a scale of 1-10, when asked how likely they are to recommend visiting the area, the survey respondents indicated an average of 8.8, with
77% of people giving the question a 10. For those that gave the destination less than an 8, some of the reasons were concerns about safety,
cost, and Downtown issues such as vagrancy and homelessness. The concerns seem to be felt by a small minority though, as the satisfaction
numbers were very high.
How satisfied were you with each of the following on The chart to the left shows that 88% of respondents were
your most recent visit? satisfied with the amount of things to do in the area, 80%
were pleased with the attractions, and 78% were satisfied
Very Satisfied n = 1442 by the customer service.
Enough for me and my party to do 88%
Despite being mentioned as a concern by several
Attractions 80% respondents, 75% of those that completed the survey said
Customer service 78% they were very satisfied by the cleanliness of the area.
Nearly the same percentage (74%) felt the same about
Cleanliness 75%
safety.
Safety 74%

Outdoor recreation 64% At the bottom of the chart to the left are those categories
that visitors indicated they were very satisfied with the
Sidewalks 62%
least. This includes air travel options, panhandling, parking
Very
Appealing for Satisfied
families n = 1442 60% in Downtown, and traffic on City streets. Looking at which
Signage 0% 20% 59%
40% 60% 80% 100% categories were ranked somewhat or very satisfied, 81%
Cost of visiting 46% ranked traffic on City streets and 63% parking in Downtown
Parking in areas outside downtown Asheville 46% Asheville. Panhandling and air travel options were ranked
Interstate highway traffic 44%
least satisfying of the categories.
Traffic on city streets 34%
After indicating their level of satisfaction, respondents
Parking in downtown Asheville 25% were then asked to indicate how important those factors
Panhandling 15% are. Those ranked as most important were City cleanliness,
Air travel options and cost 13% supporting local small businesses, and public safety and
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
policing issues.

When asked for other areas that the Tourism Management and Investment Plan should focus on, the following responses were given:
Accessibility to more information on relocating/ real estate in area Handicapped accessible parking and walkways downtown
Accessible/more flights into Asheville Health care options for travelers
Affordable transportation from airport to downtown Historic sites maintained and not forgotten
Bring back the weirdness! Increased diversity in Asheville
Commercialization and prices of Biltmore have gotten out of hand; Keep it simple, small town feel
develop more low-cost and free tourist amenities and activities More campgrounds, information on camping
Continue to embrace pet-friendly options More festivals
“Don’t fix what isn’t broken” – keep development to a minimum No chain stores/restaurants
Downtown shuttle Reasonably priced hotels
Easy to read maps – car and foot Shuttle
Eco-friendly attractions Trail and hiking guides
Greater variety of music options

PHASE 1 35
 Public Input Workshops

The project team hosted three public input workshops during the month of August of 2019. During these workshops, community
members and stakeholders were invited to join the project team, find out about the planning process, and share their feedback.
Moving around the room, participants were asked to complete the following activities:

Tell Us About Yourself - Participants filled out a short survey either electronically or on paper to share a few pieces of information
about themselves and help the project team understand who was being engaged.

Which Projects Have You Interacted With? - Participants were asked to place dots on the Tourism Product Development Fund
projects they were aware of and have interacted with.

Where Do You Live? - Participants were asked to place a dot on the map of Buncombe County where they reside.

Where Do You Work? - Participants were asked to place a dot on the map of Buncombe County where they work.

Online Survey - Participants were able to complete a survey about their feelings about tourism. It was available
in online and paper format.

Tourism Benefits - Participants were asked to share their thoughts about what benefits tourism brings to Buncombe County.

Tourism Challenges - Participants were asked to share their thoughts on what challenges tourism brings to Buncombe County.

What Makes Buncombe County Authentic? - Participants were asked to consider what about Buncombe County is unique, or
makes the place feel authentic.

Where Do You Like to Spend Your Time in Buncombe County? - Participants were asked to place a dot on the map of Buncombe
County where they spend their time.

Where Do You Like to Spend Your Time in Downtown Asheville? - Participants were asked to place a dot on the map of Downtown
Asheville where they like to spend their time.

Project Ideas - Participants were asked to share their thoughts about project ideas to spend future
Tourism Product Development Fund dollars on.

A summary of the results is available on the following pages. The complete results are available in the Appendix of this report.

PHASE 1 36
 Tell Us About Yourself

The first station attendees visited was an introductory station to tell us about themselves and introduce them to this process. The responses
indicated that participants had the following demographics:

Age Households with Children Reside In

Fifty percent of attendees indicated they were employed full-time, while nearly 30% indicated they were not employed. Of those employed at
least part-time, 63% do not work in the hospitality industry. The other 36% indicated they work in a tourism or hospitality sector.

A total of 111 responses were recorded from the online and in-person surveys completed at the three public meetings.

PHASE 1 37
 Past Tourism Product Development Fund Funded Projects

Station 2 asked participants to identify which past TPDF funded projects they had interacted with by placing a dot next to the project’s name.

Most projects received many dots, indicating a relatively high level of interaction. The projects with the fewest dots were:

Western North Carolina Veteran’s Memorial at Pack Square Park

Buncombe County Civil War Trails
Asheville Area Wayfinding Program
Smoky Mountain Adventure Center
Enka Center Ballfields
Montreat College
Buncombe County - Enka Recreation Destination

These results could indicate a geographic concentration (or lack thereof) of those that attended the workshops. They also may indicate a
lower level of visitation generally at these places. Some of the locations are also relatively new and might explain the lack of awareness or
lower interaction levels.
This station was geared toward understanding which projects
the public interacted with, and is not a representation of their
level of awareness. As a result, it is not an indication of TPDF
awareness.

Where do you live? Where do you work?

Stations 3 and 4 were geared toward gathering demographic

information from the attendees and encouraging participation.

Station 3 asked where attendees lived. Most of those that

attended the in-person public input workshops are from the
central area of Buncombe County in Asheville. That being said,
there were attendees from most parts of the County.

At Station 4, people were asked to indicate where they

work. Again, most respondents indicated the central portion
of Buncombe County and the City of Asheville. There were
several dots in the circle at the top though, indicating that some
attendees either do not work or work outside the County. This
information is consistent with the other engagement results.

The focus on the City of Asheville is similar to the other

discussions during Phase 1. While many acknowledge the
importance of the rest of the County, there is a level of
awareness about the concentration of jobs, housing, and other
amenities within Asheville and Downtown in particular.

PHASE 1 38
 Tourism Survey

Station 5 was a survey for participants related to tourism. The survey could be completed either on paper or via an online survey link. The
results were as follows:

When we say “Tourism” or “Tourism Industry”, what comes to mind? What are the assets of our community that you feel are
enjoyed by both visitors and residents?

When asked about what assets should be reserved for residents alone, of the 66 responses, over half of said “None.” Several of the other
responses mentioned special or discounted parking for residents. Ninety-seven percent of respondents said they go to Downtown Asheville,
most often for food, music, or entertainment.

When asked what they would do if in charge of the Tourism Development Authority, there was an overall theme of cooperation. Things like
“Gain/regain collaboration with Asheville government,” “Work with state authorities,” and “TDA must get engagement from city and county
leaders to create shared vision” were mentioned.

Benefits of Tourism

At Station 6, attendees were asked to think about the benefits of tourism in

Buncombe County. Many of the answers were about tax dollars, economic benefits,
or other monetary impacts. These included:

Tax Base
Brings people to the area who spend $$
Tourism-based businesses
Millions $$ in property tax and sales tax
Puts money into the local economy

Another recurring theme in response to this question included the additional

amenities that residents receive due to tourism. Things like:

Great beer
Eclectic entertainment venues
Liveliness - brings music, restaurants, arts
Supports more restaurants, the arts, festivals, music
Energy and enthusiasm for local culture and arts
Adds interesting, enjoyable attractions, and cultural entertainment for all

PHASE 1 39
 Challenges of Tourism

At Station 7, participants were encouraged to think about the challenges of tourism

in Buncombe County. Attendees were engaged in conversations about the topic and
encouraged to brainstorm on the flip chart paper. Results from this station were all
over the board, including responses about infrastructure, police, traffic, and cost of
living. Some of the responses included:

Creates demand for services like police, fire, water, parking, etc. that local systems
and individuals have to provide/respond to

Displaces people who pay local taxes from central areas for both housing and
business

Brings people to town who may not be respectful of or invested in this community

More tourism & more hotels = less interesting downtown and city for locals

We need to invest in public transportation! If we hollow out the center with hotels
and restaurants we may attract one-time tourists and create only low-paying jobs.

Not being able to enjoy favorite spots because too many tourists. When I do go out, I
can tell tourists that don’t respect or appreciate Asheville culture.

Generally, responses to this question were more top of mind for respondents and often prompted discussions with members of the project
team. There was a feeling of relief from some residents that they were being listened to and that their concerns were being heard. Some
residents engaged with the project team for 10-15 minutes to get specifics about some of the challenges they see in their community.

Authenticity in Buncombe County

At Station 8, participants were asked to consider what makes Buncombe County

authentic. At this station, the project team was trying to get an understanding of
what makes the community unique. What makes this place different from other
cities? Why do you live here?

Residents often mentioned the unique environment in Asheville and the “green”
amenities that come with. They also often mentioned the music scene and the
cultural amenities that having such a strong sense of musical identity brings with it.

The arts, crafts, and makers in Buncombe County were also often cited as reasons the
place is unique.

Of all of the stations, this one seemed to be the easiest to answer. Residents were
excited to write down what they love about the community and why they choose to
live there.

PHASE 1 40
 Where do you spend your time?

At Station 9, residents were asked to

look at a map of Buncombe County and
one of Downtown Asheville and think
about where they spend their time.

The Buncombe County map resulted

in a wide variety of responses, with a
concentration in the City of Asheville but
also a spread out contingent of dots in
many places around the county.

The Downtown Asheville map, shown at

the bottom right, shows a concentration
of dots North of Patton Avenue and West
of Biltmore Avenue. There is another
concentration of dots south of Patton
Avenue and West of Biltmore Avenue.
A small group of dots were also placed
south at McCormick Field.

These two maps were used as an

engagement tool to get residents
thinking about how they spend time in
their community. They also help the
project team to understand where there
are concentrations of residents. These
maps, when overlayed with visitor heat
maps can help show where residents and
visitors might overlap.

PHASE 1 41
 What projects would you like to see funded?

Station 10 asked attendees to think about what projects they would like to see
funded with Tourism Product Development Fund dollars. Purposefully placed at the
end, attendees had already visited the other stations and begun thinking about their
community. Given this, the criteria for funding was listed on the wall nearby, and
participants were encouraged to list their project ideas.

Ideas included everything from public transportation to housing programs - some of

which are eligible for TPDF funding, and some are not. That being said, the exercise of
hearing from residents to understand their perspective on needs was a useful one.

Responses included:

An urban forester

Improvement of basketball infrastructure

Renovate Rec Park into a waterpark or some other amusement

Creating more green spaces in downtown

Affordable artist’s studio/residents

Environmentally friendly transportation network

Community outreach involving schools
More pedestrian zones
Indoor, multi-use sports facility – for locals and sports tourism
Discounted parking for downtown workers
Hop-on, hop-off shuttle
Thomas Wolfe
Fix Haywood Street sidewalks
Downtown location for large concerts – outside (ex: Kannapolis Village
Park) Work with Dogwood Foundation on those projects with obvious health
and wellness implications for citizens of WNC
For greenways to have an interconnected system & 20 miles need =
good for residents & tourists Disparity funds and loans and grants for artists of color

Greenways – completed greenway/ped/bike network so it is more Provide free parking for downtown residents, at least first 2 hrs., with
useful/usable a decal

Performing arts center Pit of Despair

Asheville Urban Trail – marketing and maintenance Homeless aid

Free tourist shuttle (also from hotels outside the city)

Asheville community theater

PHASE 1 42
 Community Leadership Council
As part of the Tourism Management and Investment Plan process, a Community Leadership Council was created. This group includes
individuals from around the County that represent different perspectives in the community. Members include:

Al Root, Town of Weaverville Jackson Tierney, Homestay Network

Andrew Fletcher, Public Space Management Committee of the
Downtown Commission
Anthony Thomas, YMI Cultural Center
Ashleigh Hardes, South Slope Neighborhood Association
Avril Pinder, Buncombe County
Barber Melton, City of Asheville Neighborhood Advisory Council
Brownie Newman, Buncombe County
Carleton Collins, Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment
Commission
Chris Smith, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
Clark Duncan, Economic Development Coalition Asheville-
Buncombe County
Dave Nutter, Urban Planning Professional
David West/Mike Butram, Land of Sky Association of Realtors
Debra Campbell, City of Asheville
Demp Bradford, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports
Commission
Walt Rapinsky, AB Tech
Dewana Little, YMI Cultural Center
DeWayne Barton, African American Heritage Commission
Don Collins, Town of Black Mountain
Esther Manheimer, City of Asheville
Franzi Charen, Asheville Grown Business Alliance
Gar Ragland, Asheville Area Arts Council
J. D. Lee, Blue Ridge Parkway
Jack Thomson, Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe
County
Jane Anderson, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
Katie Cornell, Asheville Area Arts Council
Janet Cone, UNC Asheville
Jason Young, Town of Woodfin
Jerry Vehaun, Town of Woodfin
John Kempsky, Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors
John Pierce, UNC Asheville
Josh Harrold, Town of Black Mountain
Justin Hembree, Land of Sky Regional Council
Karen Ramshaw, Public Interest Projects
Kevan Frazier, Western Carolina University Programs in
Asheville
Kit Cramer, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Lew Bleiweis, Asheville Area Regional Airport
Liz Button, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
Meghan Rogers, Asheville Downtown Association
Mike Dempsey, Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville
Nancy Cable, UNC Asheville
Nathan Ramsey, Mountain Area Workforce Development Board
Rich Lee, Multimodal Transportation Commission
Ron Storto, Asheville Lodging Association
Sage Turner, Asheville Downtown Commission
Scott Dedman, Mountain Housing Opportunities
Sekou Coleman, Southside Rising
Selena Coffey, Town of Weaverville
Toby Weas, Asheville Downtown Association

Members of the Community Leadership Council were asked to join the group to serve as a sounding board throughout the planning
process and offer diverse perspectives. They will meet four times during the course of the project, offering feedback and ideas
throughout. The full results of the CLC meetings can be found in the Appendix.

PHASE 1 43
During Phase 1, the Community Leadership Council met twice. The first meeting included an introduction to the planning team and
process and a preliminary assessment of tourism in the community. During this meeting, CLC members were asked for their thoughts
on several questions. These included:

What does success (of TMIP) look like?

What are the problems you would like the TMIP process to address?

What opportunities does tourism provide for the community?

What are the challenges tourism brings?

What are the challenges tourism faces?

At the second meeting of the CLC, members were asked to brainstorm project ideas. Prompted with the questions “What are
your ideas for projects that could be funded?” and “How would you prioritize those projects,” the CLC members worked in groups
facilitated by a member of the TMIP project team. Some of the brainstormed responses included:

Waste Disposal Multi-Use Sports Complex

Tree Plan Activation of Areas Afflicted by Vagrancy
Landscaping Greenways
Carolina Lane/Chicken Alley Pack Square Park
Downtown Broadway Cultural Gateway Temporary Art Installations
Mixed Use for Pit of Despair

After a review of placemaking ideas and best practices, the group was then asked to consider places in need of creative placemaking
in Asheville and Buncombe County. The CLC was encouraged to be creative and think out of the box. Some of the ideas they came
up with included:
Rankin “park” (bus shelter, green seating, public art)
Haywood Road (street trees/greening)
SW Pack Square (urban plaza)
Fun crosswalks
Parklets to attract families to Downtown
20 Murals in 2020

PHASE 1 44
PHASE 1 45
 GUIDING
PRINCIPLES

PHASE 1 46
 PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION EN
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP

ON ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /

CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE

AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY

ATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /

& PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

PHASE 1 47
PROTECT & CELEBRATE AUTHENTICITY

PHASE 1 48
 PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENC
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP
Buncombe County has a unique identity and cultural heritage
and residents are proud of the authenticity of the place.  

Over and over throughout the Phase 1 Assessment process, we heard that “Asheville is funky” or “Buncombe County just feels
different.” People recognize an authenticity in Asheville and Buncombe County, and many consider it the thing that makes this place
unique. It’s the thing that makes residents proud to live in Asheville and Buncombe County, and it’s the reason that so many visitors
want to come experience the place.

This uniqueness is often evident in the food and drink scene, the local retail, the abundance of arts and music, and the focus on the
sustainable environment. Several people mentioned the “entrepreneurial spirit” in Asheville and Buncombe County and that people
move here because they are interested in this unique scene.

PHASE 1 49
 BUNCOMBE COUNTY WAKE COUNTY
1 restaurant for every
1 restaurant for every

394 residents
560 residents

The food and drink scene in Buncombe County is an impressive one. Far exceeding what the residential population could support, the 675 eating
and drinking places in the County accounts for 1 per 394 residents. In contrast, Wake County, home to Raleigh, NC, is home to 1,984 eating and
drinking places for a population of 1,111,193. That’s 1 restaurant for every 560 residents.

73% of residents surveyed
agree that there are more
restaurants and a greater
variety of independently owned
restaurants because of people
visiting the area.
Looking at the retail supply and demand in Buncombe County, there appears to be an over-supply in
almost every industry category. In some communities this indicates an over extension and a sign of
an upcoming economic downturn, resulting in many of the businesses closing. These closings are as
a result of an economy that was oversupplied in certain categories.
In the case of Buncombe County though, the retail gap is less of an over-supply issue and more a
reflection of the additional customer base that the tourism industry brings to the area. Because of
the additional people in Buncombe County throughout the year, the economy is able to support a
number of establishments that far exceeds what the residential population could support on its own.
In the case of Food Services & Drinking Places, defined as a sub-sect of the NAICS code 72 -
Accommodation and Food Services, which includes places that prepare meals, snacks, and beverages
to customer order for immediate consumption both on and off premises, there is an almost $200
million retail gap. This indicates that the these establishments produce an additional $200 million in
sales than the amount that the residential population supports, indicating a level of visitor spending
that is nearly 40% of all spending at these establishments.

Based on the recorded number of establishments in this category in 2017, the additional revenue
allows 279 additional businesses to operate in Buncombe County. In other words, without the
additional customer base that tourism provides, 279 food services and drinking places would not
have the customer base to survive.

Industry Demand Supply Retail Gap

Furniture & Home

Furnishing Stores $121,418,575 $188,558,153 -$67,139,578
Clothing & Clothing
Accessories Stores $150,725,832 $299,011,713 -$148,285,881
Book, Periodical,
& Music Stores $13,089,302 $22,165,246 -$9,075,944
Food Services
& Drinking Places $338,287,280 $537,283,202 -$198,995,922

PHASE 1 50
 81% of visitors visited local restaurants
and bars while in Buncombe County.

Over 70% of Buncombe County residents

agreed that tourism helps small businesses
in the community.

64% of visitors said that local restaurants and

bars were a very important reason they decided to
visit Buncombe County.

PHASE 1 51
 For every dollar spent at a local business, 3X more money
stays in the local economy and keeps Asheville unique

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

ASHEVILLE’S LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS...

Amazing
IMPORTANT Great
Diverse
GROWING
Local
Creative
Accessible
THRIVING Vibrant
Unique
AWESOME Strong
Supportive Wonderful

Based on a 2019 survey by Asheville Grown Business Alliance

PHASE 1 52
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Food & Drink, Retail, and Performance Venues

While food and drink, retail, and performance venues are concentrated within the City of Asheville, they are accessible
by residents around the County via the major transportation routes. The map below indicates the impressive number of
Explore Asheville Tourism Partners, serving both residents and visitors.

Food + Drink

Retail

Performance Venue

PHASE 1 53
The music scene in Buncombe County is impressive.
The area gets big-name acts despite small venues.

Musicians want to be in Asheville.

PHASE 1 54
 Behavior Number Percent MPI

Attended classical music/

opera performance in the 8,423 3.9% 104
last 12 months

Attended country music

performance in the last 12 14,958 6.9% 106
months

Played a musical
instrument in the last 12 16,505 7.7% 102
months

Residents of Buncombe County participate in several musical

activities at higher rates than the national average. Using data
gathered by GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey
of US households, the Market Potential Index measures the
relative likelihood of adults in a trade area to exhibit certain
consumer behavior (100 representing the national average).

When looking at this index and the likely behavior of

Buncombe County residents as compared to the national

6,000
average, the data indicates some areas where residents
participate more often than the national average, some where
there is consistency, and others where they do not participate
at the same rates.

When asked about attending a classical music, opera, or ExploreAsheville.com Arena

country music performance in the last year, residents of
Buncombe County are more likely than the national average
to say yes. In addition, they are more likely to have played a
musical instrument, with nearly 8% of the population having
done so. While it is difficult to draw conclusions from this
2,300
data, the increased behavior likely indicates an increased
interest in these activities, possibly encouraged by the culture
and availability of musical options in Buncombe County. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

At the same time, residents seem to attend live theater, go to

museums, and visit theme parks at a significantly lower rate 1,050
than the national average. This may be due to the lack of
availability of these amenities in the county - or it could speak The Orange Peel
to a lack of interest.

The population remains consistent with the nation for

attendance at rock music performances and seeing movies in
a theater.

PHASE 1 55
 64% of Visitors surveyed said the
primary reason they came to
Buncombe County was to attend
an arts/cultural event.
Access to arts and music is a primary reason people visit Buncombe County. That additional visitation not only provides additional
opportunities for locals to engage, but allows for a robust economy supporting the music and arts scene.

Based on the Creativity Vitality Suite Snapshot of the Arts report produced in 2019, Buncombe County had 8,421 people employed
in Creative Jobs in 2017. This represents a 16% increase since 2014. These jobs represented $415 million in earnings in 2017, a 33%
increase in earnings since 2014. The creative industry in Buncombe County accounted for $1.4 billion in 2017.

Occupations with the greatest number of jobs included:

1,107 Photographers
798 Writers & Authors
778 Musicians & Singers
563 Graphic Designers
362 Fine Artists
Access to this economy in Buncombe County not only helps locals, but continues to be a driver for people visiting the area.
Thirty-eight percent of visitors said access to visual arts (including handmade and craft) was a very important reason they chose
to visit. Similarly, 28% said the availability of live music was an important reason for their visit.

Residents participate in woodworking and

photography at significantly higher rates
than the national average.

PHASE 1 56
 PROTECT & CELEBRATE AUTHENTICITY

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

In addition to qualitative feedback about the importance of recreation in Buncombe County, looking at the data, residents in
the area also participate in several activities at higher rates than the national average. As the chart below shows, with the
national average represented by 100, residents in Buncombe County participate in lots of activities at a significantly higher
rate. Because of this, the robust outdoor recreation economy is a benefit for both residents and visitors.

Behavior* Number Percent MPI

Archery 6,344 2.9% 110

Backpacking 9,132 4.2% 118

Mountain Bicycling 9,449 4.4% 108

Boating 12,089 5.6% 110

Canoeing/kayaking 16,301 7.6% 115

Fishing (fresh water) 29,872 13.9% 120

Fishing (salt water) 9,558 4.4% 117

Hiking 29,211 13.6% 112

Horseback Riding 5,957 2.8% 133

Hunting (with rifle) 11,421 5.3% 135

Hunting (with shotgun) 8,383 3.9% 116

Motorcycling 7,735 3.6% 112

Swimming 36,864 17.1% 106

PHASE 1 57
*Participated in the last 12 months
Part of Buncombe County’s identity is as a “green” community with a unique outdoor Residents in Buncombe
environment. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area attracts residents and visitors due
to the natural amenities that make Asheville and Buncombe County unique. County participate in
several outdoor activities
Residents are concerned about environmental sustainability and some would like to see more
green projects supported by the Tourism Product Development Fund. Some of the projects at significantly higher
mentioned include: rates than the national
Tree Preservation average, likely due to
Green Spaces the proximity to outdoor
River/Stream Conservation
Trails/Greenway Expansion
recreation opportunities
Community Gardens that Buncombe County
Streetscapes offers.
Residents in the area care about the natural environment and about ensuring that the recreational benefits that brings tourists to Buncombe
County remain for the long term for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors.

40% of visitors said outdoor recreation was a very important factor

in deciding to visit Buncombe County.
66% of visitors said the Blue Ridge Mountains were a very important
reason they decided to visit Buncombe County.

PHASE 1 58
 PROTECT & CELEBRATE AUTHENTICITY

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH
Given the focus and pride in the authenticity of Asheville and Buncombe County, engaging in Sustainable Tourism is important. Sustainable
& PARTNERSHIP

tourism is only possible through engaging in tourism planning that both optimizes the positive impacts of tourism and benefits all involved.
Over the long term, through this proactive planning and management, Asheville can lessen the negative effects tourism brings and leverage
the industry for positive city growth.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACCOMPLISHES SEVERAL THINGS:

Generates positive experiences for visitors
Provides economic and social benefits to the host community
Does not breach the carrying capacity of the destination

The Tourism Management & Investment Plan is a first step toward engaging in this kind of behavior, considering the quality of life, experience,
and resources for both the residents of Buncombe County and those that visit.

In Iceland, they have chosen to engage in Sustainable Tourism by promoting the Icelandic Pledge, geared toward encouraging visitors to
respect the natural environment. Through this, they have ensured that visitors continue to be able to enjoy the country and the tourism they
have to offer, but also ensures that the destination is taken care of in the long term. A strategy like this might work in Asheville to maintain
the natural amenities that residents are so proud of.

CASE STUDY
The Icelandic Pledge, an ‘oath” for tourists

I PLEDGE TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST.

WHEN I EXPLORE NEW PLACES,
I WILL LEAVE THEM AS I FOUND THEM.

I WILL TAKE PHOTOS TO DIE FOR,

WITHOUT DYING FOR THEM.

I WILL FOLLOW THE ROAD INTO THE UNKNOWN,

BUT NEVER VENTURE OFF THE ROAD.

AND I WILL ONLY PARK WHERE I AM SUPPOSED TO.

WHEN I SLEEP OUT UNDER THE STARS,
I’LL STAY WITHIN A CAMPSITE.

AND WHEN NATURE CALLS,

I WON’T ANSWER THE CALL ON NATURE.

I WILL BE PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHERS,

ALL POSSIBILITIES AND ALL ADVENTURES.

PHASE 1 59
THE BENEFITS / MANAGE THE GROWTH
PHASE 1 60
N ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

Buncombe County has the opportunity to use current success to lay the
groundwork for managing tourism for long-term sustainability.

During the Phase 1 Assessment process, a theme that came up again and again is the opportunity that tourism presents for Buncombe County.
If managed properly, residents repeatedly mentioned the benefits that the tourism industry brings to their community. The idea that we can
“Harness the Benefits” and also “Manage the Growth” helps to frame the tourism industry in Asheville and Buncombe County as both the benefit
that it is, but also stresses the intentional effort around anticipating and managing its effects.

PHASE 1 61
VISITOR SPENDING
Based on data provided by Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, visitor
spending in Buncombe County in 2017 accounted for:

$544 MILLION IN FOOD & BEVERAGE

$453 MILLION IN LODGING

$437 MILLION IN RETAIL

$275 MILLION IN RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

$230 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION

PHASE 1 62
 With visitor spending contributing billions of dollars per year to the economy, it is an
important component of the Buncombe County and Asheville economy.
Looking at the Buncombe County economy though, tourism*
accounts for about 6.1% of the GDP. Including things like
Other Industries restaurants, local businesses, and even the manufacturing
16.7% Manufacturing
Tourism 22.9% components of the local beer scene, which are all related to
6.1%
tourism, increases the percentage, though it still remains less
Professional
Services Finance, Insurance,
than half of the economy.
7.4% Real Estate
15.6%
Retail Trade
7.5%
Educational &
Likely due to the quantity of visitors rather than the actual
Government
10.6%
Health
13.4%
scale of the economy, the tourism industry was often cited by
residents as the only industry in town.
When comparing this GDP breakdown to that of other peer cities, while there are some differences, the percentage
of tourism is consistent. For example, in Charleston, tourism accounts for slightly less, at 5.7%. However, they have
a significantly higher percentage in their government and finance sectors. In New Orleans, tourism accounts for 7.1%
of the GDP, higher than in Buncombe County, but transportation accounts for 5.2% of their economy, an industry with
little representation in Asheville.
*Tourism includes all art, entertainment, recreation, accomodation, and food services industries as classified by the Bureau of Economic Analysis by NAICS code.

GROWTH TRENDS
The residential population of Buncombe County has grown since 2010 and is projected to continue growing. The
2010 Census found the population of the County was 238,318. The 2018 count found an increase of almost 30,000
residents, representing more than an 11% increase in eight years. The 2023 five-year estimates predict a population
growth of almost 18,000 additional residents, growing the county’s population to 284,153.

Similarly, the overnight visitor population has seen increases. In 2013, this number was 3.2 million visitors. In 2017,
3.9 million visitors came to Buncombe County, representing more than a 21% increase.
Overnight Visitors
By looking at these numbers in terms of population by days in a year, it 9%
Day Visitors
is clear that the day visitors represent 6% of the daytime population in a 6%

year as the over 7 million people visit for a single day. Overnight visitors, Workers Commuting
into the County
who, on average, visit for 3 days, account for about 11 million days of 9%

visits or about 9% of all “people days” in the County. Using the population Population of
Buncombe County
of the County times 365 days they are present, this group accounts for 75%

75% of the people in the County over a year’s time. The remaining 9% is
represented by the workers commuting into the County for 260 work days
per year.

PHASE 1 63
Another way to look at the local economy in Buncombe County is to analyze the household expenditures of residents. Based on consumer
spending data gathered from 2015 and 2016 Consumer Expenditure Surveys by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Buncombe County residents
spend significantly less of their income on several segments. Using the “Spending Potential Index” metric, which represents the amount spent
for a product or service relative to the national average of 100, Buncombe County residents score substantially lower than the average on
several key industries.

Expenditure Average Amount SPI

Spent

Education $1,148 79

Travel $1,768 82

Alcoholic Beverages $464 83

Apparel & Services $1,806 83

Housing $18,188 84

Entertainment
& Recreation $2,719 84

Food $7,212 85

Transportation $6,877 85

Healthcare $4,939 86

For some things, Buncombe County residents are spending more than 20% less than the national average. Worth noting is the SPI of “Travel,”
which is 82, indicating that residents in Buncombe County travel significantly less than the average American. Some cities have launched
programs to encourage being a “Tourist in Your Own Town,” capitalizing on some of the reasons people visit and ensuring that locals also get
the opportunity to enjoy these activities.

PHASE 1 64
 WAGES in Buncombe County
Based on a review of 2018 wages collected as part of the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, wages in the Buncombe County area are lower than the state of North Carolina in every
industry except Health Care & Social Assistance and Accomodation & Food Services.

Industry Average Annual Wage Average Annual Wage Variance Percent

in WDB* in NC
Health Care & Social Assistance $54,693.08 $50,716.12 $3,977 + 7.8%

Accommodation & Food Services $20,688.20 $17,844.84 $2,843 + 15.9%

Public Administration $49,067.20 $49,925.20 ($858) - 1.8%

Retail Trade $27,673.88 $28,610.92 ($937) - 3.3%

Arts, Entertainment, & ($2,702) - 8.6%

$28,832.44 $31,534.88
Recreation

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting $33,306.00 $36,460.84 ($3,155) - 8.7%

Administrative & Support & Waste Management ($3,957) - 10.7

$33,186.40 $37,143.08
& Remediation Services

Transportation & Warehousing $45,595.16 $50,499.80 ($4,905) - 9.8%

Other Services (except Public Administration) $29,192.28 $35,201.40 ($6,009) - 17.1%

Construction $48,318.40 $54,561.52 ($6,243) - 11.5%

Manufacturing $52,737.36 $59,827.56 ($7,090) - 11.9%

Educational Services $39,528.84 $46,741.76 ($7,213) - 15.5%

Mining $54,275.00 $61,796.80 ($7,522) - 12.2%

Real Estate & Rental & Leasing $39,196.04 $50,939.20 ($11,743) - 23.1%

Utilities $80,407.60 $92,974.96 ($12,567) - 13.6%

Wholesale Trade $53,952.60 $74,041.76 ($20,089) - 27.2%

Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services $55,918.72 $84,773.00 ($28,854) - 34.1%

Finance & Insurance $69,925.44 $99,842.60 ($29,917) - 30%

Information $51,325.04 $83,584.80 ($32,260) - 38.6%

Management of Companies & Enterprises $64,642.76 $109,093.92 ($44,451) - 40.8%

*Mountain Area WDB is how the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages defines the Asheville area.

The average wage in the Buncombe County area is pulled down not by the lowest paid sectors, but by the highest paying
sectors who, on average, make significantly less in Buncombe County than they do elsewhere in the state.
PHASE 1 65
 HARNESS THE BENEFITS / MANAGE THE GROWTH

Buncombe County residents often cited low paying jobs as a

negative aspect of the tourism industry.

AVERAGE WAGE FOR TOURISM RELATED JOB VS. ALL JOBS

$45,000 $43,070

$40,000
Total Wage Annual Growth: 2.0%
$36,010

$35,000

$29,485
$30,000
Tourism Wage Annual Growth: 5.0%
$25,000

$19,052
$20,000

$15,000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Tourism-Related Wages Avg. Wages for All Jobs

When looking at how tourism-related wages compare to other industries, while the wages are lower on average, the annual wage
growth is significantly higher.

Maids & Hotel Desk Recreation Travel

Concierges When prompted with the statement “Wages
Housekeepers Clerks Workers Guides
in the area are lower because of the impact of
Asheville, NC $10.97 (1) $11.51 (1) $14.88 (1) $13.05 (4) $12.67 (2)
tourism and tourist related jobs”, about 60% of
residents agreed with the statement in some
form, while 40% disagreed or strongly disagreed.
Charleston, SC $10.61 (2) $11.29 (2) $13.96 (2) $13.57 (3) $15.70 (1) The control sample of respondents was split at
50%.
Chattanooga, TN-
$10.19 (5) $10.36 (5) N/A $11.35 (5) $11.54 (4)
GA As the chart to the left indicates, of several
tourism jobs shown, the hourly pay in Asheville
Raleigh, NC $10.54 (3) $11.05 (3) $12.54 (3) $14.42 (2) $10.08 (5) is highest as compared to several similar markets
for all but one occupation.
Wilmington, NC $10.25 (4) $10.50 (4) N/A $16.14 (1) $12.28 (3)

PHASE 1 66
 INFRASTRUCTURE
Another concern residents brought up often is the concern for
infrastructure, particularly that the visitor population is causing wear
and tear on their infrastructure and that the City and County budgets
alone cannot afford the maintenance and repairs necessary.

WHEN RESIDENTS WERE POLLED ABOUT THIS

ISSUE, THEY SAID:

44% of residents indicated that sidewalks and

increased walkability was important

When asked to allocate 100 chips to various projects,

residents on average only dedicated 4.8 chips to this
category

WHEN VISITORS WERE POLLED ABOUT THIS ISSUE,

THEY SAID:

87% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with

sidewalks in Buncombe County

98% ranked better sidewalks/making the city more

walkable as very important or somewhat important

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY PHASE 1 MANAGE THE GROWTH 67
 HARNESS THE BENEFITS / MANAGE THE GROWTH

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
Residents expressed concern
AUTHENTICITY about parkingCONNECTIVITY
& PARTNERSHIP and traffic, oftenMANAGE
citing
THE the visitor population as the reason that streets are congested and
GROWTH

parking is difficult to find. While the number of spaces is finite, there are several ways that the City of Asheville in particular could alleviate
some of the congestion residents feel by employing new management strategies.

Asheville might consider Dynamic Pricing for parking garages, street parking, and lots Downtown, utilizing the same variable pricing system
that services like Uber and Lyft use to regulate demand. By increasing prices during peak periods, drivers have the economic incentive to
make better decisions. This might mean only parking once, parking farther away, or utilizing another form of transportation. Sometimes
called performance-based pricing, the City’s 2018 Parking Study recommended this approach for Asheville. Instead of time limits, increasing
prices in lots/spaces that are full, lowering prices where they are too empty, and maintaining price where the optimal demand has been
reached will regulate the pricing supply and demand and allow for less strain on parking spaces.

CASE STUDY
In San Francisco, the City began SFPark, a parking
management program which used variable pricing
to regulate on-street parking. The technology
allowed them to regulate metered parking spaces
in response to occupancy rates. The intention was
to maintain two or more open spots on every block
through price incentivization. Under-priced parking
leads to high utilization rates and therefore a feeling
of a need for more parking. Ensuring some spaces
are always open helped people in San Francisco
believe that parking was always available. This
program resulted a 43% reduction in the time it took
drivers to find parking, 30% reduction in vehicle
miles traveled searching for parking, an 8% decrease
in traffic volumes, and a 22% decrease in double
parking. The City pledged to use the additional
revenue from the pilot program to subsidize public
transit, an ideal that was appealing to many. The
pilot program was funded through a grant from the
US Department of Transportation and was expanded
and fully implemented in 2018.

PHASE 1 68
BUNCOMBE COUNTY TRAFFIC
Based on traffic counts from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, traffic on major and secondary roads in Buncombe
County have changed in several ways recently.

1. Automobile traffic has grown faster on interstate highways and some suburban
streets than on Downtown Asheville streets.
2. Some Downtown streets in the City of Asheville have seen a decline in traffic.
3. Growth in vehicle traffic has not been consistent across the County.
With automobile traffic increasing in some areas and decreasing in others, it is clear that traffic and congestion could be better
managed in the area. Through additional transportation investments, encouraging walkability, and improving alternatives to
automobiles, Buncombe County can manage the negative impacts of growth.

PHASE 1 69
 HARNESS THE BENEFITS / MANAGE THE GROWTH

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

Increases in traffic emerged as an issue related to tourism for residents in the community sentiment survey and
in the public input workshops. Traffic counts in Buncombe County have generally risen in most places in recent
years, but the degree of those increases vary widely depending upon location. In order to understand better the
impact of traffic in the community, the project team looked at annual average daily traffic (AADT) data provided
by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. This data is available for many locations in the county as far
back as 2002 and as recently as 2018.

For this analysis, AADT data was compared between 2018 and 2002, and between 2018 and 2010 (during the
Great Recession, when economic activity declined sharply). Traffic counts for 14 locations in the central business
district of Asheville were examined. These locations were not randomly selected, all but one of the 14 have traffic
data available for 2002, 2010, and 2018, and only 2002 was missing for the other location. The 14 locations
represent a variety of places within the central business district. NCDOT does collect traffic data for other
locations in downtown Asheville, but the reporting of these locations is either inconsistent or doesn’t date to
2002.

As the chart to the right indicates, for the 13 central business district locations compared to 2002, 2018 traffic
counts were down overall by 5% in 2018. This finding may seem surprising in light of the historical overall
increase in people visiting Asheville, but a variety of potential factors could explain the decline:
• There may be fewer workers overall in downtown Asheville compared to 2002 due to long-term
declines in employment in the financial and government sectors.
• More people visiting Asheville who now stay overnight in the central business district and limit their
use of personal vehicles.
• The rise in the use of hotel shuttle services for hotels outside downtown Asheville.

Another key observation is the great variability in the rate of increase or decrease for the 13 central business
district locations compared to 2002. One location (Patton Avenue) saw a decrease of 39% (likely attributable to
the redirection of Patton Avenue through Pack Square Park), while other locations saw increases of as much as
15%. Increases in vehicular traffic are inconsistent throughout the downtown area.

There is an overall average increase of 9% in traffic counts for the 14 locations analyzed for 2018 compared to
2010. Again, there is significant variability in the rates of increase or decrease, ranging from an increase of 27%
to a decline of 18%.

PHASE 1 70
 Downtown Location 2002 2010 2018 % Change
(02-18)
US 25 (Southside Ave), W of Lexington Ave. 6,500 8,400 7,500 15%

US 70 BUS (Patton Ave.), W of Church St. 6,600 5,900 5,500 -17%

US 70 BUS (Patton Ave.), W of US 25 (Broadway) 6,900 5,000 4,200 -39%

US 25 (Biltmore Ave.), N of Hilliard Ave. 10,000 8,600 10,000 0%

US 25, S of S Market St. 12,000 8,700 10,000 -17%

US 25 (Broadway), S of College St. 11,000 9,500 9,600 -13%

US 25 (Broadway), N of College St. 13,000 9,300 9,800 -25%

SR 3214 (Biltmore Ave.) N of McCormick Pl. 16,000 13,000 16,000 0%

SR 3284 (Charlotte St.), E of US 25 (Biltmore Ave) 12,000 12,000 13,500 13%

SR 3284 (Charlotte St.), S of US 70-74A College St. 17,000 15,000 19,000 12%

SR 3284 (Charlotte St.), N of US 70-74A College St. 25,000 21,000 23,000 -8%

SR 3548 (Clingman Ave.), S of Patton Ave. 11,000 11,000 12,000 9%

US 70 BUS (Patton Ave.), E of Church St. 5,800 5,500 4,500 -22%

US 70 (College St.), E of US 25 (Broadway) N/A 4,600 5,100 N/A

TOTAL 152,800 137,500 149,700 -5%

The analysis of traffic data also looked at every interstate highway location in Buncombe County where data
was available for 2002, 2010, and 2018. This analysis included 37 locations on Interstates 40, 240, and 26
(including locations on Future I-26 in the northern half of the county). Traffic counts for these locations show a
23% average increase in vehicle count for 2018 versus 2002, and a 16% average increase for 2018 versus 2010.
Compared to the downtown Asheville locations, almost every interstate highway AADT location shows a double
digit increase for both periods of comparison.

These increases in vehicle counts are not attributable entirely to visitors. In recent years, there has been an
increase in daily commuters into Buncombe County for work, and the number of residents of those surrounding
counties coming into Buncombe for a variety of reasons (shopping, dining, medical, etc.) has also likely increased.
Interstates 26 and 40 are also important regional transportation corridors and are used by a large number of
travelers passing through Asheville. While there is no historical data available from NCDOT showing a rise in the
number of trucks using I-40 and I-26, that traffic has likely increased and in 2018 represented as much as 10% to
15% of vehicles on the two interstate highways in Buncombe County.

PHASE 1 71
 BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Overnight Visitors
Uber Media, a data collection service, collected device information from cell phones with a “common location” outside of the County (i.e. are not
residents spending the majority of their time within the County). This map below represents the movement of those people between 6am and
midnight. There is a large concentration of density in the central part of Asheville, including Downtown. In addition, other concentrations are
noticeable on major highways outside of downtown in other sub-markets like Biltmore Village, I-26 Corridor, Tunnel Road, Far East, and West.

PHASE 1 72
As the visitor movement map to the left indicates, overnight visitors are concentrated in the central part of Buncombe County in the City of
Asheville and on major transportation corridors in all directions. This correlates with the location of lodging options as seen on the map below.
The places where it does not directly correlate might indicate that these visitors are staying at short-term rentals or with friends and family,
rather than a traditional hotel. It also might mean they are traveling away from their lodging option for day-time activities such as the Biltmore
or other outdoor recreation.

Understanding the geographic landscape of lodging options is an important component to the discussion about capacity and tourism management.
It also helps to visually support the idea that areas of Buncombe County that desire more tourism have the capacity to add additional lodging
options and help to spread out the tourism and economic impacts.

PHASE 1 73
 HARNESS THE BENEFITS / MANAGE THE GROWTH

Looking more closely at the lodging options in Buncombe County and where they are concentrated, they are, as expected, nearly all located
near major transportation routes. In some cities, this is also where the major population centers are located. In other cities, the population
is concentrated further off the major corridors, or adjacent to smaller roads, creating a geographic separation.

In Asheville, as the map below indicates, population density (reflected by the darker orange areas), is not concentrated around major
transportation. Instead, the darker pockets which have higher densities are mostly located off smaller transportation routes. As a result,
the areas with a high concentration of traditional hotels are not the same areas as those that are heavily residential. This does not eliminate
the concern about the number of lodging options, but it does help to clarify where the conflict points are.

When looking at these sub-markets of lodging concentration, they are all seeing growth, though some much more significant than others.
Based on a review of the development pipeline, in 2020 and into the future, the Downtown, Biltmore Village, I-26 Corridor, and Tunnel
Road markets are expected to add the most rooms while Far East, West, and North are unlikely to add significant numbers. Occupancy,
Average Daily Rate, and Revenue Per Available Room also vary by sub-market but are consistently strongest Downtown and in Biltmore
Village and weakest in Far East and West.

On the following pages is a review of the hotel and short-term rental market in Asheville and Buncombe County.

PHASE 1 74
PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH
Hotel Rooms Available in July 2019
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC AS COMPARED TO OTHER MARKETS

35,000
29,722 As the chart to the left indicates,
30,000
Buncombe County is home to
25,000 just under 8,000 hotel rooms.
21,596 This is more than Richmond,
20,000 17,602 VA, Wilmington, NC, and
16,350
15,000
Williamsburg, VA but less than
10,922 the other cities listed.
9,818
10,000 7,245 7,699 7,964
5,258 It is worth noting though that
5,000
these numbers represent hotel
0 rooms, not hotel rooms per
capita.

PHASE 1 75
 LODGING GROWTH
Room Nights Available in Entire Place Rentals & Hotels Total overnight lodging capacity in Buncombe
500,000
County (in both entire place rentals and hotels) has
450,000
grown 43% in just two years.
400,000
350,000
An average night in July of 2019 had 14,522 rooms
300,000
available in entire place rentals or hotels.
250,000
200,000 “Entire Place Rentals” includes Airbnb and other
150,000 short-term rental options in Buncombe County,
100,000 where entire place rentals are legal. Currently, only
50,000 room rentals with an owner on-site are legal in the
- City of Asheville.
Jun-17 Aug-17 Oct-17 Dec-17 Feb-18 Apr-18 Jun-18 Aug-18 Oct-18 Dec-18 Feb-19 Apr-19 Jun-19

When looking at the lodging growth separated into

entire place rentals versus traditional hotels, there
is consistent growth in both arenas, though growth
in entire place rentals has been at a much higher
Room Nights Available in Entire Place Rentals vs. Hotels rate.
300,000

250,000 From June of 2017 to July of 2019, traditional hotels

saw a 13% growth in room nights available.
200,000

150,000 During the same period, entire place rentals grew

110%, from less than 100,000 room nights to more
100,000
than more than 200,000.
50,000

0
Room nights available in entire place rentals now
represent 82% of the available hotel room supply.
Feb-18

Apr-18

Feb-19

Apr-19
Jun-17

Mar-18

Jun-18

Mar-19

Jun-19
Aug-17

Dec-17

Aug-18

Dec-18
Jan-18

Jan-19
Oct-17

Oct-18
Nov-17

Nov-18
May-18

May-19
Jul-17

Jul-18

Jul-19
Sep-17

Sep-18

Room Nights Available--Entire Place Hotel Room Nights

Linear (Room Nights Available--Entire Place) Linear (Hotel Room Nights)

PHASE 1 76
 HARNESS THE BENEFITS / MANAGE THE GROWTH

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

Short-term rentals have grown quickly in Asheville Area Active Entire Place Short-Term
and Buncombe County, adding to the lodging supply Rental Listings

at a much higher rate than traditional hotels. These City of Asheville* 1,882
options are also much more likely to be located within
Black Mountain 419
neighborhoods due to the nature of zoning in the area.
Weaverville 291
Hotels, which are classified as commercial properties, are
Candler 234
regulated to areas like Downtown Asheville or on major
transportation corridors. Short-term rentals, which are Fairview 219
usually classified as residential uses, are more often
located near other residential uses and farther from the Swannanoa 152
central business district and major transportation. Leicester 132

Looking at the numbers to the right, the City of Arden 117

Asheville, where entire house rentals are illegal, is home Barnardsville 46
to 1,882 entire place short-term rentals. Other areas
of Buncombe County, where they are legal, also have Alexander 36
many, with Black Mountain being home to the most at
*The data for the City of Asheville does not correspond precisely to the city limits.
more than 400.

CASE STUDY
In St. Louis, the Assessor recently moved 250
properties being used as short-term rentals from
a residential classification to commercial, almost
doubling their property taxes. While neighbors were
still upset with the property’s use, classifying the
STR’s as a commercial use requires property owners
to pay additional taxes and therefore contribute
to the neighborhood - and city - in other ways.

PHASE 1 77
EMBRACE COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP

PHASE 1 78
 PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY

Buncombe County stakeholders and residents consistently

called for better collaboration and partnerships.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority has created a platform for collaboration with municipal partners and the community to
prioritize the opportunities and challenges that can be addressed with occupancy tax revenues in the decade ahead. Phase 1 of the Tourism
Management and Investment Plan process brought up repeated concerns about collaboration and partnership. Stakeholders and residents
consistently called for better collaboration and partnerships in the area to make things happen. This public input underscores the desire by the
public for the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and the BCTDA to become effective partners.

Currently, Buncombe County’s occupancy tax is a 6% additional tax that applies to all commercial lodging with five units or more. Twenty-five
percent of this revenue is allocated to the Tourism Product Development Fund, which is projected to generate more than $6 million in 2019.

With limited resources, the City, County, and other stakeholders are ready to come together to work with the Tourism Development Authority to
define TPDF priorities for years to come and embrace collaboration and partnership for the long-term.

PHASE 1 79
 When asked to prioritize potential projects that should be addressed by
the Tourism Management & Investment Plan, the top areas included:

1. Housing Affordability
2. Parking
3. Workforce Affordability
4. Transportation
5. Public Safety & Policing Issues

Several thousand Buncombe County residents were surveyed as part of the Resident Sentiment Survey during
Phase 1 of the TMIP process. Respondents were given several topics and were asked to indicate which were highest
priority to be considered as part of the planning process.

While some of these topics are not directly tied to the legislative mandate of the Tourism Product Development
Fund, they are topics that tourism has some impact on and therefore could be related to the planning process via
cooperative management or funding relationships.

PHASE 1 80
The City, County, and State each share responsibility for maintenance of existing infrastructure and investment in new infrastructure. Most local
infrastructure is maintained by the City and the County and is paid for with local tax revenue. Sometimes, local governments issue bonds to
raise funds to pay for larger projects. City of Asheville issued a bond in 2016 for $74 million – before that, the City’s last bond issue was in 1986.

The City of Asheville has a list of capital projects totaling $390 million,
though not all are tourism related. This includes $60 million in the current
capital improvement plan and $330 million in additional requests.

The City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and the Tourism

Development Authority should explore other sources of revenue
CASE STUDY
to leverage the collaboration and partnership into needed funds.
General Obligation Bonds are the primary
As other cities around the country deal with infrastructure in need source of funding for many projects in
of repair and maintenance through the issuing of bonds, the City of
Asheville and Buncombe County could consider the same. Regular Charlotte, NC. They allow the City to keep
bond-financing initiatives on the part of the City and County can pace with an expanding population by
help manage infrastructure maintenance and capital investment
needs. replacing aging infrastructure and improving
quality of life. Bonds allow the city to pay
The Tourism Development Authority can use its occupancy tax
revenue to support debt issued by another party but its use of
for projects over a longer period of time.
revenue is restricted in several ways.
Funding for the City’s current Capital
1. Not more than 33% of net funds received in any one year may
be committed to debt service in any one year and not for a Investment Plan is proposed to occur
period of time in excess of 10 years. over four bond cycles - with previous
2. Not more than 10% of net funds may be pledged for purposes voter-approved bonds in 2014, 2015,
of debt service in support of any one project. and 2018 and a planned vote in 2020.

The Tourism Development Authority can create a revolving fund using

money held in reserves. By doing this, it may present a way to fund ongoing
maintenance for capital improvement projects.

PHASE 1 81
Hypothetical TPDF Debt-Financing Example
State legislation places limitations on the amounts of TPDF monies that may be committed to paying debt service on any bond issue. These
statutory requirements mean that the TPDF cannot effectively serve as a primary payor of bond debt service, but the TPDF may participate
with another public entity and pledge a portion (or portions) of TPDF monies to the payment of debt service on bonds issued in support of
one or more projects in Buncombe County.

HOW COULD IT WORK HERE?

For example, if the TPDF collects approximately $6
million in revenue in 2019, as projected:

1. Thirty-three percent of revenues, or $2 million,

could be used to pay debt service on bonds.

2. This $2 million (33%) ceiling cannot be exceeded

for a period of time in excess of 10 years.

3. Assuming an interest rate of 5% and no

growth in Tourism Product Development
Fund collections, then the TPDF could
repay approximately $20 million in bonds
over 20 years.

4. Assuming the same interest rate (5%) and

accounting for continued growth in Tourism Product
Development Fund collections at an average annual
rate of 9% (over the next decade), then the TPDF
could repay approximately $40 million in bonds over
20 years.

Only 10% of the annual TPDF revenues could be

pledged toward any one project.

The TPDF can participate in bond financing with

public partners and could support the repayment
of debt in an estimated range of $20 million to
$40 million while pledging no more than 10% of
annual revenues (at this point $600,000) to any one
specific project.

PHASE 1 82
 FINANCIAL TOOL BOX
Part of the Phase 1 process included a review of development finance tools available in the state of North Carolina; the purpose of which
was to assemble a “tool-box” of financial resources that could be used in combination with TPDF funds to leverage additional funding
opportunities to make projects happen.

Existing tools include:

• Special Assessments
• Synthetic Tax Increment Financing
• Opportunity Zones
• Special Taxing Districts
• Historic Tax Credits
• New Market Tax Credits
• Traditional Financing Mechanisms

SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

Local governments in North Carolina can use their special assessment authority to impose the costs of a public infrastructure project on the
eventual property owners who benefit from the project.

Like user charges, and unlike property taxes, special assessments are levied in some proportion to the benefit received by the assessed
property. Unlike user charges, special assessments are levied against property rather than persons and are typically used to fund public
improvements rather than services.

Currently, there are two different statutory methods for levying special assessments in North Carolina. Under both methods, a governing
board defines an area within a unit that includes all properties that will directly benefit from a certain capital project and a unit must follow a
detailed statutory process to determine and impose the assessments. Only one of the methods, what is referred to as the newer assessment
method, however, is specifically targeted to economic development projects (public infrastructure projects aimed at incentivizing private
development).

Newer Assessment Method

During the 2008 and 2009 legislative sessions, the General Assembly
bestowed the newer special assessment authority, entitled special
assessments for critical infrastructure needs, on counties and
municipalities to fund a wide range of capital projects. See S.L. 2008-
165; S.L. 2009-525. (The legislature recently extended the authority
for the newer assessment method to July 2015.) The authorized
projects are almost exclusively government infrastructure projects,
ranging from constructing and maintaining public roads to building
public schools.
The purpose of the newer authority, modeled on legislation from other
states, is to help local units fund public infrastructure projects that
benefit new development. It allows a unit to impose assessments, with
payments spread out over a period of years, with the expectation that
all or at least a majority of the assessments will be paid by the eventual
property owners (instead of the developer or the local government).
PHASE 1
CASE STUDY
Representatives with Funston Land and Timber,
LLC, the developer and owner of Brunswick
Forest, proposed to Leland, North Carolina for the
establishment of a special assessment district that
would encompass certain undeveloped sections
of Brunswick Forest as a way for the town to help
Funston accelerate the construction of public
improvements and the planned construction of
homes and businesses over the coming years.
The total cost of the improvements is estimated
at $16 million. In February 2018, the town
council established the Brunswick Forest Special
Assessment District to pay for these improvements.
83
The unit can front the costs of the projects and recoup its investment
over time with the yearly assessment payments. Alternatively, the unit
may be able to borrow money, pledging the assessment revenue as
security, and use the yearly assessment payments to meet its debt
service obligations.
Conceptually, the newer special assessment authority functions
much like an impact fee, allowing a unit to collect revenue from new
development to pay for infrastructure costs that are necessitated
by the new development. Unlike an impact fee, though, the newer
assessment method imposes little to no costs on the developer. Most
of the payments are collected once the development is completed
(assuming, of course, that the development occurs as expected).
SYNTHETIC TIF
Similar to traditional Tax Increment Financing (or “TIF”), a Synthetic TIF
is a type of debt financing in which a local government borrows money
to fund public infrastructure projects that will benefit (and incentivize)
new private development in a defined area.
However, instead of pledging the incremental tax revenue as security,
the city pledges the asset itself. The expectation is that the city will
use future increases in property taxes to service debt, but the tool itself is technically a general obligation bond or installment financing that
looks like a TIF.
CASE STUDY
The Town of Hillsborough, North Carolina recently
issued the first assessment-backed revenue bonds
in the state. The town borrowed $4.63 million at
7.75 percent interest for a 10-year term to fund
the public infrastructure associated with a private
development project. According to the town’s
preliminary assessment resolution, the borrowed
funds will be used to establish parks and open
space, construct and improve water, wastewater
and drainage facilities, construct and improve
streets, roads, and rights-of-way in the assessment
district, which encompasses a 210-acre area within
the town. The town imposed assessments totaling
$6.2 million on properties located in the assessment
district, with payments allowed over a 10.5 year
period.

Establishing a synthetic TIF is less transparent compared to the typical TIF process. There is no legal process other the fact that the unit must
follow all procedures for the particular borrowing mechanism, whether it is installment financing or general obligation bond.

OPPORTUNITY ZONES
Launched in 2017 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones seek to incentivize investment in certain areas by offering discounts
or deferments to the capital gains tax paid by investors as they realize their investments. Technically, the Opportunity Zones are a tax policy
in which an investor with capital gains tax liability can defer payment of that tax for a period of time as well as eliminate new capital gains tax
liability for investments made in Opportunity Zones and held for at least ten years (Funk 2019). Opportunity zones have become widespread
since its implementation, and the North Carolina legislature plans to utilize this tool as a major economic development vehicle.

Opportunity zones in Buncombe County are concentrated in areas to the south and west of the City of Asheville between US-63 and French
Broad River. A large portion of the areas along downtown Asheville also fall in Opportunity Zones and could be used for leveraging financing.

SPECIAL TAXING (SERVICE) DISTRICTS

In a Special Taxing District, an additional property tax is assessed in defined area within municipality or county to fund specific projects and/
or services that benefit the properties in that district. A service district is not a separate government. It is simply a mechanism whereby a
local government may raise money to pay for services or projects from those property owners that most directly benefit from the services or
projects. There are two types of special taxing districts that are active in North Carolina, which, generally, deal with different types of services:

Municipal Service District

• Revitalizing downtowns and urban areas
• Transit oriented development

PHASE 1 84
 • Drainage projects
• Sewage collection and disposal
• Off-street parking facilities
• Watershed improvement projects
• Beach erosion control

County Service District

• Fire protection
• Recreation
• Sewage collection
• Solid waste collection
• Water supply and distribution
• Ambulance and rescue
• Watershed improvement projects
• Cemeteries

A Business Improvement District (or “BID”) is commonly used to fund improvements in urban areas. Sometimes referred to as Business
Improvement Area, Business Revitalization Zone, Community Improvement District, Special Services Area, or Special Improvement District,
a BID is a revitalization tool that can generate revenue to invest back into the district.

The Asheville Downtown Master Plan suggested a Community Improvement

District to assist with the management and maintenance of downtown
infrastructure, marketing, and events.
HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
Historic Tax Credits are another tool commonly used by developers and local governments to rehabilitate historic structures and sites in
North Carolina. Properties must be registered on the National Register of Historic Places. These tax credits provide an additional source of
equity for developers, thereby reducing the amount of debt financing needed for property rehabilitation. North Carolina in particular has a
large number of historic properties, which makes this a popular tool for development projects. High-profile projects utilizing these include
the American Tobacco Campus in Durham and Revolution Mill in Greensboro. There are numerous other cases of historic mills or factories
being turned into luxury apartments or office buildings in North Carolina.

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS

New Markets Tax Credits are widely used in North Carolina and nationwide to facilitate investment in low-income communities. Credits are
allocated to designated Community Development Entities (CDEs) to invest in projects. The private capital attracted through the New Market
Tax Credit Program is used primarily to finance businesses in these communities that include manufacturing facilities, food, retail, housing,
health, technology, and education. Communities benefit from the jobs associated with these businesses and the provision of access to better
commercial and community services. Between 2003 and 2015, the New Market Tax Credits have financed over 5,000 projects.

TRADITIONAL BORROWING MECHANISMS FOR NC LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

According to UNC School of Government, North Carolina local governments have five authorized borrowing methods including:
• General obligation bonds
• Revenue bonds
• Installment financings
• Special obligation bonds
• Project development financings/TIFS

PHASE 1 85
ENCOURAGE & CREATE CONNECTIVITY

PHASE 1 86
TE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
& PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH
Due to topography, growth patterns, and transportation needs,
connectivity within Buncombe County can be a challenge.

During the Phase 1 Assessment process, residents and stakeholders shared concerns about issues related to connectivity within Asheville
and throughout Buncombe County. The Phase 1 assessment and data collection effort related to connectivity focused on issues of the built
environment and land use. Some of these concerns include parking, traffic congestion, sidewalk crowding, public spaces, transportation, and
walkability.

PHASE 1 87
PARKING IN ASHEVILLE

A major concern related to connectivity that came up over and over during the Phase 1 process is the lack of parking in Downtown Asheville.
Residents and stakeholders have mixed opinions on whether or not there is truly a lack of parking or just a lack of awareness about where the
parking is. While some think the quantity available is too little for the population coming into Downtown, others think improving wayfinding and
encouraging a “Park Once” mindset will solve the perceived issues.

DOWNTOWN PARKING

12,000 parking spaces on 0.6 square miles

700 metered spaces

2,300 spaces in publicly owned lots

9,000 in privately owned lots

PHASE 1 88
 CONNECTIVITY WITHIN ASHEVILLE

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

95% of visitors said Downtown Asheville was either

somewhat or very important in making their decision
to visit Buncombe County.

88% of visitors drove to get to Asheville

and Buncombe County on their recent visit.

72% of residents believe there are parking and traffic

issues because of people visiting Buncombe County.

PHASE 1 89
CONNECTIVITY IN ASHEVILLE

Given the sentiments of residents and the reliance on the automobile by both
residents and visitors, parking must be addressed in Downtown Asheville.

As part of the Asheville Comprehensive Plan, the city outlines a goal to create a
Livable Built Environment, part of which includes parking management strategies.
Rather than adding additional parking, the plan focuses on freeing up surface parking
through the use of parking structures and encouraging ride-sharing and carpooling to
limit the number of cars needing daily parking.

Asheville’s Parking Study also recommends resident parking zones utilizing a permit.
This can ensure that residential areas
maintain the parking that they need, CASE STUDY
while also freeing up areas for visitors. In Chicago, all residents driving, parking, leasing, or
It also prevents any “spillover” effects, owning a vehicle are subject to the Chicago Wheel
Tax and are required to purchase a Chicago City
such as what sometimes happens in the Vehicle Sticker. This sticker (between $46-$464
depending on type of vehicle) allows residents to
neighborhoods adjacent to Thomas park in approved residential zones. Residents can
Wolfe Auditorium. update their address information with the City at
any time and receive permission to park in a different
residential zone. In the residential zones where
stickers are required, visitors must utilize metered
While there are some administration parking or other off-street parking. As a City of
costs of programs like this, utilizing 2.7 million people, the City of Chicago has a dense
street network and limited parking so residential
residential parking zones can ensure zones allow for set-aside parking for City residents.
Revenue from the Chicago Sticker program funds the
that residents have the parking they repair and maintenance of 4,000 of Chicago streets.
require.

PHASE 1 90
 CONNECTIVITY WITHIN ASHEVILLE

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH
The City’s Comprehensive Plan references “Shared Parking” as a strategy in which parking spaces are
& PARTNERSHIP

shared by multiple land uses, rather than separated for each use. Peak parking demands for retail,
residential, and office occur at different times, so shared parking allows more efficient use of the parking
supply, reducing total parking spaces required. As mentioned by other tourism stakeholders, the City of
Asheville could employ a more comprehensive parking strategy that allows for day-time versus night-time
parkers, differentiating by weekday versus weekend.

A more comprehensive approach to parking management would be a tool

for alleviating the perceived conflict parking creates.

PHASE 1 91
 WALKING DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN HUBS

In order to understand connectivity within Asheville, the map above shows the 5-10 minute walking distances from several popular Downtown
attractions. While it may feel far to walk from South Slope to a game at McCormick Field, as the map above shows, it’s less than 10 minutes.
Educating visitors and locals to encourage the “park once” mindset will help to alleviate some of the connectivity issues.

PHASE 1 92
 PARK ONCE
Residents and visitors should have the
sense that parking their car in one place,
one time, should be acceptable. Providing
ample signage and wayfinding to create
an environment where people feel safe
to walk around without moving their
automobile will help with the problem of
not enough or not well spread out parking.

The City commissioned a Downtown Shuttle Feasibility Study in 2016 to assess the feasibility of a shuttle taking residents and visitors to and from destinations
within the City to help manage parking in several key areas. The first phase of the feasibility study looked at a starter system, which would serve as a Downtown
circulator, taking people from areas with higher parking counts to other parts of Downtown. The feasibility study found that this shuttle would come with an
annual operating cost of between $227,000 and $363,200.

PHASE 1 93
 WAY F I N D I N G
Additional wayfinding to encourage the Park Once concept for visitors and residents should be considered. The current wayfinding system does not include
any walk times and therefore does not make the case that one can walk. For example, signs could include a statement like “10 minutes to McCormick Field” to
encourage non-automobile transportation.

CASE STUDY
The Convention and Visitors Bureau for Greater
Cleveland, has coordinated the wayfinding and
connectivity plans, designed to: (1) improve how
visitors navigate the city, and (2) ensure the
pathways that take visitors from one place to the
next are beautified. Street signage includes walking
maps, bicycle routes, trails, and initiatives like bike
sharing. A unique feature is on-street digital signs
used to highlight events and real-time offers. The
signs feature ‘heads-up’ mapping, which indicates
the landmarks and attractions directly in front of
the pedestrian, and a five-minute walking radius,
which inspires discovery of the surrounding area
and attractions.

PHASE 1 94
 CONNECTIVITY WITHIN ASHEVILLE

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION

When considering wayfinding, pedestrian connectivity,
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP
or theENCOURAGE
physical & CREATE
CONNECTIVITY
HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
layout of cities,
MANAGEthe
THE five basic elements pioneered by Kevin Lynch
GROWTH
in The Image of the City need to be considered.

Paths Paths are the channels along which the observer customarily, occasionally, or potentially moves. They may be streets,
walkways, transit lines, canals, railroads. For many people, these are the predominant elements in their image. People observe the city
while moving through it, and along these paths the other environmental elements are arranged and related.

Edges Edges are the linear elements not used or considered as paths by the observer. They are the boundaries between two
phases, linear breaks in continuity: shores, railroad cuts, edges of development, walls. They are lateral references rather than coordinate
axes. Such edges may be barriers, more or less penetrable, which close one region off from another; or they may be seams, lines along
which two regions are related and joined together. These edge elements, although probably not as dom­inant as paths, are for many people
important organizing fea­tures, particularly in the role of holding together generalized areas, as in the outline of a city by water or wall.

Districts Districts are the medium-to-Iarge sections of the city, conceived of as having two-dimensional extent, which the
observer mentally enters “inside of,” and which are recognizable as having some common, identifying character. Always identifiable from
the inside, they are also used for exterior reference if visible from the outside. Most people structure their city to some extent in this way,
with individual differences as to whether paths or districts are the dominant elements. It seems to depend not only upon the individual
but also upon the given city.

Nodes Nodes are points; the strategic spots in a city into which an observer can enter, and which are the intensive foci to and
from which he is traveling. They may be primarily junctions, places of a break in transportation, a crossing or conver­gence of paths,
moments of shift from one structure to another. Or the nodes may be simply concentrations, which gain their importance from being the
condensation of some use or physical character, as a street-corner hangout or an enclosed square. Some of these concentration nodes are
the focus and epitome of a district, over which their influence radiates and of which they stand as a symbol. They may be called cores.
Many nodes, of course, partake of the nature of both junctions and concentrations. The concept of node is related to the concept of path,
since junctions are typically the convergence of paths, events on the journey. It is similarly related to the concept of district, since cores
are typically the intensive foci of districts, their polar­izing center. In any event, some nodal points are to be found in almost every image,
and in certain cases they may be the dominant feature.

Landmarks Landmarks are another type of point-reference, but in this case the observer does not enter within them,
they are external. They are usually a rather simply defined physical object: building, sign, store, or mountain. Their use involves the
singling out of one element from a host of possibilities. Some landmarks are distant ones, typically seen from many angles and distances,
over the tops of smaller elements, and used as radial references. They may be within the city or at such a dis­tance that for all practical
purposes they symbolize a constant direction. Such are isolated towers, golden domes, great hills. Even a mobile point, like the sun, whose
motion is sufficiently slow and regular, may be employed. Other landmarks are primarily local, being visible only in restricted localities
and from certain approaches. These are the innumerable signs, store fronts, trees, doorknobs, and other urban derail, which fill in the
image of most observers. They are frequently used clues of identity and even of structure, and seem to be increasingly relied upon as a
journey becomes more and more familiar.

PHASE 1 95
 VISITOR HEAT MAP

CASE STUDY
A study of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area
found that a 19-point increase in walkability equated
to an 80% increase in retail sales and increase
of more than $6 per/square foot in retail rent. In
fact, walkable places nearby other pedestrian
and bike friendly places performed better than
those that were isolated. Rents were nearly
50% higher and retail sales were 125% greater.
(Leinberger & Alfonzo, 2012) , (Kramer & Sobel, 2013)

PHASE 1 96
 Encouraging non auto-centric transportation can generate additional revenue for local businesses.
The map below shows the location of overnight visitors (as recorded in 2018) during the daytime hours. Knowing this, investments in areas that are
walking distance from these locations will help to disperse visitors, limit parking impacts, create activity in less utilized portions of Downtown, and
generate additional investment.

PHASE 1 97
 PLACEMAKING AS A TOOL

Creative placemaking is a process that aims to increase vibrancy, improve

conditions, and build capacity through creative interventions in the urban
environment. Successful creative placemaking highlights community
characteristics, often focusing on history or culture, building connections
between places and the people that occupy them. Oftentimes, placemaking
activates public spaces that are not used, or could be used more.

Community members and stakeholders are eager to utilize creative

placemaking to activate additional spaces in Asheville and Buncombe
County, both to disperse visitors to areas outside of Downtown and to
activate interesting places in Buncombe County.

PHASE 1 98
Creative placemaking not only results in changes to the urban environment, but also provides opportunities for interaction. Interesting
places become gathering spaces that community members and visitors alike can enjoy. They create the physical spaces for people to
interact and share perspectives.

With a strong equity commitment from both Buncombe County and the City of Asheville, investments in creative placemaking could
strategically promote equitable policies while also accomplishing some of the community goals related to tourism.

Placemaking has the potential to both disperse visitors

from the central business district, but also draw visitors
out to interesting parts of Buncombe County that can
support additional visitors.

Things like creating interesting bus shelters, activating small parcels of unused space, adding public art, and creating green alleys all have
the potential to both spread visitors out to new spaces, alleviating some of the perceived congestion, create a more walkable environment,
and create new and interesting places.

This concept also has the potential to address some of the environmental concerns residents of Asheville and Buncombe County brought
up during the Phase 1 public engagement. Adding more green components to projects, reducing automobile usage, and minimizing the
impervious surfaces all help to make cities more environmentally friendly - and often more interesting.

CASE STUDY
In Los Angeles, the City started the Cool
Pavement Program. The pilot program,
which was first incubated in 2015, covered
more than 15 blocks’ worth of heat-trapping
black asphalt with a white-gray coating last
summer, leaving surfaces 10 degrees cooler.

The program was aimed at tackling first- and

last-mile transportation challenges to help
residents without access to personal vehicles
or ride share safely complete their journeys
before and after using public transportation.

PHASE 1 99
 BIKE & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH
The map below displays data from the State&ofPARTNERSHIP
North Carolina indicating where automobile accidents involving a bikes (pink) or pedestrians
(green) have taken place between 2007 and 2016. When considering utilizing wayfinding or creative placemaking to encourage connectivity
and manage some of the capacity issues Downtown, a focus on safety is a must.

PHASE 1 100
 CONNECTIVITY WITHIN ASHEVILLE

In 2009, the North Carolina Department of Transportation created the “Complete Streets” policy which directs the
department to consider and incorporate several modes of transportation when building new projects or making
improvements to existing projects. The City of Asheville has also committed to Complete Streets, referring to
transportation policies and design guidelines that seek to create environments where all people are able to safely
and conveniently access destinations within their communities. These goals are accomplished by crafting policies and
designs that fully consider the needs of all travelers, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Creating streets that are safe for walking was a goal for both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. County-wide,
the focus is on greenways and how they can connect existing walkable places. In Downtown Asheville, walkability is
most focused on creating streets in downtown and nearby areas that are pedestrian-oriented and connected.

“The adoption of NCDOT’s Complete Streets policy and the formation and ongoing
implementation of these guidelines will represent a significant change in the approach to
street design for North Carolina. At the heart of this transition to Complete Streets is the
understanding that “transportation” is not only about moving cars, but also about moving
people and connecting, supporting, and building communities. This includes the recognition
that streets contribute to the quality of life and the economic vitality of places and are
meant to serve all users. It is about providing North Carolinians with safe, comfortable, and
viable options for how they move about their communities.”

Documents: Haywood Streetscape Improvement Project, City of Asheville

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH
PHASE 1 101
 REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

Beginning in 2011, the Buncombe County Greenways & Trails Master Plan effort began with the goal of linking existing
and proposed greenways together to create a regional system for recreation and active transportation. Involving over
2,500 people, the planning process resulted in a plan to guide multi-use trail investments in Buncombe County for the
next 20 years.

Costing up to $1 million per mile, the 102 miles of proposed greenways in Buncombe County will help to connect
residents and visitors to existing amenities and also allow for additional investments. Currently, about 11 miles of
greenway exist, including 5 miles in Asheville and 4 miles in Black Mountain. Buncombe County is committed to
expanding the greenway system and is actively seeking partners willing to help with the expansion effort.

With topographic and environmental challenges to expanded roadway systems, the greenway system could provide
needed connections without increasing congestion on existing roadways. They also serve as an environmentally friendly
alternative to auto-transportation, encouraging active living and building on the strong history of outdoor recreation in
Buncombe County.

In addition to serving as a regional transportation connection for residents and visitors in Buncombe County, the
greenways have the potential to catalyze additional economic development. Whether dispersing people to new places
in the county or providing new opportunities for local businesses to seek additional customers, greenways have the
ability to create a better system of regional connectivity from those living in and visiting Asheville to the outer reaches
of the county.

PROTECT & CELEBRATE EMBRACE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGE & CREATE HARNESS THE BENEFITS /
AUTHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP CONNECTIVITY MANAGE THE GROWTH

CASE STUDY
A study in Portland, Oregon found that though
people that arrive on bike spend less per visit
than those traveling by car, they visit more often,
resulting in more money spent per month. “Looking
at spending categorized by the respondent’s
mode of travel, walkers seem to spend the most
(defined as the greatest percentage spending more
than $100 per month), followed by bicyclists,
then car drivers, and finally public transit users”.
(Andersen & Hall, n.d.) (Sztabinski, 2009, 17)

PHASE 1 102
 66% of Visitors said that the Blue Ridge Mountains were a very
important reason they decided to visit Buncombe County.

With so many people visiting Buncombe County due to the outdoor amenities available, investing in the greenways system is an
investment in not only the transportation system in the region, but also into the tourism economy.
Buncombe County Greenways Overview
MAR S HALL

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PHASE 1 103
 SUMMARY &
CONCLUSIONS

The Phase 1 Assessment process was a robust look at the Buncombe County community. After a careful review
of best practices from successful tourism management plans, an analysis of Buncombe County’s past and current
planning efforts, data collection, and extensive community engagement, the TMIP project team has developed a deeper
understanding of the current needs and opportunities facing Asheville and Buncombe County. Although there may be
differing views of how to manage tourism and growth, one uniting theme throughout Phase 1 is that both residents and
visitors recognize the special attributes that make Asheville and Buncombe County a wonderful place to live and visit.

From this research emerged four guiding principles that will continue to be referenced throughout the planning process.
These included:

Protect & Celebrate Authenticity

Harness the Benefits / Manage the Growth

Embrace Collaboration & Partnership

Encourage & Create Connectivity

The next phases of the Tourism Management and Investment Plan process will build upon the knowledge and
understanding gained in this first phase. As the planning process continues, the project team will take an in-depth
look at potential projects, continue stakeholder engagement, and examine the financing mechanisms and strategic
sequencing necessary to make the greatest positive impact on Buncombe County and the residents that live there. The
end result will be a strategic plan that enhances the resident and visitor experience while maintaining the unique value
of place that exists in Buncombe County.

PHASE 1 104
APPENDIX

PHASE 1 105
Default Report
Asheville and Buncombe County Visitor Survey
October 3rd 2019, 1:17 pm CDT Visitor Survey Results

Q2 - Are you currently a resident of Buncombe County, NC?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
Are you currently a resident of Buncombe
1 1.00 2.00 1.98 0.14 0.02 1761
County, NC?

# Answer % Count

1 Yes 1.99% 35

2 No 98.01% 1726

Total 100% 1761

PHASE 1 106
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q3 - When was your last visit to Asheville and Buncombe County, NC? This includes the
towns of Black Mountain, Weaverville, Woodfin, and Biltmore Forest.

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
When was your last visit to Asheville and
Buncombe County, NC? This includes the
1 1.00 5.00 1.77 1.14 1.29 1712
towns of Black Mountain, Weaverville,
Woodfin, and Biltmore Forest.

# Answer % Count

1 Within the last 12 months 58.18% 996

2 1 – 2 years ago 21.55% 369

3 3 - 5 years ago 9.93% 170

4 More than 5 years ago 5.37% 92

5 I have never visited Asheville and Buncombe County, NC 4.96% 85

Total 100% 1712

PHASE 1 107
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q4 - What best describes your last visit to Asheville and Buncombe County?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
What best describes your last visit to
1 541.00 549.00 543.63 1.55 2.40 1524
Asheville and Buncombe County?

PHASE 1 108
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q6 - What part of Asheville and Buncombe County did you stay in on your most recent
visit?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
What part of Asheville and Buncombe County
1 1.00 12.00 5.64 3.77 14.18 1266
did you stay in on your most recent visit?

PHASE 1 109
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q6 - What part of Asheville and Buncombe County did you stay in on your most recent
visit?
# Answer % Count

1 Downtown Asheville 26.94% 341

2 North Asheville or Woodfin 3.63% 46

3 Weaverville 1.82% 23

4 South Asheville or the area around Asheville Regional Airport 5.53% 70

5 East Asheville or Tunnel Road 14.69% 186

6 Black Mountain 5.45% 69

7 West Asheville or Enka-Candler 7.42% 94

8 Biltmore Village or Biltmore Estate 13.11% 166

9 River Arts District 1.50% 19

10 Biltmore Park Town Square 3.40% 43

11 The area around Interstate 26 and Asheville Outlets 6.87% 87

12 I’m not sure 9.64% 122

Total 100% 1266

Q8 - How did you arrive in Asheville and Buncombe County on your most recent visit?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
What part of Asheville and Buncombe County
1 1.00 12.00 5.64 3.77 14.18 1266
did you stay in on your most recent visit?

PHASE 1 110
 Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
Visitor Survey Results, cont’d
How did you arrive in Asheville and Buncombe
1 County on your most recent visit? - Selected 1.00 4.00 1.34 0.80 0.64 1503
Choice Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
How did you arrive in Asheville and Buncombe
1 County on your most recent visit? - Selected 1.00 4.00 1.34 0.80 0.64 1503
Choice

# Answer % Count

1 Drove from my primary residence 81.70% 1228

2 Flew to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) 7.32% 110

# Answer % Count
3 Flew to an airport other than Asheville Regional and then rented a car to drive there 6.19% 93
1 Drove from my primary residence 81.70% 1228
4 Other (please specify): 4.79% 72
2 Flew to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) 7.32% 110
Total 100% 1503
3 Flew to an airport other than Asheville Regional and then rented a car to drive there 6.19% 93
Q9
4 - What best describes the purpose of your most recentOther
visit(please
to Asheville
specify): and
4.79% 72
Buncombe County?
Total 100% 1503

PHASE 1 111
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
What best describes the purpose of your most
1 recent visit to Asheville and Buncombe 1.00 8.00 1.47 1.20 1.45 1500
County?

Answer % Count
#
1 Leisure 79.47% 1192

2 Visiting friends and relatives 12.47% 187

3 Personal business, such as medical 0.60% 9

4 Business 0.67% 10

5 Business and leisure 4.00% 60

6 Meeting, convention, reunion, or sporting event 1.87% 28

7 Sports competition 0.80% 12

8 Summer camp 0.13% 2

Total 100% 1500

PHASE 1 112
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q10 - How important were each of the following in making your decision to visit Asheville
and Buncombe County on your most recent visit?

# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Std Deviation Variance Count

1 Biltmore Estate 1.00 3.00 2.29 0.80 0.64 1175

2 Blue Ridge Parkway 1.00 3.00 2.40 0.71 0.50 1175

3 Shopping 1.00 3.00 1.99 0.73 0.53 1175

4 Downtown Asheville 1.00 3.00 2.56 0.60 0.36 1175

PHASE 1 113
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

5 The visual arts, including handmade craft 1.00 3.00 2.21 0.71 0.51 1175

6 The performing arts, including theater 1.00 3.00 1.66 0.70 0.49 1175

7 Special event 1.00 3.00 1.70 0.78 0.61 1175

8 Live music, including concerts 1.00 3.00 1.90 0.75 0.56 1175

9 Local restaurants and bars 1.00 3.00 2.58 0.60 0.36 1175

10 Breweries, wineries, or distilleries 1.00 3.00 2.06 0.80 0.63 1175

11 Outdoor recreation 1.00 3.00 2.17 0.77 0.59 1175

12 Blue Ridge Mountains 1.00 3.00 2.60 0.60 0.36 1175

13 Riverfront area/River Arts District 1.00 3.00 2.12 0.72 0.51 1175

Not at all Somewhat Very

# Question Total
important important important
1 Biltmore Estate 21.79% 256 27.15% 319 51.06% 600 1175

2 Blue Ridge Parkway 13.11% 154 34.21% 402 52.68% 619 1175

3 Shopping 26.89% 316 47.32% 556 25.79% 303 1175

Downtown Asheville 5.62% 66 32.77% 385 61.62% 724 1175

The visual arts, including
17.11% 201 44.94% 528 37.96% 446 1175
handmade craft
The performing arts, including
46.81% 550 40.09% 471 13.11% 154 1175
theater
Special event 49.96% 587 29.96% 352 20.09% 236 1175

Live music, including concerts 33.36% 392 42.89% 504 23.74% 279 1175

Local restaurants and bars 6.04% 71 30.21% 355 63.74% 749 1175
Breweries, wineries, or
28.68% 337 36.34% 427 34.98% 411 1175
distilleries
Outdoor recreation 22.47% 264 37.87% 445 39.66% 466 1175

Blue Ridge Mountains 6.21% 73 27.66% 325 66.13% 777 1175

Riverfront area/River Arts
20.34% 239 47.15% 554 32.51% 382 1175
District

PHASE 1 114
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q12 - Which of the following did you participate in or visit on your most recent visit to
Asheville and Buncombe County? Please select all that apply.

# Answer % Count

63 Local restaurants and bars 14.01% 1193

58 Downtown Asheville 13.50% 1150

57 Shopping 10.38% 884

66 Blue Ridge Mountains 9.71% 827

56 Blue Ridge Parkway 9.65% 822

55 Biltmore Estate 8.91% 759

64 Breweries, wineries, or distilleries 7.73% 658

67 Riverfront area/River Arts District 6.60% 562

# Answer % Count
59 The visual arts, including handmade craft 6.28% 535
63 Local restaurants and bars 14.01% 1193
65 Outdoor recreation 5.94% 506
58 Downtown Asheville 13.50% 1150
62 Live music, including concerts 3.82% 325
57 Shopping 10.38% 884
61 Special event 2.40% 204
66 Blue Ridge Mountains 9.71% 827
60 The performing arts, including theater 1.03% 88
56 Blue Ridge Parkway 9.65% 822
68 None of the above 0.05% 4
55 Biltmore Estate 8.91% 759
Total 100% 8517
64 Breweries, wineries, or distilleries 7.73% 658

67 Riverfront area/River Arts District 6.60% 562

59 The visual arts, including handmade craft 6.28% 535

65 Outdoor recreation 5.94% 506

62 Live music, including concerts 3.82% 325

61 Special event 2.40% 204

60 The performing arts, including theater 1.03% 88

68 None of the above 0.05% 4

Total 100% 8517

PHASE 1 115
Q13 - Did you visit any of the following
Visitorcommunities on your most recent visit to
Survey Results, cont’d
Asheville and Buncombe County? Please select all that apply.
Q13 - Did you visit any of the following communities on your most recent visit to
Asheville and Buncombe County? Please select all that apply.

# Answer % Count

1
# Town of Black Mountain
Answer 22.06%
% 401
Count
2 Town of Weaverville 12.49% 227
1 Town of Black Mountain 22.06% 401
3 Town of Woodfin 3.58% 65
2 Town of Weaverville 12.49% 227
4 None of the above 37.79% 687
3 Town of Woodfin 3.58% 65
Total 100% 1380
4 None of the above 37.79% 687

Total 100% 1380

Q15 - Were there any members of your party under the age of 18?

PHASE 1 116
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q16 - On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being not at all and 10 being extremely likely, how
likely are you to recommend visiting Asheville and Buncombe County to your friends or
family?

PHASE 1 117
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q18 - How satisfied were you with each of the following on your most recent visit to
Asheville and Buncombe County?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
1 Traffic on city streets 1.00 5.00 3.22 0.80 0.64 1442

2 Interstate highway traffic 1.00 5.00 3.35 0.80 0.64 1442

3 Safety 1.00 5.00 3.78 0.57 0.33 1442

4 Sidewalks 1.00 5.00 3.71 0.73 0.54 1442

PHASE 1 118
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

5Q18 - How satisfied

Parking inwere
downtown Asheville
you with 1.00 following
each of the 5.00 on3.22 1.08
your most recent 1.16to 1442
visit
Parking in areas outside downtown
6Asheville and Buncombe County? 1.00 5.00 3.69 0.89 0.78 1442
Asheville
75 Parking
Enough for mein and
downtown Asheville
my party to do 1.00
1.00 5.00 3.92
5.00 3.22 1.08
0.45 1.16 1442
0.21 1442
Parking in areas outside downtown
86 Cleanliness 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 3.73
3.69 0.60
0.89 0.37
0.78 1442
1442
Asheville
97 Enough for me andCost
my of visiting
party to do 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 3.43
3.92 0.71
0.45 0.50
0.21 1442
1442
108 Signage
Cleanliness 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 3.68
3.73 0.67
0.60 0.45
0.37 1442
1442
119 Air travel options
Cost and cost
of visiting 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 4.55
3.43 0.85
0.71 0.72
0.50 1442
1442
1210 Appealing for families
Signage 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 4.01
3.68 0.72
0.67 0.52
0.45 1442
1442
1311 Panhandling
Air travel options and cost 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 3.74
4.55 1.37
0.85 1.89
0.72 1442
1442
1412 Outdoor recreation
Appealing for families 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 4.12
4.01 0.66
0.72 0.44
0.52 1442
1442
1513 Customer service
Panhandling 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 3.92
3.74 0.54
1.37 0.29
1.89 1442
1442
1614 Attractions
Outdoor recreation 1.00
1.00 5.00
5.00 3.90
4.12 0.51
0.66 0.26
0.44 1442
1442

15 Customer service 1.00 5.00 3.92 0.54 0.29 1442

16 Attractions 1.00 5.00 3.90 0.51 0.26 1442

Very Somewhat Very Not

Somewha Tota
# Question dissatisfie dissatisfie satisfie applicabl
t satisfied l
d d d e
Traffic on 18 68 144
1 2.43%
Very 35 13.04%
Somewhat 47.36% 33.98%
Very 490 3.19%
Not 46
city streets 8 Somewha 3 2
Tota
# Question dissatisfie dissatisfie satisfie applicabl
Interstate t satisfied l
d d 15 57 d e 144
2 highway 2.36% 34 10.54% 39.60% 44.31% 639 3.19% 46
Traffic on 218 168 2
144
1 traffic 2.43% 35 13.04% 47.36% 33.98% 490 3.19% 46
city streets 8 3 2
27 106 144
3 Safety
Interstate 0.55% 8 2.50% 36 19.07% 74.06% 3.81% 55
15 557 8 2
144
2 highway 2.36% 34 10.54% 39.60% 44.31% 639 3.19% 46
2 36 1 144 2
4 traffic
Sidewalks 1.60% 23 3.61% 52 25.10% 61.51% 887 8.18% 118
2 2
27 106 144
3 Safety
Parking in 0.55% 8 2.50% 36 19.07% 74.06% 3.81% 55
25 55 5 8 144 2
5 downtown 6.03% 87 17.61% 38.28% 24.55% 354 13.52% 195
4 236 2
144
4 Asheville
Sidewalks 1.60% 23 3.61% 52 25.10% 61.51% 887 8.18% 118
2 2
Parking in
Parking in Std
areas 25 55 Mean 144
#5 downtown 6.03% 87 Field Minimum
17.61% Maximum
38.28% 42 24.55% 354 Variance
13.52% 195 Count
144
outside 1.94% 28 6.31% 91 4 29.26% Deviation
2 46.19% 666 16.30% 235 2
Asheville 2 2
1 downtown Traffic on city streets 1.00 5.00 3.22 0.80 0.64 1442
Ashevillein
Parking
areas
2 Enough for Interstate highway traffic 1.00 5.00
42 3.35 0.80 0.64 1442
144
outside 1.94% 28 6.31% 91 29.26% 46.19% 127
666 16.30% 235 144
me and my 0.90% 13 0.83% 12 6.73% 97 2 88.49% 3.05% 44 2
downtown
3 party Safety 1.00 5.00 3.78 6 0.57 2
0.33 1442
to do
Asheville
4 Cleanliness Sidewalks 27 108 0.73 144
Enough for 1.32% 19 2.84% 41 1.00
19.35% 5.00 74.97%
3.71 1.53% 0.54
22 1442
9 1
127 2
144
me and my 0.90% 13 0.83% 12 6.73% 97 88.49% 3.05% 44
6 2
party to do
PHASE 1 119
27 108 144
Cleanliness 1.32% 19 2.84% 41 19.35% 74.97% 1.53% 22
9 1 2
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Cost of 62 144
1.18% 17 6.66% 96 43.20% 46.39% 669 2.57% 37
visiting 3 2
44 144
Signage 0.69% 10 2.77% 40 30.79% 58.95% 850 6.80% 98
4 2
Air travel
14 105 144
options and 0.97% 14 2.57% 37 10.33% 12.76% 184 73.37%
9 8 2
cost
Appealing 21 144
0.97% 14 1.60% 23 14.77% 60.40% 871 22.26% 321
for families 3 2
Panhandlin 11 23 22 144
7.84% 15.95% 15.74% 15.19% 219 45.28% 653
g 3 0 7 2
Outdoor 13 144
1.11% 16 0.21% 3 9.50% 64.22% 926 24.97% 360
recreation 7 2
Customer 18 111 144
0.62% 9 0.90% 13 12.76% 77.53% 8.18% 118
service 4 8 2
18 115 144
Attractions 0.62% 9 0.76% 11 12.62% 80.17% 5.83% 84
2 6 2

PHASE 1 120
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q20 - The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (the local tourism
promotion agency for Asheville and Buncombe County) is currently developing a tourism
management and investment plan to guide future efforts. Please rate the following areas
on how important they are to you as a recent visitor to Asheville and Buncombe County.

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
1 Maintaining parks and sports venues 1.00 3.00 2.56 0.61 0.37 1402
Developing new sports facilities and
2 1.00 3.00 1.85 0.68 0.47 1402
entertainment facilities
3 Better sidewalks/making city more walkable 1.00 3.00 2.46 0.58 0.34 1402

PHASE 1 121
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

4 Parking 1.00 3.00 2.68 0.50 0.25 1402

5 Walking trails or bike paths 1.00 3.00 2.47 0.66 0.43 1402

6 City cleanliness 1.00 3.00 2.81 0.41 0.17 1402

7 Transportation – buses, trolley, shuttles, etc. 1.00 3.00 2.36 0.67 0.45 1402

8 Homelessness 1.00 3.00 2.48 0.64 0.41 1402

9 Panhandling 1.00 3.00 2.47 0.65 0.43 1402

10 Public safety and policing issues 1.00 3.00 2.72 0.50 0.25 1402

11 Housing affordability 1.00 3.00 2.17 0.78 0.61 1402

12 More and different restaurants 1.00 3.00 2.41 0.62 0.38 1402

13 More and different retail 1.00 3.00 2.23 0.68 0.46 1402

14 Supporting local small businesses 1.00 3.00 2.72 0.50 0.25 1402

15 Signage 1.00 3.00 2.45 0.58 0.33 1402

Developing or renovating new tourist
16 1.00 3.00 2.40 0.62 0.39 1402
districts/areas
Developing or renovating additional arts
17 1.00 3.00 2.36 0.62 0.38 1402
businesses and events
Developing or renovating additional sports
18 1.00 3.00 1.79 0.70 0.49 1402
venues or facilities
19 Providing signage in the community 1.00 3.00 2.33 0.61 0.37 1402

20 Support for arts and culture 1.00 3.00 2.56 0.59 0.35 1402

Not at all Somewhat Very

# Question Total
important important important
1 Maintaining parks and sports venues 6.35% 89 31.74% 445 61.91% 868 1402
Developing new sports facilities and
2 32.31% 453 50.78% 712 16.90% 237 1402
entertainment facilities
Better sidewalks/making city more
3 4.35% 61 45.15% 633 50.50% 708 1402
walkable
Parking 1.78% 25 28.74% 403 69.47% 974 1402

Walking trails or bike paths 9.20% 129 34.59% 485 56.21% 788 1402

City cleanliness 0.71% 10 17.55% 246 81.74% 1146 1402

Transportation – buses, trolley,
11.20% 157 41.44% 581 47.36% 664 1402
shuttles, etc.
Homelessness 7.85% 110 36.38% 510 55.78% 782 1402

PHASE 1 122
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Panhandling 8.84% 124 35.24% 494 55.92% 784 1402

Public safety and policing issues 2.21% 31 23.89% 335 73.89% 1036 1402

Housing affordability 23.68% 332 35.81% 502 40.51% 568 1402

More and different restaurants 7.06% 99 44.65% 626 48.29% 677 1402

More and different retail 14.12% 198 48.72% 683 37.16% 521 1402

Supporting local small businesses 2.35% 33 23.25% 326 74.39% 1043 1402

Signage 4.28% 60 46.29% 649 49.43% 693 1402

Developing or renovating new
7.28% 102 45.51% 638 47.22% 662 1402
tourist districts/areas
Developing or renovating additional
7.63% 107 48.86% 685 43.51% 610 1402
arts businesses and events
Developing or renovating additional
36.80% 516 47.15% 661 16.05% 225 1402
sports venues or facilities
Providing signage in the community 7.28% 102 52.00% 729 40.73% 571 1402

Support for arts and culture 4.99% 70 33.74% 473 61.27% 859 1402

Q22 - On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being extremely unlikely and 10 being extremely likely,
how likely is it that you will visit Asheville and Buncombe County again in the future?

PHASE 1 123
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q25 - Are you currently...?

# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Std Deviation Variance Count

1 Are you currently...? 1.00 4.00 1.37 0.86 0.74 1394

# Answer % Count

1 Married or in a committed relationship 80.85% 1127

2 Divorced/separated 8.18% 114

3 Widowed 3.87% 54

4 Single/never married 7.10% 99

Total 100% 1394

PHASE 1 124
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q26 - Which of the following categories best represents the last grade of school you
completed?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
Which of the following categories best
1 represents the last grade of school you 1.00 4.00 2.98 0.89 0.79 1392
completed?

# Answer % Count

1 High school or less 5.60% 78

2 Some college/technical school 23.49% 327

3 College graduate 38.22% 532

4 Post-graduate courses or degree 32.69% 455

Total 100% 1392

PHASE 1 125
Q27 - Which of the following categories best represents the total annual income for your
household before
Q27 - Which of thetaxes?
following categories best represents the total annual income for your
Visitor Survey Results, cont’d
household before taxes?
Q27 - Which of the following categories best represents the total annual income for your
household before taxes?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
Which of the following categories Field
best Minimum Maximum Mean Std
# Variance Count
1 represents the total annual income for your 1.00 7.00 4.12 Deviation
1.57 2.45 1370
Which of the following
householdcategories best
before taxes? Std
1
# represents the total annual income for Field
your Minimum
1.00 Maximum
7.00 Mean
4.12 1.57 Variance
2.45 Count
1370
Deviation
household before taxes?
Which of the following categories best
1 represents the total annual income for your 1.00 7.00 4.12 1.57 2.45 1370
# household before taxes? Answer % Count

#
1 Answer
Less than $35,000 %
5.91% Count
81

2
1 $35,000 butLess
less than $50,000
$35,000 10.80%
5.91% 148
81
# Answer % Count
3
2 $50,000 but less than $50,000
$35,000 $75,000 17.81%
10.80% 244
148
1 Less than $35,000 5.91% 81
4
3 $75,000
$50,000but
butless
lessthan
than$100,000
$75,000 21.61%
17.81% 296
244
2 $35,000 but less than $50,000 10.80% 148
5
4 $100,000
$75,000 but less than $150,000
$100,000 24.23%
21.61% 332
296
3 $50,000 but less than $75,000 17.81% 244
56 $150,000 but
$100,000 but less
less than
than $150,000
$250,000 13.72%
24.23% 188
332
4 $75,000 but less than $100,000 21.61% 296
7 More than $250,000 5.91% 81
5 $100,000 but less than $150,000 24.23% 332
Total 100% 1370

PHASE 1 126
 Visitor Survey Results, cont’d

Q28 - Which of the following best describes your racial and ethnic heritage? Are you...?

Std
# Field Minimum Maximum Mean Variance Count
Deviation
Which of the following best describes your
1 racial and ethnic heritage? Are you...? - 1.00 6.00 1.19 0.81 0.66 1369
Selected Choice

# Answer % Count

1 Caucasian/white 93.21% 1276

2 Black/African-American 1.90% 26

3 Latino/Hispanic 1.75% 24

4 Asian 0.80% 11

5 American Indian 0.51% 7

6 Other (please specify): 1.83% 25

Total 100% 1369

PHASE 1 127
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

I do not work in a i'm worried that asheville is experiencing

Master's tourism or overtourism and is at a crucial turning
The City of Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
Master's
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about tourism plan & budgeting

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads

Temporarily out of the

labor market (student,

PHASE 1
25 & Black/African The City of Less than high Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave,
under American Male Asheville school children etc.) Bike cookies

61 & Black/African The City of Bachelor's $75,000- My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
over American Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car education

128
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
Public Input Workshop Results

over Caucasian/White Female The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car
Asheville
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
over Caucasian/White Male The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car just info
Asheville
In Buncombe
County, but not
61 & within the Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car development management in AVL
limits

In Buncombe Master's I work in a tourism

County, but not
61 & within the Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car advocating for the sport of tennis.
limits Master's
61 & The City of Degree or My personal interested in how TDA money can
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Not Employed car enhance quality of life in Aville.
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

i want TDA to have a bigger investment

II do
do not
not work
work in
in aa i'm worried
in the that asheville
local projects is experiencing
- particularly
Master's tourism
tourism or
or overtourism
maintenance.and is at
your a crucial
tourists turning
wear it
61 & The
The City of
City of Degree or
Bachelor's $50,000-
$50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about
hospitality related My personal down, but residents have to to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White
over Caucasian/White Female
Female Asheville
Asheville Higher
Degree $75,000
$75,000 No
No Employed
Employed Part-Time
Full-Time sector
sector car
car what makes asheville so special
repair/replace
Master's
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
In Buncombe Master's possibility of funding for city
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about tourism plan & budgeting
61 & County but Degree or $75,000- My personal improvements. public spaces like a
not within
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

over Caucasian/White Male Higher $100,000 No Not Employed car haywood-page

61 & Asheville of
The City City Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
over Caucasian/White Female limits
Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads
Master's
61 & In Buncombe Degree or My personal we need to use more of the hotel tax to
Temporarily out of the
County but
over Caucasian/White Female Higher No Not Employed
labor market (student, car benefit the community directly
not within
25 & Black/African Asheville of
The City City Less than high Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave,
I do not work in a
under American Male Asheville
limits school children etc.) Bike cookies
Master's tourism or
61 & Degree or hospitality related bring southside projects together with
61 &
over Black/African
Caucasian/White Male The
TheCity
Cityofof Bachelor's
Higher $75,000- No Employed Full-Time sector My personal interest
Walking in what
South Slope i can share pertaining to
of Southside
over American Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car education

PHASE 1
Asheville

61 & Bachelor's Over My personal

i want input into the future of Asheville
over Caucasian/White Female The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car & how tourism will input it - greatly. I
Asheville
I do not work in a want tourist tax revenues (beyond out of
61 & Bachelor's
Master's Over tourism or My personal market advertising) to share in the cost
over Caucasian/White Male The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed info

129
61 & The City of Degree or $75,000- My personal just
hospitality related car of servicing this high impact industry &
Asheville
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $100,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car retain our quality of life
In Buncombe
County, but not I do not work in a
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

61 & within the Bachelor's

Master's $50,000- tourism or My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
over
61 & Caucasian/White Male Asheville
The CityCity
of Degree
Degree or $75,000 No Not Employed hospitality related car
My personal development
very interestedmanagement
in function ofinTDA
AVL & how
limits
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Employed Part-Time sector car (illegible) made for $ allocation
In Buncombe Master's I work
do notinwork in a
a tourism
County, but not
61 & Degree
Master'sor $75,000- tourism
or or
hospitality My personal opportunity learning
interested into providehow the tourist
input.
within the
over Black/African
Caucasian/White Male Asheville of
The CityCity Degree or
Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time hospitality
related related
sector My personal
car industry function
advocating it relates
for theassport to support
of tennis.
41 to 60 American Male limits
Asheville Higher
Master's No Employed Full-Time sector car for the under served
61 & The City of Degree or I do not work in a My personal interested in how TDA money can
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Master's
Higher No Not Employed tourism or car enhance quality of life in Aville.
The City of Degree or hospitality related potential to support more public green
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Employed Full-Time sector Walking space in Asheville, especially downtown
I do not work in a
Master's tourism or opportunity to help AVL become the
61 & The City of Degree or $75,000- hospitality related My personal recognized center for the arts, culture
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car and technology in WNC
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...
I do not work in a
Master's tourism
I do not work
or in a i'minterested in how
worried that to receive
asheville funding to
is experiencing
61 & The City of Degree or
Master's hospitality
tourism or related preserve the
overtourism andII Collier
is at a crucial wood in
Avenueturning
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville
The City of Degree
Higheror $50,000- No Employed Part-Time sector Walking the South Slope of Asheville
hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector
I do not work in a car what makes asheville so special
Master's tourism or interested in seeing TDA money investd
61 & The
The City
City ofof Bachelor's
Degree or $75,000-
$50,000- hospitality relatedMyMy personal wisely in projects that meet both TDA
personal
over
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Male
Caucasian/WhiteMale Asheville
Asheville Degree
Higher $100,000
$75,000 NoNo Employed
Not Full-Time
Employed sector carcar needs
learn about community
andtourism plan needs
& budgeting
I do not work in a
tourism or
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
over Caucasian/White
Black/African Female The City of
Asheville Degree Less than
$75,000 NoYes, there are 1-2Not Employed hospitality relatedcarTaxi/Ride- money
i workcan't and was
herepave wondering what
our roads
41 to 60 American Female Asheville Some college $35,000 children Employed Full-Time sector Share was happening
Temporarily out of the
labor market (student, I work in a tourism
25 & Black/African
Black/African The City
The City
ofof Less than high Less than Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave, or hospitality My personal
under
26 to 40 American
American Male
Female Asheville
Asheville school $35,000 children
No etc.)
Employed Full-Time related sector Bike
car cookies

61 & Black/African The City of Bachelor's $75,000- My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
I work in a tourism

PHASE 1
over American Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car education
The City of Bachelor's Over Yes, there are 1-2 or hospitality My personal
41 to 60 Asian Male Asheville Degree $100,000 children Employed Full-Time related sector car
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
over Caucasian/White Female The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car
Asheville because there is a need for tourism to
Outside of Master's I work in a tourism connect w/community! As we have
61 & Black/African Buncombe Bachelor's
Degree or Over
$35,000- or hospitality MyMy personal
personal more visitation, we also need more
over Male The City of Degree $100,000 Not Employed just info

130
26 to 40 Caucasian/White
American County
Female Asheville Higher $50,000 NoNo Employed Full-Time related sector carcar infrastructure.

In Buncombe
I work in a tourism nice to have opportunity to learn more
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

County, but not

61 & within City of
Thethe Bachelor's
Bachelor's $35,000-
$50,000- or hospitality MyMy personal
personal weabout
will have going on
whataischance and ask
to affect tourism
over
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female Asheville
Caucasian/WhiteMale City
Asheville Degree
Degree $50,000
$75,000 NoNo Employed
Not Full-Time
Employed related sector carcar questions, share
development ideas, etc.
management in AVL
limits
I do not work in a
In Buncombe tourism or
of Master's I work in a tourism
61 & County,
The but
Citynot
Bachelor's hospitality related My personal hopefully TDA can bring their hideous
61 & Asheville Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
over Caucasian/White Female within the Degree No Employed Full-Time sector car practices under control!
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car advocating for the sport of tennis.
limits Master's I do not work in a
61 & In Buncombe Degree or
The City of tourism or My personal interested in how TDA money can
over Caucasian/White
Black/African Female County but not Higher
Asheville Less than No Not Employed hospitality relatedcarMy personal enhance quality of life in Aville.
41 to 60 American Female within the Some college $35,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car
Asheville City
limits I do not work in a
tourism or
In Buncombe
Black/African Less than hospitality related My personal
County but not
41 to 60 American Female Some college $35,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car
within the
Asheville City
limits
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

Master's I work in a tourism

61 & Degree or Over I do
ornot work in a
hospitality My personali'mrunning
worried&that asheville
walking is experiencing
& bike trails
over Caucasian/White Male Master's
Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time tourism
related
orsector car overtourism
occupancyand is at
funds a crucial turning
allocations
The City of Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector
I do not work in a car while
what distrustful
makes of the
asheville intentions behind
so special
Master's
Master's tourism or it, i hope that by participating in this
61 & The
The City
City of of Degree
Degree or or $35,000-
$50,000- hospitality relatedMyMy personal process more funding can go towards
personal
over Caucasian/White
26 to 40Caucasian/White Male Asheville
Female Asheville Higher
Higher $50,000
$75,000 NoNo Employed
Not Full-Time
Employed sector carcar critical
learn community
about needs
tourism plan & budgeting

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

over
61 & Caucasian/White Female Asheville
The City of Degree
Bachelor's $75,000
$75,000- No Not Employed carMy personalmoney can't pave our roads
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car information & support
Temporarily out of the
I do not work in a
labor market (student,
tourism or
25 & Black/African The City of Less than high Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave,
The City of Bachelor's $35,000- hospitality related My personal
under American Male Asheville school children etc.) Bike cookies
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Male Asheville Degree $50,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car

61 & Black/African The City of Bachelor's $75,000- My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
i appreciate the opportunity to give

PHASE 1
over American Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car education
feedback. as a native Ashevillian I
I do not work in a appreciate a value the tourism economy,
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
The City of Master's tourism or but am keenly aware that Asheville is
over Caucasian/White Female Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car
The City of
Asheville Degree or $35,000- hospitality related My personal more than a tourist town and needs to
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $50,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car be treated as such
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
over Caucasian/White Male The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car just info

131
Asheville I work in a tourism
The City of
In Buncombe Bachelor's Over Yes, there are 1-2 or hospitality My personal
Asheville
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female County, but not Degree $100,000 children Employed Full-Time related sector car
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

61 & within the Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Degree $75,000 No Not Employed I do not work in a car development management in AVL
limits Master's tourism or
61 & The City of
In Buncombe
Degree or $75,000- hospitality related My personal
Master's I work in a tourism
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville
County, but not Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car
61 & within the Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car advocating for the sport of tennis.
limits i'm excited that TDA is opening up to the
Master's
public having a big role in community
61 & The City of Degree or My personal interested in how TDA money can
projects related to tourism and hope
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Not Employed car enhance quality of life in Aville.
I do not work in a they will invest significantly in public
tourism or transit affordable housing and early
25 & The City of Bachelor's $35,000- hospitality related My personal childhood education with occupancy tax
under Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $50,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car revenue
Master's
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
over Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No car
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

In Buncombe
County, but I do not work in a i'm worried that asheville is experiencing
not within Master's tourism or overtourism and is at a crucial turning
61 & TheAsheville
City of CityDegree or
Bachelor's $50,000-
$75,000- personal
hospitality related My My point now. we are about to lose/ruin
personal
41 to 60
over Caucasian/White Female
Caucasian/White Female Asheville
limits Higher
Degree $75,000
$100,000 No No Employed Part-Time
Not Employed sector car car whatit'smakes asheville
exciting so special
to be able to provide input
Master's
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
I do not work in a i hope to learn about the investments
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about tourism plan & budgeting
tourism or the TDA makes and encourage
The City of Bachelor's $75,000- Yes, there are 1-2 hospitality related investment in transportation services for
61 &26 to 40 Caucasian/White Male City of
TheAsheville Bachelor's
Degree $50,000-
$100,000 children Employed Full-Time sector My Bike curious about why all this tourism
personal justworkers
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads
In Buncombe
County, but Temporarily out of the
not within Master's labor market (student, I work in a tourism
25 & Black/African TheAsheville than high
City of CityLessDegree or Less than Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave, or hospitality My personal
under American
41 to 60 Male
Caucasian/White Other Asheville
limits school
Higher $35,000 children
No etc.)Employed Part-Time related sector Bikecar cookies
i am starting a tourist-based business

61 & Black/African The City of

In Buncombe Bachelor's $75,000- My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
over American Male Asheville
County, but Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car education
it is important to hear from all people

PHASE 1
not within Master's I work in a tourism and understand how tourism impacts
61 & Degree or OverOver
Asheville CityBachelor's Yes, there are 3+ or hospitality My My personal
personal their lives to develop sustainable
Caucasian/White Female The City of Degree $100,000
over41 to 60 Caucasian/White Male limits Higher $100,000 No children NotEmployed
EmployedFull-Time related sector car car strategies
Asheville
I do not work in a
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
The City of tourism or
over Caucasian/White Male Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car just info
Asheville $50,000- hospitality related My personal to hear more about the infrastructure of

132
41 to 60 Latino/Hispanic Female Some college $75,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car AVL
In Buncombe
County, but not
61 & within the Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
Asheville City
I work in a tourism
over Caucasian/White Male Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car development management in AVL
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

limits The City of $50,000- or hospitality My personal get tourism money to benefit the people
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Male Asheville Some college $75,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car of Asheville. Get representation.
In Buncombe Master's I work in a tourism
County, but not Master's
61 &61 & withinThe Degree
the City of Degree or or $75,000-
$75,000- or hospitality personal
My My opportunity to provide input.
personal
overover Caucasian/White Male
Caucasian/White Male Asheville City
Asheville Higher
Higher $100,000
$100,000 No No Employed Part-Time
Not Employed related sector car car advocating for the sport of tennis.
limits Master's
Master's
61 & TheThe
CityCity Degree
of of Degree or or $50,000- personal
My My interested in how TDA money can
personal
Caucasian/White
over41 to 60 Female
Caucasian/White Asheville Higher
Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No No Employed
NotNot Employed car car enhance
want quality of life
to be part in Aville.
of my community
I do not work in a
Master's tourism or
61 & The City of Degree or $75,000- hospitality related My personal
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car here to learn.
Master's
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal want to make sure funds are used to
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Not Employed car meet high needs area
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

I work in a tourism
I do not work in a i'm worried that asheville is experiencing
61 & or hospitality My personal
Master's tourism or overtourism and is at a crucial turning
over Male Some college No Employed Full-Time related sector car
The City of Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Master's
Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
61 & The City of Degree or Over My personal - voice heard -interest in furthering
Master's
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $100,000 No Not Employed car success of ASD
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about tourism plan & budgeting
I work in a tourism to give input and make sure B&Bs are
61 & The City of Bachelor's Over or hospitality My personal represented in the process. i love the
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $100,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car stations!
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads

Master's I work in a tourism i own West AVL yoga studio and am

Temporarily out of the
The City of Degree or $35,000- or hospitality My personal concerned how tourism is affecting
labor market (student,
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $50,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car business in W AVL
25 & Black/African The City of Less than high Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave,
under American Male Asheville school children etc.) Bike cookies
I work in a tourism key to get community & local business
61 & The City of Bachelor's Over or hospitality My personal input during this fast growth period.
61 & Black/African The City of Bachelor's $75,000- My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to

PHASE 1
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $100,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car thank you!
over American Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car education

61 & Bachelor's Over I work in a tourismMy personal

over Caucasian/White Female TheThe
CityCity
of of Bachelor's
Degree $50,000-
$100,000 No Not Employed or hospitality carMy personal
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Male Asheville
Asheville Degree $75,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car $$$ distribution say - critical
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal

133
The City of Temporarily out of the
over Caucasian/White Male Degree
Master's $100,000 No Not Employed
labor market (student, car just info
Asheville
The City of Degree or $50,000- maternity/paternity leave, My personal would love to be able to provide input
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female In Buncombe
Asheville Higher $75,000 No etc.) car on use of funds
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

County, but not

61 & within the Master's
Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
over
61 & Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Degree or
Degree $35,000-
$75,000 No Not Employed carMy personal development management in AVL
over Caucasian/White Female limits Higher $50,000 No Not Employed car help manage growth of asheville
In Buncombe Master's I work in a tourism
County, but not
In Buncombe
61 & within the Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
County, but
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car advocating for the sport of tennis.
not within
limits I work in a tourism i have lived in Asheville for 12 years &
Master's
Asheville City Bachelor's $35,000- or hospitality My personal worked in small businesses. I want to
61 & The City of Degree or My personal interested in how TDA money can
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female limits Degree $50,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car have a part in how my city grows
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Not Employed car enhance quality of life in Aville.

I do not work in a the TDA should not exist. Climate

tourism or scientists say we only have 10 years to
The City of Bachelor's Less than hospitality related My personal become carbon neutral. tourism is at
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $35,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car LEAST 8% of our carbon emissions
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

I do not work in a the TDA should not exist - there should

do not work
Itourism or in a i'm
be worried that asheville
no tax-funded is experiencing
advertising. that
The City of Master's
Bachelor's $35,000- tourism or
hospitality related My personal overtourism and is at a crucial
money should be the community's turning
to
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female The City of
Asheville Degree
Degreeor $50,000-
$50,000 No Employed Full-Time hospitality
sector related Mycar personal point now.
decide howwe to are
use.about to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
In Buncombe Master's
61 & The City of
County, but Degree or $50,000- My personal
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville
not within Higher
Master's $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about
Asheville is tourism
at a tipping & budgeting
planpoint of
61 & Asheville City Degree or $75,000- My personal becoming an empty shell or a lovely
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

61 &
over Caucasian/White Female The City of
limits Bachelor's
Higher $50,000-
$100,000 No Not Employed My curious
place
car personal just to liveabout why all this tourism
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads
In Buncombe
County, but Temporarily out of the
not within Master's labor market (student,
25
61&& Black/African The
Asheville Degree
City ofCity Less thanorhigh Over Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave, My personal
under
over American
Caucasian/White Male
Male Asheville
limits school
Higher $100,000 children
No etc.)
Not Employed Bike
car cookies
it's good to have been asked for input
I do not work in a
61 & Black/African The City of Bachelor's
Master's $75,000- tourism or My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
over American Male Asheville
The City of Degree
Degree or $100,000
Over No
Yes, there are 1-2 Not Employed hospitality related car
My personal education

PHASE 1
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $100,000 children Employed Full-Time sector car
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
The City of I do not work in a
over Caucasian/White Female Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car
Asheville Master's tourism or
The City of Degree or Over Yes, there are 1-2 hospitality related i am excited about providing comments
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville
The City of Higher $100,000 children Employed Full-Time sector Walking to the TDA
over Caucasian/White Male Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car just info
Asheville

134
i want to see the TDA invest in more
In Buncombe
County, but not I do not work in a community infrastructure, especially
61 & Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have chance affect
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

within the tourism or stuff that willa make orto

city less tourism
auto-
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville
The CityCity
of Degree
Bachelor's $75,000
$50,000- No Not Employed hospitality related car development management
dependent (greenways, in AVL
bikelanes,
limits
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Employed Full-Time sector sidewalks)
In Buncombe Master's I work in a tourism
County, but not
61 & within the Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
Public
over
61 & Caucasian/White Male Asheville
The CityCity
of Higher
Bachelor's $100,000
Less than No Employed Part-Time related sector car
Transportatio advocating for the sport
trying to preserve the remnants
of tennis.of
over Caucasian/White Female limits
Asheville Master's
Degree $35,000 No n democracy
61 & The City of Degree or My personal interested in how TDA money can
I do not work in a
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Not Employed car enhance quality of life in Aville.
Master's tourism or
61 & The City of Degree or $75,000- hospitality related My personal curious if you really are listening. Am i
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car being HEARD?
I do not work in a
Master's tourism or using tax revenue to ameliorate the
The City of Degree or hospitality related My personal problems exacerbated by so much
Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Employed Full-Time sector car tourism
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

61 & The City of Over My personal

I do not work in a i'm worried that asheville is experiencing
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville $100,000 No Not Employed car influence city management
Master's tourism or overtourism and is at a crucial turning
The City of Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
I work in a tourism
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
61 & The City of Bachelor's Over or hospitality My personal
Master's
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car support of tourism!
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about tourism plan & budgeting
61 & The City of Bachelor's Over My personal
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car hope you listen to residents!
61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed I do not work in a car money can't pave our roads
tourism or
The City of Temporarily out of the hospitality related My personal
26 to 40 Other Other Asheville Some college No Employed
labor marketFull-Time
(student, sector car
25 & Black/African The City of Less than high Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave, I do not work in a
under American Male Asheville Master's
school children etc.) tourism or Bike excited about potential of this funding
cookies
61 & The City of Degree or Over hospitality related My personal source to improve quality of life for
61over
& Caucasian/White Male
Black/African TheAsheville
City of Higher
Bachelor's $100,000
$75,000- No Employed Part-Time sector Mycarpersonal locals and
interest enhance
in what i can tourism
share pertaining to
over American Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed education

PHASE 1
I do not work in a car
Master's tourism or
61 & The City of Bachelor's
Degree or Over
$75,000- Yes, there are 3+ hospitality related MyMypersonal
personal
over Female The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car
41 to 60 Caucasian/White
Other Male Asheville Higher $100,000 children Employed Full-Time sector car excited about a new music hall!
Asheville
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
over Caucasian/White Male The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed I work in a tourismcar just info

135
The City of
Asheville Bachelor's Over Yes, there are 1-2 or hospitality My personal
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Male Asheville Degree $100,000 children Employed Full-Time related sector car all the possibility Asheville future holds
In Buncombe
County, but not
61 & Bachelor's $50,000- I do not work in a My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

within the
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Degree $75,000 No Not Employed tourism or car development management in AVL
The City of
limits Bachelor's Over Yes, there are 1-2 hospitality related My personal to provide input as a business owner &
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Male Asheville Degree $100,000 children Employed Full-Time sector car resident (20 yrs.)
In Buncombe Master's I work tourism
County, but not I do not
in awork in a
61 & within the Degree or
Master's $75,000- hospitality
ortourism or My personal opportunity to provide
i love the choice to provide
input.input or how
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville
The City
Cityof Higher
Degree or $100,000
$75,000- No Employed Part-Time related sector
hospitality related carMy personal advocating for the sport
the occupancy tax $ shouldof tennis.
be spent to
limits Master's
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $100,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car support our community
61 & The City of Degree or I do not work in a My personal interested
a chance in
to how TDA money
prioritize human can &
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Not Employed tourism or car enhance quality
workforce needs
of in
lifeBCTDA's
in Aville.role -
The City of Bachelor's Over hospitality related housing, transit, education (especially
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Employed Full-Time sector Bike early childhood)

I work in a tourism Public

The City of Bachelor's $35,000- or hospitality Transportatio
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $50,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector n
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

Master's I work in a tourism to learn about & provide feedback re:

I do not work in a i'm worried that asheville is experiencing
61 & The City of Degree or Over or hospitality My personal allocation of occupancy tax funds &
Master's tourism or overtourism and is at a crucial turning
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car projects
The
In City of
Buncombe Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville
County, but Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
not within Master's
Master's
6161
&& Asheville
The City of City Degree
Degree oror Over
$50,000- MyMy personal
personal
over
over Caucasian/White Male
Caucasian/WhiteMale limits
Asheville Higher
Higher $100,000
$75,000 NoNo Not
Not Employed
Employed carcar learn get a music
let'sabout hall!
tourism plan & budgeting
Temporarily out of the
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- labor market (student, My personal just curious about why all this tourism
over
25 & Caucasian/White Female Asheville
The City of Degree
Less than high$75,000
$50,000- Employed
maternity/paternity
NoYes, there are 1-2Not leave, car money can't pave
preventing tourismourfrom
roadsmaking
under Caucasian/White Female Asheville school $75,000 children etc.) Walking asheville a hectic, non-family place
Temporarily out of the
labor market (student,
25 & Black/African The City of Master's
Less than high Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave, I work in a tourism
61 &
under American Male The City of
Asheville Degree or
school $50,000- children etc.) or hospitality Bike on public art (illegible) advocate of
My personal cookies
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car public spaces.
61 & Black/African The City of Bachelor's $75,000- I do not work in a My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
over American Male In Buncombe
Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed tourism or car education

PHASE 1
County but Bachelor's $35,000- Yes, there are 3+ hospitality related My personal i'm excited to participate in the future
6141
& to 60 Caucasian/White Female not within the Bachelor's
Degree Over
$50,000 children Employed Full-Time sector Mycarpersonal development of my beloved community
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville
The City of city Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car
limits
Asheville
i have a personal stake in the quality of
61 & In Buncombe Bachelor's Over My personal
61 & The City of Bachelor's Over life in Asheville, (this state and my
over Caucasian/White Male County but Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car just info
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed Walking country)

136
not within the
In Asheville
Buncombecity
County,
limitsbut not Master's
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

61 & within the Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
61 & Degree or Over My personal chance to put preferences for symphony
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car development management in AVL
over Caucasian/White Male The City of
limits Higher $100,000 No Not Employed car future!
Asheville
In Buncombe I do not work in a
Master's I work in a tourism
County, but not Master's tourism or TPDA funding is a significant resource
61 & within Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
Thethe
City of Degree or $35,000- hospitality related for community improvements & want to
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car advocating for the sport of tennis.
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $50,000 No Employed Part-Time sector Other provide input
limits Master's
61 & The City of Degree or My personal interested in how TDA money can
over Caucasian/White Female Master's
Higher No Not Employed car enhance quality of life in Aville.
Asheville
61 & The City of Degree or Over My personal
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $100,000 No Not Employed car

61 & The City of Over My personal

over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Some college $100,000 No Not Employed car
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

I do not work in a the possibility of money made available

I do not work in a i'm worried that asheville is experiencing
Master's tourism or for employment career training for
Master's tourism or overtourism and is at a crucial turning
61 & Black/African The City of Degree or Less than hospitality related My personal African American youth in low income
The City of Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
over American Female Asheville Higher $35,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car areas
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
Master's
In Buncombe
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
County, but
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about tourism plan & budgeting
not within Master's I work in a tourism funding for early ed, transportation,
Asheville City Degree or $50,000- Yes, there are 1-2 or hospitality My personal housing, work force, peer support
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Male limits Higher $75,000 children Employed Full-Time related sector car specialist training
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads

Temporarily out of the

61 & The City of $75,000- labor market (student, My personal
over
25 & Caucasian/White Female
Black/African Asheville
The City of Some
Less college
than high $100,000 Yes, Not Employed
No there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave, car want $ on infrastructure improvements
under American Male Asheville school children etc.) Bike cookies
In Buncombe i want to know how i can support
61 & Black/African County,
The City ofbut Bachelor's $75,000- maximizing
I do not work in a My personal interest in what
the imoney available
can share to our
pertaining to

PHASE 1
over American Male not within
Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed tourism or car community being spent on infrastructure
education
61 & Asheville City Bachelor's $50,000- hospitality related My personal & facilities that benefit locals as well as
over
61 & Caucasian/White Female limits Degree
Bachelor's $75,000
Over No Employed Part-Time sector My
carpersonal tourists.
over Caucasian/White Female The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed I do not work in a car
Asheville tourism or to provide feedback on the importance
61 & The City of Bachelor's
Bachelor's $75,000-
Over hospitality related My personal of tourism and how its assets should be
Mypersonal
Male The City of
Asheville Degree $100,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car allocated

137
over
41 to 60 Caucasian/White
Caucasian/White Male Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car just info
Asheville
I do not work in a
In Buncombe tourism or
County, but not
The City of Bachelor's $75,000- being that believes
61 & within the Bachelor's $50,000- hospitality related My
Mypersonal
personal we willpart
haveofa community
chance to affect tourism in
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

over
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female
Caucasian/White Male Asheville
Asheville City Degree
Degree $100,000
$75,000 No
No Employed
Not Full-Time
Employed sector car
car tourism
development management in AVL
limits

In Outside
Buncombeof Master's
Master's I Iwork tourism
workininaatourism
County, but not
Buncombe Over or hospitality
61
61&&
within the Degree
Degreeoror $75,000- or hospitality My
Mypersonal
personal opportunity to provide input.
over
over Caucasian/White Male
Caucasian/White Male County
Asheville City
Higher
Higher $100,000
$100,000 No
No Employed Full-Time
EmployedPart-Time related sector
relatedsector car
car advocating for the sport of tennis.
limits Master's
61 & The City of Degree or My personal interested in how TDA money can
over
61 & Caucasian/White Female The City of
Asheville Higher
Bachelor's Over No Not Employed car
My personal enhance quality of life in Aville.
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Master's I work in a tourism

61 & The City of Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal being able to take public interest into
over Latino/Hispanic Male Asheville Higher $100,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car account for priorities
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status
in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

Master's
61 & The City of Degree or I do not work in a worried that asheville
My personal i'mimprovements is experiencing
renovation wishes for
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Master's
Higher No tourism or car overtourism and is
Thomas Wolfe at a crucial turning
Auditorium
The Buncombe
In City of Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville
In Buncombe Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
County but notMaster's I work in a tourism
61 & within Bachelor's Less than or hospitality My personal excited to be a part of planning the
61 & The City of Degree or $50,000- My personal
over Caucasian/White Male Degree $35,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car direction of a "new Asheville"
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Higher
Asheville $75,000 No Not Employed car learn about tourism plan & budgeting
limits I do not work in a
Master's tourism or
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
The City of Degree or Over Yes, there are 1-2 hospitality related My personal would appreciate more transportation
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $100,000 children Employed Full-Time sector car options
Temporarily out of the
labor market (student,
25 & Black/African In Buncombe
The City of Less than high Yes, there are 3+ maternity/paternity leave, I do not work in a
under American Male Asheville
County but not school children etc.) tourism or Bike i want to have a voice as to where
cookies
within $35,000- hospitality related My personal tourism & goes - i have a strong focus on
41 to 60 Latino/Hispanic Female Asheville City Some college $50,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car improving transit in Asheville
61 & Black/African The City of
limits Bachelor's $75,000- My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
over American Male Asheville Degree $100,000 No Not Employed I do not work in a car education
In Buncombe

PHASE 1
tourism or
County but not
6161
&& Bachelor's
Bachelor's Over$75,000- hospitality relatedMyMy personal
personal
within
over
over Caucasian/White Female The
Caucasian/WhiteFemale City of Degree
Degree $100,000
$100,000 NoNo Employed
Not Full-Time
Employed sector carcar curiosity
Asheville City
Asheville
limits I do not work in a
61 & Bachelor's
Master's Over tourism or My personal
In Buncombe
The City of
over Caucasian/White Male County but not DegreeDegree or $100,000
$75,000- No Not Employed hospitality relatedcarMy personal just info
Tell you how to spend your money-
Asheville

138
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female within Higher $100,000 No Employed Full-Time sector car suggestion-
InAsheville
BuncombeCity
County,
limitsbut not Temporarily out of the
61 & within the Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

Outside of labor market (student,

over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Degree No Not Employed car development management in AVL
Prefer not Bachelor's $75,000 maternity/paternity leave,
limits
Buncombe
41 to 60 Other to answer Degree No etc.) Other
County
In Buncombe
In Buncombe Master's I work in a tourism
County, but not
61 & within the
In Buncombe Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
over
61 & Caucasian/White Male Asheville
County City
but not Higher
Bachelor's $100,000
Over No Employed Part-Time related sector carMy personal advocating for the
Want to stay sport
in the of tennis.
loop. Hopefully get
limits Master's
over Caucasian/White Female within Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car support (honest answer)
61 & Asheville City Degree or
The City of My personal interested in how TDA money can
over Caucasian/White Female limits Higher No Not Employed I do not work in a car enhance quality of life in Aville.
Asheville
Master's tourism or
In Buncombe
61 & County but not Degree or hospitality related My personal
over Male within Higher No sector car Music Hall
Asheville City
limits
Master's I work in a tourism
The City of Degree or $35,000- or hospitality My personal
26 to 40 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $50,000 No Employed Full-Time related sector car to understand why/how funds are used
 Does your My primary
Do you live Household household have Tourism-Related form of Why are you here today? What excites
Station #1 - Tell Us About Yourself

Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Education Employment Status

in... Income children under Employment transportation you about this process?
18? is...

I work in a tourism
61 & The City of Over I do
or not work in a
hospitality My personal i'm worried that asheville is experiencing
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Master's
Some college $100,000 No Employed Full-Time tourism or
related sector car overtourism
Getting theand is at a crucial
community turning
engaged
The City of Degree or $50,000- hospitality related My personal point now. we are about to lose/ruin
41 to 60 Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher $75,000 No Employed Part-Time sector car what makes asheville so special
I live downtown and am concerned
Master's
Master's about the impact of tourism and the
61 & The City of Degree personal

PHASE 1
61 & The City of Degree
oror $50,000-
Over MyMy personal steps that can be taken to improve
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $75,000 Not Employed learn tourism plan budgeting
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville Higher $100,000 NoNo Not Employed carcar Asheville
aboutfor tourists and& residents.

61 & The City of Bachelor's $50,000- My personal just curious about why all this tourism
I would like to see more of these
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car money can't pave our roads
resources going back into the
I do not work in a community to enhance educational
Master's Temporarily out of the tourism or opportunities for our residents, support

139
The City of Degree or $75,000- labor market (student, hospitality related My personal for the arts, and protection for the
2526
& to 40 Black/African
Caucasian/White Male The City of
Asheville Less than high
Higher $100,000 Yes,
No there are 3+ maternity/paternity
Employed Full-Timeleave, sector car environment.
under American Male In Buncombe
Asheville school children etc.) Bike cookies
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

In Buncombe Temporarily out of the

County but labor market (student,
61 & Black/African Thenot of
Citywithin Bachelor's $75,000- My personal interest in what i can share pertaining to
25
over & Black/African
American Male Degree $35,000-
High school $100,000 maternity/paternity
NoYes, there are 1-2Not Employed leave, car education
Asheville
Asheville City
under American Female diploma $50,000 children etc.)
limits
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
over Caucasian/White Female The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car
Asheville
61 & Bachelor's Over My personal
over Caucasian/White Male The City of Degree $100,000 No Not Employed car just info
Asheville
In Buncombe
County, but not
61 & within the Bachelor's $50,000- My personal we will have a chance to affect tourism
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Degree $75,000 No Not Employed car development management in AVL
limits

In Buncombe Master's I work in a tourism

County, but not
61 & within the Degree or $75,000- or hospitality My personal opportunity to provide input.
over Caucasian/White Male Asheville City Higher $100,000 No Employed Part-Time related sector car advocating for the sport of tennis.
limits Master's
61 & The City of Degree or My personal interested in how TDA money can
over Caucasian/White Female Asheville Higher No Not Employed car enhance quality of life in Aville.
 Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

Station #2 - Which projects have you interacted with?

The photo above is the results after all three public input workshops (dots continued to be added to the same board).

PHASE 1 140
 Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

Station #3 - Where do you live?

Station #4 - Where do you work?

The photos above is the results after all three public input workshops (dots continued to be added to the same boards).

PHASE 1 141

When we say “Tourism” or
“Tourism Industry”, what comes
to mind?
visitors spending money enabling
bctda to contribute to tourism vibrant downtown scene; fantastic
outreach and also ____ (unfinished) food & lodging options
a local industry that drives the
business economy through the
traveling public also resulting in an
improved quality of life for local
community
hotels, restaurants, tee-shirt shops, activities; the festivals; the
brewpubs
visitors coming to see our wonderful restaurants, retail, greenways,
PHASE 1
town
people visiting the town
142
businesses and services that help
attract and retain the interest of
outside visitors. marketing shops,
restaurants, entertainment, hotels,
restaurants, tours.
hotels, restaurants, festivals, music
events & concerts, air b&b, vrbo,
retail
places to stay for folks coming,
restaurants, entertainment
services for visitors
What are the assets of our
community that you feel are
enjoyed by both visitors and
residents?
local retail & restaurant small
businesses. outdoor adventures-
water, hiking, ziplining, camping,
culture, art museums, artists studio,
live music, drum circle
the arts & crafts traditions, the access
to beautiful country & outdoor
universities, music
museums
nature, bars, retail, restaurants, arts
most of the businesses and service
types do have some benefits for
everyone in the city, particularly
restaurants, entertainment,
wayfinding, shop
restaurants, music, concerts, art, city
walking, retail, greenways & other
outdoor recreation
the unusual qualities of some people
who live and work here, friendly
people who are helpful
national forests
What assets, if any, do you think
should be reserved for residents
alone?
none really - not appropriate to
exclude visitors if we depend
economically on our tourism
some parking, discounts
the tda could help fund some service
types for residents - such as worker
transportation - but even that could
be leveraged toward learnings and
operations that create a tourist
circulator
some parking downtown - sell city
parking stickers
If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
Do you go to
Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
Downtown Why or why not?
you set as your goals for your first six like the project team to be aware
Asheville?
months on the job? How would you do it? of.
walkable from montford many gain/regain collaboration w/asheville gov't;
Yes varied options regain a positive position w/loals
Station #5 - Tourism Survey
- assess current needs/input from locals -
we love it! great vibe, festive, prioritize top 3 goals - initiate a strong &
walkable, cultural events, great consistent community message to build
Yes food & gathering spots support
i hope we will invest in longterm
value projects: public
transportation, attractive
i think planning for ongoing listening and apartments & shops for residents of
i do avoid coming downtown participating by the local community is key. i all ages & economic situations; a
often because of traffic, lack of would focus equally on making it a wonderful symphony hall/performance arts
public transportation, crowds of place to live, shop, work as for tourists so space; trees & parks for seniors and
Yes spacey tourists asheville has depth worth visiting young children
Yes restaurants, bars, retail educate public on benefits of tourism
to push putting dollars into social justice & the
with a caveat that i don't spend
minority communities. to bring more awareness towards those
as much time as i used to due to communities and what they have to offer asheville & our
parking, increased traffic in tourists. promote minority leaders in our community
Yes restaurants & tourists
it is the hub of the city - a large
part of what makes this place make it clear that the tda funds projects that
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d
special. it is creative at its core, benefit locals while growing the share of the
even in the way that it engages funds that go toward these noble applications
Yes with tourism
could tourism dollars be used to
improve mass transit to get
residents and tourists to the places
evaluate ways investment in the asheville
work downtown, enjoy eating they want to go easily & quickly?
community can increase value for residents
and other things downtown, free shuttle on major corridors
and enjoyment for tourists. invest in
Yes enjoy shopping every 15 minutes
to eat, art galleries, shop, greenways, multimodal transportation,
movies, walk, drink, to enjoy the alternative transportation
Yes entertainment
infrastructure desperately needs improvement
we are starting a new eco-tourist
worker-owned coop that involves
half people of color & other
less and less because of the marginalized folks. you can contact
i would support eco-tourism that provides
traffic & congestion and alcohol- me at alinaever@gmail.com my
work for local folks, especially people of color
Yes focus of many businesses name is alinah ever. thanks.
& other marginalized communities
 What are the assets of our
When we say “Tourism” or
community that you feel are
“Tourism Industry”, what comes
enjoyed by both visitors and
to mind?
residents?
What assets, if any, do you think
should be reserved for residents
alone?
If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
Do you go to
Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
Downtown Why or why not?
you set as your goals for your first six like the project team to be aware
Asheville?
months on the job? How would you do it? of.

1)people
visitors from other
spending money areas spending
enabling because tda is about developing tourism, i'd
money
bctda to in
contribute
avl 2)lowtowages
tourism for vibrant downtown scene; fantastic work on getting
walkable from montford many gain/regain more visitors
collaboration w/asheville also
but i'd gov't;
service workers,
outreach and also bad
____working
(unfinished) food museums, nature
& lodging center, trails,
options Yes varied options regain
realizea that
positive community
the position must be healthy,
w/loals
conditions, schedules restaurants, entertainment venues none Yes love the food and entertainment safe and appealing in order to attract visitors
the hotel industry feels the occupancy 6% is
a local industry that drives the local retail & restaurant small contributed by them. it is not. it is paid by visitor
Station #5 - Tourism Survey

people with
business an interest
economy through in seeing
the & businesses. outdoor adventures- - assess current needs/input from locals - tourists. they deserve safe sidewalks, improved
doing something they work with authorities most roads, usable waterfront
traveling public also resulting
cannotindo anat water, hiking, ziplining, camping, none really - not appropriate to we love it! great vibe, festive, prioritize topstate
3 goals - initiatetoause
strong & of the
home. included
improved quality in
of this is visiting
life for local culture, art museums, artists studio, exclude visitors if we depend walkable, cultural events, great consistent
occupancycommunity
tax paid bymessage
visitors, to repair our
to build
restaurants, walking, learning an
community mountains,
live trees,
music, drum circle
breweries, biltmore economically on our tourism Yes music
food & gathering
shopping, spots infrastructure, roads, water, sidewalks,
restaurants, support
area's culture estate none Yes just for the energy of asheville greenways
i hope we will invest in longterm
value projects: public
tourism is not a problem. it is an
music. crafts. mountains. outdoor i would start a pr campaign about how transportation, attractive
opportunity to use outside revenue
i'm living in a nice place activities. restaurants. breweries. none Yes tourism
it's alive. it's why i retired here. i think planning
helps us for ongoing listening and apartments & shops for residents of
to improve our infrastructure
the arts & crafts traditions, the access i do avoid coming downtown participating by the local community is key. i all ages & economic situations; a
to beautiful country & outdoor instead of advertising for more
often because of traffic, lack of would focus equally on making it a wonderful symphony tourists, use
raising thehall/performance
parking fees for events
arts is
hotels, parking! variety
lack ofrestaurants, tee-shirt music, restaurants,
of shops, activities; festivals,
the festivals; the friendly public transportation, crowds of place the money
to live,to improve
shop, worktw as center for classical
for tourists so space; trees parks for seniors and
difficult for &
resident who sponsor
brewpubs atmosphere,
restaurant offerings. to many hotelsuniversities, breweries, arts,
music Yes spacey events, restaurants,
music tourists music, infrastructure,
asheville has depth worth more services to
visiting young
thesechildren
events - symphony particularly
- enough!
visitors crowded
coming to seeroads rt 26!
our wonderful museums, crafts,
restaurants, retail, biltmore
greenways, special parking permits for events Yes church residents in need

PHASE 1
town museums Yes restaurants, bars, retail educate public on benefits of tourism (illegible) city/county. in sum, how
do we continue a "good thing" w/o
facilitating non-residents to come to countless: natural setting, historic i moved here b/c i enjoy its understand more clearly what is
killing the golden egg laying goose -
share in our cultural and commercial architecture, diverse music forms, none. reserving these "assets" is aesthetic & cultural offerings; to push putting dollars into social justice & the
with a caveat that i don't spend needed/wanted by city/county elected & avl. (i.e. avl is not an inexhaustible
minority communities. to bring more awareness towards those
offerings so as to benefit them and food & bev, offered at high level of a)impossible & b)counter-productive. asalso,
much it attracts
b/ctime people
as i used to dueof to appointed officials and their voters/taxpayers
communities and what they have to offer asheville & our asset, s/b treated like an
local residents/infrastructure by creativity, accessible scale of the city, rather, focus on intelligent planning (i.e., intellectually to feel what is a fair/viable exchange of value
parking, tourists. promote minority leaders in our community
interestincreased traffic in "extractive" resource)
their relationship educational resources management Yes in the relationship between "tourists"
people visiting the town nature, bars, retail, restaurants, arts some
& opsparking, discounts Yes restaurants
stimulating)& tourists

143
restaurants, performing arts, br the tda could help fund some service
businesses and services that help parkway,
most of theoutdoor recreation,
businesses and service types (other
nonefor than the
residents restaurant
- such i
as worker itrestaurants,
is the hub ofattend
the city
a - a large evaluate tourism's impact on community
attract and retain the interest of galleries,
types interesting
do have some benefits
shops for transportation
can't get into)- but even that could Yes performance,
part of what makesmeetings
this place make
assetsit -clear
then that
plan the
howtda to protect
funds projects
them that
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

outside visitors. marketing shops, everyone in the city, particularly be leveraged toward learnings and special. it is creative at its core, benefit locals while growing the share of the
businesses (illegible) cater to or serve out of town work on reallocating the marketing funds and
restaurants,
visitors. this is aentertainment, hotels,
great place to live and we enjoy restaurants, entertainment, operations that create a tourist even in the way that it engages funds that go toward these noble applications the city is overly burdened by the
would put them toward assistance in
sharing it.
restaurants, tours. wayfinding, shop circulator Yes with tourism impacts of tourism but does not
greenways, museums, theaters, i love downtown asheville. it is maintenance and creation/extensions of
receive the lion's share of the funds
parks, sidewalks, bike lanes, shuttles, beautiful and there are many infrastructure like greenways, sidewalks, bike could tourism dollars be used to
from hotel taxes
parking garages nothing - and i am a native ashevillian Yes things to do here lanes, parking, shuttles improve mass transit to get
residents and tourists to the places
evaluate
work with ways investment
local in the asheville
& state government
hotels,
hotels,restaurants,
conferences, music restaurants, music, concerts, art, city it would be nice to reserve some
festivals, welcome work downtown, enjoy eating to limit they want go easily & quickly?
we need to think long & hard about
parking downtown for locals, but i love the restaurants & galleries community
hotels to acan
sustainable
increase level
value- for residents
maybe
events concerts, air
center,&pamphlets, b&b, vrbo,
marketing walking, retail, greenways & other and other things downtown, too late. free shuttle on major corridors
how many tourists we can sustain
& local shops, but i don't go on and enjoyment
work for tourists.
to discourage the deterioration
invest in of
retail outdoor recreation there's too little parking in general. Yes enjoy shopping every 15 minutes
and what kinds of tourists we want
restaurants,
the galleries,
unusual qualities ofthe arts,
some parks, hotels need to provide more parking
people tothe weekend
eat, art galleries, busy & can't greenways,
- too shop, neighborhoods multimodal
by strs.transportation,
support affordable
to attract
places to stay for folks coming, hiking,
who livewaterfalls
and work here, friendly for their
some guests
parking and locals
downtown - sell city Yes movies, housing. transportation
park walk, drink, to enjoy the alternative
restaurants, entertainment people who are helpful parking stickers Yes entertainment
infrastructure
tda must get desperately
engagementneeds city and
from improvement
my livelihood, black socks &
county leaders to created a shared vision for we are starting a new eco-tourist
cameras, crowds, beer
restaurants & breweries, many tpdf our community that preserves the best parts worker-owned coop that involves
funded projects, biltmore, parkway, for work and fun - dining, music, of our past, addresses challenges, and half people of color & other
mountains, river Yes less
etc.and less because of the positions us for sustainable growth.. marginalized folks. you can contact
strong economy, entertainment, fun and
traffic entertaining
& congestion place.
and just i would support eco-tourism that provides
alcohol- me at alinaever@gmail.com
please fix thomas wolfe andmy
make it
it up and get rid ofwork for local
expand folks, especially
recreational assets inpeople of color
the community
restaurants,
services for visitors
hotels, traffic, strains on national forests Yes focus
needoftomany
cleanbusinesses name is alinah
a great music ever.
hall thanks.
the mountains, the arts, the food none Yes the bums! other
&for marginalized communities
everyone
infrastructure, breweries

great food, great entertainment, tax

revenue
 What are the assets of our
When we say “Tourism” or
community that you feel are
“Tourism Industry”, what comes
enjoyed by both visitors and
to mind?
residents?
What assets, if any, do you think
should be reserved for residents
alone?
If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
Do you go to
Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
Downtown Why or why not?
you set as your goals for your first six like the project team to be aware
Asheville?
months on the job? How would you do it? of.

hotels
visitorshotels hotels,
spending crowds,
money trash,
enabling
bad
bctdasidewalks, no parking,
to contribute traffic.
to tourism vibrant downtown scene; fantastic walkable from montford many gain/regain collaboration w/asheville gov't;
no
outreach in residents.
interestand all you care
also ____ (unfinished) food & lodging options Yes varied options regain a positive position w/loals
about are the taxes we pay. lack of drum circle, less & less for residents. all the trees @ ii collier avenue. our listen to the residents. find out what we want. keeping asheville green. save the
safety. industry
a local less of community
that drivesforthe local
all retail
about restaurant
the&tourists. small
restaurants to private neighborhoods, church street how to preserve our sense of a residential trees. declare ii collier wood
business economy through the
residents. businesses.
some degree.outdoor adventures- night time Yes i live in dt asheville - assess current
community. saveneeds/input
the trees from locals - historic & preserve it
Station #5 - Tourism Survey

traveling public also resulting in an water, hiking, ziplining, camping, none really - not appropriate to we love it! great vibe, festive, prioritize top 3 goals - initiate a strong &
improved quality of life for local culture, art museums, artists studio, exclude visitors if we depend walkable, cultural events, great help
consistent the homeless
addresscommunity displaced
message by the
to build
overnight
community visitors, day visitors, parks,
live music, spaces,
publicdrum sidewalks,
circle economically on our tourism Yes live and
i food work in west
& gathering spotsAVL, i river project. w. AVL needs support: trash
support west avl is a tourist destination -
people who do not live in AVL, bikelanes, walking paths, attractions, avoid downtown because its cans, bathrooms, visitors center. address and we need to address what is
i hope we will invest in longterm
spending $ in AVL restaurants, arts, culture Yes busy and overcrowded drug use/homessness going on at the street level
value projects: public
big part of the economy. visitors transportation, attractive
who may invest here in the future. i think planning for ongoing listening and apartments & shops for residents of
the arts & crafts
great amenities for visitors that also restaurants, traditions,
theaters, the access
civic center, i do avoid
exciting, coming
diverse businesses,
downtownand participating by the local community is key. i all ages & economic situations; a
benefit local residents to beautiful country & outdoor
parks none Yes often because
people. theaters,
of music. would focus
traffic, lack of exactly equally
what you are on making
doing now!it a wonderful symphony hall/performance arts
hotels, restaurants, tee-shirt shops, activities; the festivals; the public transportation, crowds of place to live, shop, work as for tourists so space; trees & parks for seniors and
brewpubs
tourists universities,
downtown artmusic
galleries Yes
Yes i spacey tourists
live downtown asheville
safety has depth
downtown worth
(more visiting
police) support ABID! young children
visitors coming to see our wonderful restaurants, retail, greenways,
tourists,
town public and private facilities too museums
broad question none Yes
Yes restaurants,
live there bars, retail support public
educatethe on benefits of tourism
community safety and accessibility

PHASE 1
hotels, restaurants, attractions, i towould do more forums like this one to truly
push putting dollars into social justice & the
shows, plays, concerts, outdoor the beauty of the environments, and with
for thea caveat
restaurants, don't spend
that i attractions, understand residents
minority communities.
what to bring morewant
awareness
andtowards
whatthose
activities surroundings plus everything in #1 Yes concerts time as i used to due to
as much atmosphere communities
visitors wantand what they have to offer asheville & our
lack of parking
parking, is a (huge)
increased traffic in tourists. promote minority leaders in our community
people visiting the town nature, bars, retail, restaurants, arts some parking, discounts Yes deterrent
restaurants that
& is getting much
tourists
the views and natural environment much worse. soon i'll not be get some of that money shook loose to pay
the tda could help fund some service
money interests destroying our that is sadly being degraded and able to come downtown for infrastructure that is terribly
businesses and services that help most of the businesses and service types for residents - such as worker it is the hub of the city - a large

144
community for gain disappearing Yes anymore overburdened by all the outsiders
attract and retain the interest of types do have some benefits for transportation - but even that could part of what makes this place make it clear that the tda funds projects that
outside visitors. marketing shops, everyone in the city, particularly be leveraged toward learnings and special. it is creative at its core, benefit
try locals
to find a waywhile growing
to assist with the share of the
downtown
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

restaurants,
restaurants, entertainment, hotels, climate, entertainment,
entertainment, interesting operations
no restrictions
that- open tourist
createtoaall - we can even in the way that it engages funds that go toward
infrastructure these
(sidewalks, noble applications
parking, traffic,
$,restaurants,
jobs, issuestours. wayfinding,
people, shop
history, architecture, mts. circulator
share Yes
Yes i with tourism
live on haywood st. signalization to minimize congestion) keep up the good work!
could tourism dollars be used to
public space, breweries, restaurants, work, food - more so now that i investment/interest in transportation
improve mass transit to get
outside dollars, lots and lots of national and state parks, trail work downtown, before it was a connects beyond asheville/into asheville.
residents and tourists to the places
people systems, greenways $ Yes headache to find parking primarily
evaluate train, regional bike/greenways.
ways investment in the asheville
hotels, restaurants, festivals, music restaurants, music, concerts, art, city work downtown, enjoy eating they want to go easily & quickly?
downtown. i own my community
develop can increase
a divers value for residents
team (planners,
events & concerts, air b&b, vrbo, walking, retail, greenways & other i and
workother things downtown, free shuttle on major corridors
company & the benefits of environmental, for tourists.
and enjoyment business rep,invest
etc. not
in just
retail outdoor recreation Yes enjoy shopping every 15 minutes
disruption of local quality of life if the unusual qualities of some people to eat, art
working downtown shop,
galleries,are greenways,
tourism folksmultimodal
cause theytransportation,
only appear to care a
focus
placesontoonly for folks
stay"heads in coming,
beds". it who live and work here, friendly some parking downtown - sell city movies, walk,
becoming drink, to enjoy
less attractive. alternative
the lot
access transportation
more hotels or what is best for hotel
restaurants,
means entertainment
don't go downtown on the people who are helpful parking stickers Yes toentertainment
food is great but impacts owners), to select projects, develop better
infrastructure desperately needs improvement
weekend to get out of the office on natural beauty, sports events, it's the amount of tourists not the from # of people & homeless vision beyond "heads in beds" w/focus on
we are starting a new eco-tourist
friday as quick as possible breweries, the riverfront assets that should be secret Yes has been an issue locals for projects
worker-owned coop that involves
the
halfunhoused
people ofpoor
colorare scapegoats;
& other
all TDA assets should 1st be used to less and less because of the we must first assure
marginalized folks. you all are
thatcan contact
i would support eco-tourism that provides
enhance city needs: respectful i traffic low-income
live in & congestionsenior
and alcohol- treated
me at alinaever@gmail.com
w/dignity and respectmy and
work for local folks, especially people of color
hotels
services concrete
likefor visitors bunkers, national forests interactions between residents, local Yes housing.
focus of imany the midst of the TDA is undemocratic - the people of the city basic
live inbusinesses namehuman needs
is alinah all are met.
ever.ofthanks.
& other marginalized communities
crowded, littered sidewalks, workers & the tourist hoards can be endless hotel construction & should be in charge of how funds are funding breweries will not help
drunken "frat" boys on pub cycles, encouraged in community gardens, loss of urban trees; crass pub dispersed. support public libraries, transit, mitigate impacts of coming climate
traffic snarls shindig on green, pack library outdoor music & such Yes cycles & dangerous sidewalks sidewalks, gardens, trees, etc. disasters
 What are the assets of our
When we say “Tourism” or
community that you feel are
“Tourism Industry”, what comes
enjoyed by both visitors and
to mind?
residents?
What assets, if any, do you think
should be reserved for residents
alone?
If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
Do you go to
Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
Downtown Why or why not?
you set as your goals for your first six like the project team to be aware
Asheville?
months on the job? How would you do it? of.

visitors spending money enabling i live nearby, so i walk often identify what are the assets both locals and
bctda to contribute to tourism vibrant downtown scene; fantastic walkable access).
(easier tofrom i love the
montford many tourists value
gain/regain and put a committee(s)
collaboration to help
w/asheville gov't;
people from
outreach andout town/area
alsoof____ (unfinished) the great
food outdoors,
& lodging the arts &
options Yes varied
local options preserve,
regain a positive invest in
expand,position those assets.
w/loals
visiting/experiencing/spending their creative community, good food (both i'm not sure anything should just be business/restaurants/entertain (focusing on local & independent
local industry
amoney that drives the
in the area local
chefsretail & restaurant
& access to food) small for residents Yes ment business/people, etc.)
Station #5 - Tourism Survey

business
too many! economy
overcrowding! the
through nowhere businesses. outdoor adventures- - assess current needs/input from locals -
traveling
to park! can't also
publicget resulting
into in an
my favorite water, hiking, ziplining, camping, none really - not appropriate to we
notlove
veryit! great
often, vibe, festive,
because there is prioritize top 3 goals - initiate a strong &
improved
restaurantquality of life for local culture,
biltmoreart museums, artists studio, exclude visitors if we depend Yes walkable,
nowhere to cultural i wouldn't take
park! events, great consistent community
the damn message
job! to build
community live music, drum circle economically on our tourism Yes food & gathering spots explain/interact with AVL residents to
support
attraction of out-of-towners and its museums, restaurants, movies, presence of attractive sites, determine how to make tourism more
i hope we will invest in longterm
effect on AVL residents athletics, etc. Yes restaurants, shops, movies, etc. beneficial to AVL residents.
value projects: public
events (like this) to demonstrate willingness transportation, attractive
listen to local residents on regular basis. projects that benefit
hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, scenery, casual attitudes & dress, no itothink planning for ongoing listening and apartments & shops for residents of
both local users and tourists (i.e., indoor pool used by schools as concerned about age and condition
entertainment, sports, education, the
big town
arts &traffic traditions,
crafts(except i-26the access
south of do avoid
imeals, coming
shows, downtown
people watching, participating
well)
by the local community is key. i all of water economic
ages &and situations;
sewer lines over 50a
conferences, music to beautiful country & outdoor
town) none Yes often
museumsbecause of traffic, lack of would focus equally on making it a wonderful symphony hall/performance arts
years in place
hotels, restaurants, tee-shirt shops, activities; the festivals; the we love
public the liveliness of
transportation, the city
crowds of place
investingto live,
tourism work as
shop,profits for tourists so
in street/sidewalk space; trees & parks for seniors and
brewpubs universities, river activities, art, music,
restaurants, music Yes vibe! we
spacey are proud of our
tourists asheville
improvements has depth worth visiting young children
visitors
lots of visitors! to see our wonderful
coming hotels restaurants,
hiking retail, greenways, none Yes "hometown"

PHASE 1
town museums Yes restaurants, bars, retail understand
educate where
public all the funding
on benefits is going.
of tourism
review regulatory/statutory provisions that
dictate how funds are spent. communicate to
to push putting dollars into social justice & the
restaurants, parks, entertainment with a caveat that i don't spend residents what the TDA has done
minority communities. to bring more awareness towards those
visitors to our area venues, movie theaters, shopping none Yes as much
love the vibe
time -asplenty
i usedtotododue to communities and what they have to offer asheville & our
parking, increased traffic in tourists.
definepromote minority leaders
an attraction in our community
- outlining steps to be
living outside
people visitinglocal
the town park, river
area, working to nature, arts
bars, district,
retail, city parks,
restaurants, arts some parking, discounts Yes restaurants & tourists successful
make tourist welcome. festivals, museums none Yes for event and dining

145
the tda could help fund some service freeze on hotels, analyze money situation and do not overbuild, consider the
businesses and services that help most of the businesses and service types for residents - such as worker it is the hub of the city - a large work with planning commission and resident infrastructure that exists and try not
attract
bringingand retain
people into interest
theour city toof types have
peopledoare some benefits
wonderful. numerousfor transportation but even
infrastructure --roads, that could
sidewalks, part of what makes this place make
input it clear that the tda funds projects that to do what every joe wants. be
outside visitors.
experience marketing shops,
its vibe everyone the city, particularly
events andinactivities for all ages be leveraged toward learnings and
perks Yes special.
shop, hair,
it istheater, at its
creativeeat, etc.core, benefit while growing the
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

infrastructure
locals improvements. we share
must of the sensible.
restaurants, entertainment, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, operations that create a tourist even in the way that it engages funds provide that go toward
enough roadways
thesetonoblemeetapplications
the needs
restaurants, tours. wayfinding, shop circulator Yes with tourism & #s in town. must work with DOT, city & do we have enough hotels?
providing services & hospitality to parks & attractions, arts, restaurants, enjoy the ambiance, church, county officials probably. can middle class afford to
could tourism dollars be used to
visitors, economic impact sports none - why should we not share Yes walk around & see the diversity live in asheville? probably not.
improve mass transit to get
to be sure $ from tourism are channeled to residents and tourists to the places
evaluate
benefit and ways investment
equalize in the asheville
opportunities for
hotels, restaurants, festivals, music restaurants, music, concerts, art, city work downtown, enjoy eating they want to go easily & quickly?
community can increase value
residents (taxpayers). draft a budget that for residents
events & concerts, air b&b, vrbo, walking, retail, greenways & other and other things downtown, free shuttle on major corridors
and enjoyment
prioritized for tourists.
the needs of all people
invest of
in all
retail outdoor recreation Yes enjoy shopping every 15 minutes
visitors who come to our area for the unusual qualities of some people to eat, art galleries, shop, greenways,
economic status multimodal
and esp. transportation,
focus on improving
the special
places aspects
to stay of our
for folks coming, who live and work here, friendly some parking downtown - sell city alternative transportation
movies, walk, drink, to enjoy the life for those who need additional resources
restaurants, art, natural beauty -
community -entertainment people who are helpful parking stickers Yes entertainment and community access - transportation, the incredible discrepancy between
tourism implies money brought to arts, natural beauty, culinary arts, infrastructure desperately needs improvement the wealthy and the poor, majority
housing, education.
we are starting a new eco-tourist
the community retail opportunity, parks Yes to enjoy the arts, food, to walk and minority in asheville
worker-owned coop that involves
people people people downtown, parks, parkway none Yes love it. down here all the time. fix sidewalks. fun & maintenance of our art. half people of color & other
less and less because of the marginalized folks. you can contact
i would support eco-tourism that provides
parks (such as they are), restaurants, traffic & congestion and alcohol- divert more of the hotel tax from promoting me at alinaever@gmail.com my
work for local folks, especially people of color
services for visitors breweries,
national the surrounding
forests Yes i volunteer
focus of many withbusinesses
friends of pack asheville to promoting the well-being of the name is alinah ever. thanks.
& other marginalized communities
enjoyment for visitors, destruction mountains, smokies, blue ridge library bookshop, which sells to citizens; especially through affordable housing
of our attractive, historic city parkway, national forests keep hotels out of the downtown Yes visitors as well as locals. and developing the park at haywood/page

When we say “Tourism” or
“Tourism Industry”, what comes
to mind?
visitors spending money enabling
bctda to contribute to tourism vibrant downtown scene; fantastic
outreach and also ____ (unfinished) food & lodging options
a local industry that drives the
business economy through the
traveling public also resulting in an
improved quality of life for local
community
travel, hotels, camping, beach,
nature, architecture, sightseeing,
leisure, learning about other places, activities opportunities, biltmore
eating out, new flavors
money and traffic
hotels, restaurants,
visitors coming intotee-shirt shops, activities; the festivals; the
a community
brewpubs
"on tour" they're literally driving
visitors coming
through, to see our
and visiting wonderful restaurants, retail, greenways,
a non-native
town
place. why not connect
PHASE 1
w/community? tourism industry -
art, music, food, events, theaters,
festivals, farming?
people visiting the town
visitors spending money on food &
146
businesses
hotels and services that help
attract and retain the interest of
outside visitors. marketing shops, everyone
restaurants, entertainment, hotels, restaurants,
restaurants,
bringing or tours.
attracting visitors to our wayfinding,
area, attracting conventions,
industry, jobs
hotels, restaurants, festivals, music
visitors, hospitality industry, hotels,
events & concerts, air b&b, vrbo,
dining
retail
more people, more events, trouble
parking
places to stay for folks coming,
restaurants, entertainment
people coming from all over to
enjoy the wide variety of natural &
man-made attractions in WNC/AVL
services for visitors
What are the assets of our If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
What assets, if any, do you think Do you go to
community that you feel are Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
should be reserved for residents Downtown Why or why not?
enjoyed by both visitors and you set as your goals for your first six like the project team to be aware
alone? Asheville?
residents? months on the job? How would you do it? of.
i would like the TDA to pay special
walkable from montford many gain/regain collaboration w/asheville gov't; attention to projects that preserve
Yes varied options regain a positive position w/loals the character of asheville in terms
of landscape and architecture. i
local retail & restaurant small would provide funding for more
Station #5 - Tourism Survey
businesses. outdoor adventures- - assess current needs/input from locals - frequent and free of charge public
water, hiking, ziplining, camping, none really - not appropriate to we love it! great vibe, festive, prioritize top 3 goals - initiate a strong & transit within downtown or even
culture, art museums,
the proximity artists studio,
of the mountains, exclude visitors if we depend walkable, cultural events, great consistent community message to build beyond. please preserve the
live music,
views, drum
clean air,circle
cooler air than in economically on our tourism Yes food & gathering spots support
educate the citizens what TDA does, especially historically and ecologically
many other nearby cities, outdoor on how the funding/grant process works. significant
i hope spaces
we will investsuch as the ii
in longterm
car travel in downtown, visitors collier
through public meetings, newspaper articles, value ave. wood
projects: on the forever
public
estate, sidewalks should walk or shuttles Yes i live there. mainstream media, mailings transportation, ravenscroft school
campus of theattractive
i think planning for ongoing listening and apartments & shops for residents of
views
the arts&&weather
crafts traditions, the access land space Yes to go
i do to meetings
avoid coming downtown getting money
participating by the underserved
intolocal community communities
is key. i all ages & economic situations; a
to beautiful country & outdoor often because of traffic, lack ofwould
i would focus
holdequally
communityon making it a wonderful
listening sessions, symphony hall/performance arts
public transportation, crowds of place
hearto what
live,needs
shop, are. as for tourists
worki would create so space; trees & parks for seniors and
universities, music Yes spacey tourists asheville
tournamentshas depththat worth visiting
are city/county/TDA young children
discount for locals! affordable sponsored by/for local orgs, schools and
museums housing, discounted Yes restaurants, bars, retail educate
community on benefits
publicorgs...can enterof tourism
into & win prizes.
services...wellness services, venue i would sponsor business incubation & artists designing evolution (ADE
rental, tickets & admissions, food, push putting dollars
meetings, events, music, art, tonetworking into social
events justice & the
to inspire tourism project) would love to partner with
with a caveat that i don't spend
groceries - vote with your dollar! Yes festivals & food! minority communities. to bring more awareness towards those
enterprise. you! thanks, Cortina!
as much time as i used to due to communities and what they have to offer asheville & our
parking, increased traffic in tourists. promote minority leaders in our community my primary interest is support for
nature, bars, retail, restaurants, arts some parking, discounts Yes restaurants & tourists the industry that brings many
the tda could help fund some service to take advantage of the i would allocate more money to support our people to asheville - the arts -
most music
foodof&the businesses
outdoorandactivities
service types or discount
free for residentsparking
- such as residents Yes
forworker it business
is the hubofferings theater,
of the city food local artists & arts organizations
- a large something like 31 million dollars
types do have some benefits for transportation - but even that could part of what makes this place make it clear that the tda funds projects that i hear a lot of complaints about
in the city, particularly be leveraged toward learnings and special. it is creative at its core, benefit locals while growing the share of the
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d
the art community, non food, tourists, i realize they bring in
downtown,entertainment,
the mountains & all the operations that create a tourist even in the way that it engages funds that go toward these noble applications needed revenue - but i do not feel
National Parks
shop& area offer in terms circulator
special rates, discount at restaurants,Yes with tourism i would allot (given total control) money from we need to spend the enormous
of outdoor activities, music, weather, perhaps retail - as a full-time resident enjoy theatre, restaurants, art the hotels for the art industry (artists) & amount
could tourism
of $ dollars
that webe doused
on to
friendly citizens a break on my property taxes Yes events, walkable public transportation promoting
improve mass tourism less
transit-to getmarketing
residents and tourists to the places
evaluate ways investment in the asheville artists designing evolution (ADE
restaurants, music, concerts, art, city work downtown, enjoy eating they want to go easily & quickly?
affordable housing, discounted fix traffic, not
community can sure, maybe
increase valueencourage more
for residents project) would love to partner with
walking, retail, greenways & other and other things downtown, free shuttle on major corridors
environment, shopping, arts services Yes for work, dining public
and transportation,
enjoyment walking
for tourists. paths,
invest in etc. you! thanks, Tarah Singh
outdoor recreation Yes enjoy shopping every 15 minutes
because i live and work analyze impact
greenways, of future
multimodal tourism growth with
transportation,
the unusual qualities of some people to eat, art galleries, shop,
the outdoors n/a Yes downtown locals
alternative transportation
who live and work here, friendly some parking downtown - sell city movies, walk, drink, to enjoy the
people who are
mountains, helpful
rivers, hiking trails, many parking stickers Yes entertainment working to change legislation allow the 25% hotel development should be
infrastructure desperately needstoimprovement
attractions such as nature center, hmmm...maybe parking for portion of the hotel tax revenue to be used we regulated by the
are starting market,
a new not by the
eco-tourist
breweries, music venues, other "employees/locals" only...don't think city council. allow
not as often as a few years ago - for infrastructure, affordable housing, etc., worker-owned coop market forces to
that involves
cultural attractions we should exclude anyone though Yes overly touristy not just tourist attractions determine
half people ofsupply.
color & other
less and less because of the marginalized folks. you can contact
i would support eco-tourism that provides
traffic & congestion and alcohol- me at alinaever@gmail.com my
work for local folks, especially people of color
national forests Yes focus of many businesses name is alinah ever. thanks.
& other marginalized communities
 What are the assets of our
When we say “Tourism” or
community that you feel are
“Tourism Industry”, what comes
enjoyed by both visitors and
to mind?
residents?
What assets, if any, do you think
should be reserved for residents
alone?
If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
Do you go to
Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
Downtown Why or why not?
you set as your goals for your first six like the project team to be aware
Asheville?
months on the job? How would you do it? of.

visitors spending money enabling there has been pressure from

bctda to contribute to tourism vibrant downtown scene; fantastic walkable from montford many gain/regain collaboration w/asheville gov't; businesses promoting scooters.
outreach and also ____ (unfinished) food & lodging options Yes varied options regain a positive position w/loals these are potentially dangerous for
users & pedestrians and our
a local industry that
the interesting drives
things the
(art, music, local retail & restaurant small get legislators to change the required roadways are not equipped to
business economy
scenery) that ourthrough
town andthearea businesses. outdoor
arts & craft, music, adventures-
scenery, unique housing - air B&B, VRBO have ruined i live downtown and use services- assessmandate current needs/input
of funding. reach from out tolocals
local - accommodate them. i'd like to see
traveling water, hiking, camping, none appropriate to great vibe, festive, prioritize top 3 goals - initiate strong &
Station #5 - Tourism Survey

have topublic
offer also resulting in an shops, greatziplining,
food communities
really - not(Austen, Portland) Yes we&loveshopsit! here organizations that may need afunding. the TA come out against them.
improved quality of life for local culture, art museums, artists studio, exclude visitors if we depend walkable, cultural events, great consistent community message to build
community live music, drum circle economically on our tourism Yes food & gathering spots support
figure out how to invest in the community in a
different way, in order for residents to feel i hope we will invest in longterm
they are benefitting from the occupancy tax - value projects: public
in a way, that more directly addresses our transportation, attractive
restaurants, breweries, natural i think planning
challenges for ongoing
- housing, listening and
transportation, apartments
we need to&beshops for residents
thinking of
not just of
traditions,
arts & craftscivic
excitement, fun, things to do, pride theenvironment, center,the access
nature i do avoid coming downtown participating
infrastructures by the local community
childcare. i would shift is key. ages & economic
howi allchanging situations;
the percentage a
that goes
beautiful
in our city, crowds, energy, local tocenter, country & outdoor
greenways/parks, galleries, often because of traffic, lack of would the tax focus equally
is split and on making
broaden the wonderful
it auses for non- symphony hall/performance
to the TPDF but also broadening
arts in
hotels, restaurants, tee-shirt shops, activities;
business the festivals; the
local stores none Yes public
walk,transportation,
fun, to eat crowds of place
marketing
to live,$shop, work as for tourists so space;
the statute parks
trees &how it can seniors
for be used.and
brewpubs universities, music Yes spacey tourists asheville has depth worth visiting young children
create a tiny home village w/transport for
visitors coming to see our wonderful restaurants, retail, greenways,
homeless folks. create a shuttle system to
town museums Yes restaurants, bars, retail educate public on benefits of tourism
- very little - sometimes it takes ease the driving/parking issues. create a as tourism has increased

PHASE 1
people from all over the world beautiful mountains, lakes, creeks & 20 minutes to go 1 mile. at forum for local artists to be able to speak to significantly in west asheville, we
to push putting dollars into social justice & the
coming to our beautiful city. also rivers. incredible artists, amazing night,
with i no longer
a caveat that i feel
don'tsafe. too their needs. extend public transport hours.
spend are burdened with higher crime,
minority communities. to bring more awareness towards those
traffic, drunk people, more crime, music! kind people. healers asmany
muchdrunks.
time asnot enough
i used get public
to due to communities andrestrooms,
what they have parking, visitor's
to offer asheville & our center more homelessness, and greater
locals being pushed out everywhere! none Yes parking,
parkingincreased traffic in tourists.
in westpromote minority leaders in our community
asheville need for public parking & restrooms
people visiting the town nature, bars, retail, restaurants, arts some parking, discounts Yes restaurants & tourists

thealltda
should
couldbehelp
shared
fundbutsome service
parks and building bridges - collaborations with a extremely important to knit
businesses and services that help most
levelofofthe businesses
"city" culture and service
vibrantly mixed types for residents
performance - such
spaces as worker
should be it is the hub of the city - a large (illegible) of non-profits, for profits and the

147
together city priorities with tourism priorities. the
attract and retain the interest of types
withdoour have some benefits
wilderness assets, for
especiallytransportation
especially "tilted" even that
- but toward could
those who part
love what
ofto come makes this place
downtown but make clear that
city. itbuilding jointthe
goals
tda (rising projects
funds tide that
lifts all balance is crucial. we're currently over-muscled on

outside visitors. everyone in the city, particularly leveraged toward learnings and special. it is creative its core, benefit the tourism side. both need to work and mesh.
ebb and flow ofmarketing
guests to shops,
our city those nearby belive here; i.e. local events Yes avoid "crazy" crowdattime ships) locals while growing the share of the
restaurants, entertainment, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, operations that create a tourist even in the way that it engages funds that go toward these noble applications
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

restaurants, tours. wayfinding, shop circulator Yes with tourism

unique & vibrant downtown with shouldn't promote everything we listening to residents & local businesses - want to see more investment in
could tourism dollars be used to
many local businesses; local have, so we can retain some spaces learning what they love & what is special community infrastructure & assets -
improve mass transit to get
arts/artists & music; walkable which are quieter and less visited. about asheville, & also about challenges & especially greenways, sidewalks &
residents and tourists to the places
& neighborhoods; people will find some of these special i love asheville- evaluate
concernsways investment
& then developinathe asheville
work plan that bikeways & parks - to improve city
hotels, restaurants, festivals, music restaurants,
downtownmusic, concerts, art,natural
city work downtown,
downtownenjoy eating they want to go easily & quickly?
visitors, & resources places on their own, too much walking restaurants, community can increase value for
honors our people and place andresidents
addresses for all. i would also like to see more
events & concerts,
attractingairvisitors,
b&b, vrbo, walking,
beautyretail, greenways
- for&viewing,
other and other around,
things downtown, free shuttle on major corridors
promoting our community camping, fishing, etc. promotion can destroy places. Yes music venues, church, events... and enjoyment for tourists. invest in
challenges investment in transit (for visitors and
retail outdoor
hiking,recreation Yes enjoy shopping every 15 minutes
the unusual qualities of some people to eat, art galleries, shop, greenways, multimodal transportation, locals) and police/safety & trash
explore
places asheville
to stay - TDA
for folks , too many who live and work here, friendly
coming, some parking downtown - sell city i go downtown
movies, walk, drink, work
forto enjoy notalternative transportation
butthe cleanup
people walking
restaurants, downtown
entertainment civic center
people who are helpful parking
no stickers Yes for leisure too many tourists
entertainment focus on the downtown corridor
infrastructure desperately needs improvement
simple respect of the local residents we are starting a new eco-tourist
would be nice. don't know if you worker-owned coop that involves
people enjoying a different region - view it as assets, (illegible) local half people of color & other
industry provides the things for residents are not feeling "welcome" less crowded,
tooand nothing
less because of of
theinterest this question would require more time and marginalized folks. you can contact
i would support eco-tourism that provides
people to enjoy the people, the weather, the views in this city they grew up in. No traffic
since&i'm not a "beer"
congestion anddrinker
alcohol- thought me at alinaever@gmail.com my
work
to improve
for localparks especially
folks,and rec facilities
peoplebyof color
services for visitors national forests Yes focus of many businesses name is alinah ever. thanks.
other marginalized
& partnering with localcommunities
government and non-
people from outside the area profits, promote tourism through advertising,
coming into the area to spend parks and recreation facilities, to frequent shops and and advocate for expanding tourism facilities
money to frequent local facilities shopping, and restaurants none Yes restaurants (hotels)
 What are the assets of our
When we say “Tourism” or
community that you feel are
“Tourism Industry”, what comes
enjoyed by both visitors and
to mind?
residents?
What assets, if any, do you think
should be reserved for residents
alone?
If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
Do you go to
Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
Downtown Why or why not?
you set as your goals for your first six like the project team to be aware
Asheville?
months on the job? How would you do it? of.

visitors spending money enabling set a strategic plan that defines areas of
the vibrancy
bctda & excitement
to contribute to tourism people vibrant arts community,
a richdowntown scene;great natural
fantastic walkable from montford many gain/regain financial support
priority forcollaboration for those
w/asheville highest
gov't;
feel & show
outreach when
and also ____ visit our
they(unfinished) resources,
food & lodging amazing restaurant
anoptions Yes am downtown
varied impact
options almost daily for regain efforts that
a positive position drive both tourism
withw/loals
town scene none Yes entertainment and restaurants and cultural sustainability
a local industry that drives the local retail & restaurant small
business economy through the businesses. outdoor adventures- - assess current needs/input from locals -
this is more general - asheville caters
Station #5 - Tourism Survey

traveling public also resulting in an water, hiking, ziplining, camping, none really - not appropriate to we love it! great vibe, festive, prioritize top 3 goals - initiate a strong &
more to tourists than residents &
improved quality of life for local culture, art museums, artists studio, exclude visitors if we depend walkable, cultural events, great consistent community message to build
while tourism helps economy it puts
community live music, drum circle economically on our tourism Yes food & gathering spots support
specifically in asheville, people who residents in a financial bind - local engage my local community more; research
come to the area to visit/experience deals on food/better/more even work primarily sometimes better transit options; explore creative i hope
cultural will invest in longterm
we preservation &
- biltmore, outdoors, food arts, outdoors, some dining distribution of funds, housing, etc. Yes dining/shows partnering w/local nonprofits value projects: public
sustainability
clean up and repair sidewalks. more police. transportation, attractive
crowds town none Yes live here i think
get rid planning for ongoing listening and
of panhandlers. apartments & shops for residents of
constant hotel construction. TDA the arts & crafts traditions, the access i do avoid coming downtown participating by the local community is key. i all ages & economic situations; a
and hotel room tax. some to beautiful country & outdoor attend
often asheville
because symphony
of traffic, and would focus equally on making it a wonderful symphony hall/performance arts
lack of
worthwhile
hotels, prospects
restaurants, funded
tee-shirt shops, good restaurants,
w/TDAactivities; outdoor
the festivals; the activities, events
public at diana wortham,
transportation, crowdsshops either
of place to live,
fundshop, to improve
effortwork as for tourists
thomasso wolfe space; trees & parks for seniors and
brewpubs
funds. positive activity of tourists universities, beautiful scenery, wide
art studios,music Yes in grove
spacey arcade, church in
tourists auditorium
asheville significantly
has depth worth visiting
or fund effort to buildyoung children
downtown
visitors range of music
coming to see our wonderful restaurants, retail,offerings
greenways, none Yes downtown a new performance center
town museums Yes restaurants, bars, retail educate public on benefits of tourism
i would identify these assets that make
asheville unique for people who live here and

PHASE 1
the infrastructure to serve out of
town guest - lodging, F&B,
amenities, attractions, etc.
people visiting the town
businesses and services that help
attract and retain the interest of
to push putting dollars into social justice & the
with a caveat that i don't spend then incorporate those interests to include
minority communities. to bring more awareness towards those
asheville's culture and lifestyle make neighborhoods - no STRs in astomuch advantage
taketime as i used
of to city's
thedue locals. locals
to communities and whatcreate the
they have culture
to offer asheville lifestyle
and& our
it attractive neighborhood - city AND county Yes amenities
parking, increased traffic in tourists.
thatpromote interest
are of minority to visitors
leaders in our community
nature, bars, retail, restaurants, arts some parking, discounts Yes restaurants & tourists
i would look at where money is currently
the tda could help fund some service
being spent, look at local needs, and create a
most of the businesses and service types for residents - such as worker it is the hub of the city - a large
budget that supports the area that the
types do have some benefits for transportation - but even that could part of what makes this place make it clear that the tda funds projects that

148
tourism industry is targeting, paying particular
outside visitors. marketing shops, everyone in the city, particularly be leveraged toward learnings and special. it is creative at its core, benefit locals while growing the share of the
attention to city infrastructure, water, paving,
restaurants, entertainment, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, operations that create a tourist even in the way that it engages funds that go toward these noble applications
bringing people in to visit a arts & cultural events, fantastic food i work downtown, and i frequent etc. and supporting the vibrant arts culture
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

restaurants, tours. wayfinding, shop circulator Yes with tourism

particular area and enjoy what that industry, beautiful environment, arts, all assets should be shared. i feel local establishments. i and organizations in town as this will maintain
area has to offer as well as providing music, festivals, theatre, all social services should prioritize personally do not mind walking the quality of life and sustainability of the could tourism dollars be used to
income to the area performing arts Asheville's local residents Yes a few blocks to venues. tourism industry like no other sector. improve mass transit to get
residents and tourists to the places
i don't know if anything should evaluate ways investment in the asheville
hotels, restaurants, festivals, music restaurants, music, concerts, art, city work downtown, enjoy eating they want to go easily & quickly?
low-paying jobs in hospitality & exclude tourists but i definitely feel community can increase value for residents
events & concerts, air b&b, vrbo, walking, retail, greenways & other and other things downtown, free shuttle on major corridors
service. all cities that are tourist- as though we need to focus more on i work here; this tourism bubbleand i would look to
enjoyment forput a real effort
tourists. investininimproving the economy is driven by tourism
retail outdoor recreation Yes enjoy shopping every 15 minutes
based also have a very low overall theblue
unusual
ridge qualities
parkway,ofriver
some arts district, the wellbeing and inclusion of locals.
people will burst. there already
to eat, art galleries, shop, has transit.
greenways, i would create
multimodal a free downtown
transportation, loop but there is a huge fracture that is
places
wagetobase
stayasforthese
folksjobs dictate
coming, who airport
AVLlive for travel,
and work here, breweries,
friendly many
some parking locals no longer
many downtown come
- sell city movies, decrease.
been awalk, drink,iftolocals
enjoyno
the alternative and make it easier for downtown
for riderstransportation getting larger between locals and
restaurants, set the bar for other
what they entertainment people
UNCAwho botanical
are helpful
gardens, arboretum, parking downtown and that's very
stickers Yes longer feel welcome who will
entertainment workers who are necessity riders to get to and AVL tourism - this has to be
businesses hiking trails problematic. Yes keep these businesses alive? infrastructure
from work desperately needs improvement addressed and rectified
we are starting a new eco-tourist
people from out of area to visit and Mountains, culture, beer, hiking, prioritization of assets based on community worker-owned
AVL consists ofcoop that involves
"a third of red necks,
share in beauty & offerings in AVL biking, theatre, music, food none- to be inclusive Yes theatre, music, restaurants input phased approach half people
a third of of
artists, other
colora&third of retirees
Yes less and less because of the improved bus system marginalized folks. you
increase walkability ofcan
citycontact
i would support eco-tourism that provides
traffic & congestion and alcohol- hiring someone who knows what they're me at alinaever@gmail.com my
work for local folks, especially people of color
services
incomefor
forvisitors
the city national forests
many restaurants, vital arts culture Yes
Yes focus of many businesses
work/entertainment/shopping doing name is alinah
support the arts thanks.
ever.- symphony
& other marginalized communities
 What are the assets of our If you were in charge of the Tourism Please use this space to share
When we say “Tourism” or What assets, if any, do you think Do you go to finding any way i could to value and honor our
community that you feel are Development Authority (TDA), what would any other information you would
“Tourism Industry”, what comes roads, sports stuff, arts - but should
i think its be reserved for
opportunities thatresidents
need to Downtown Why or why not? residents lived experience - not distant poor -
enjoyed by both visitors and you set
finding way your goals
i could to for
value your andfirst
honor six our like the project team to be aware
to mind? residents, especially black and brown, be equitably distributed alone? to everyone Asheville? not future any- asjust the acknowledgment what
roads, residents?
stuff, arts i think that need months
residents onlived job?
theexperience How- wouldnot you
distant
of do
poorit?- of.
retirees, newlyweds, white people, just feelsports
traumatized by trying
- but to or assets
itsoropportunities
funds, or (illegible) andto finding
locals bring
any to way ouri could to value
community - and honor our
andfunding
businesses residents,
roads, sports
participate especially
in thestuff, black
cityarts
with- but ibe equitably
think its opportunities
and brown, representation
tourists distributedthatto everyone
need to No cost for future
residents
notECE,
finding lived
transit,
any justexperience
-way etc.
ithe acknowledgment
could - not distant
to value and honor what
ofpoor our-
visitors
retirees,spending
i nevermoney
newlyweds,
go to enabling
just feel
white people, residents, traumatized to assets or funds, or (illegible) and locals bring to our and funding
roads, especially
sports stuff, black
arts and brown,
by-trying
but be
i equitably
orthink its distributed
opportunities to everyone
that need to not future
residents - just
lived thecommunity
experienceacknowledgment
- not - distant ofpoorwhat-
bctda to contribute
businesses to tourism
i never go vibrant downtown
participate in scene;
the city with fantastic
tourists representation walkable
cost from montford many gain/regainfor ECE, collaboration
transit, etc. w/asheville gov't;
retirees, newlyweds, white
to people, restaurants,
just
residents, outdoor
feel traumatized
especially trails,
by
black Biltmore
trying
and to
brown, or
be assets or funds,
equitably or (illegible)
distributed to and No
everyone for work meetings, restaurants, evaluate locals
not past
bring
future - to TDA
justour the projects
community to ascertain
acknowledgment - and fundingofwhat
what
outreach and also ____ (unfinished) food & lodging options Yes varied options regain a positive position w/loals
businesses
retirees, newlyweds,
i never go white
to people, state participate
just feel breweries,
in the city bike
(sic),traumatized with
by trails,
tourists
trying to representation
or assets or funds, or (illegible) and No theater,
cost entertainment, worked
for
localsECE, what
&transit,
bring to ourdidn't, and make
etc.community a plan
- and to
funding people love a livable city - no one
the people Asheville wants to attract restaurants,
grove park (illegible),
outdoorspas trails,& Biltmore
wellness schools, neighborhood parks Yes for work meetings,
shopping, networking evaluate
restaurants, build past
on successes.
TDA projects to ascertain what likes a tourist trap
local industry
abusinesses i never
thatgodrives
to the local
participate
retail &inrestaurant
the city with smalltourists representation No cost for ECE,out transit, etc.
state (sic), breweries,
restaurants, bike trails,
trails, Biltmore theater,
for work entertainment, worked &past what didn't, and make
projects to ascertain
a plan what to people love a livable city - no one
business economy through the businesses. outdoor
outdooradventures- meetings, restaurants, -evaluate
assess currentTDA needs/input from locals -
the
umm people Asheville
- lodgings, events,wants to
special attract grove
state park
(sic),
restaurants, (illegible),
mountains!
breweries,
outdoor spas
bike
trails, &
air wellness
of
trails,
Biltmore schools, neighborhood parks Yes shopping,
theater,
for networking
meetings, restaurants, worked
evaluate
build out&past on
what successes.
didn't, and make
projects what peoplelikes a tourist
love a livable
trap city - no one
traveling public also resulting in an surroundings
water, hiking, -ziplining, camping, none really - not appropriate to we love
workit!entertainment,
great vibe, festive, prioritize top 3TDA
goals - initiate to aascertain
strong
a plan&to
times
the of
improved fun
people and rest
Asheville wants
of life for to
localattract excitement
grove
state
culture, park
(sic), - penetrates
(illegible),
breweries,
art museums, to
spas
bike all
& wellness
trails,
studio, nothing
schools, - maybe a few
neighborhood
exclude visitors if we dependparking
parks spaces Yes
Yes love it
shopping,
theater, networking
entertainment, get
builda
worked consensus,
out & on
what as
successes.
walkable, cultural events, great consistent community message to build you
didn't, are
and doing
make a plan to likes
people a tourist
love a trap
livable city - no one
umm - lodgings,
quality events, special surroundings - mountains!artistsair of
community
the people Asheville wants to attract live grove
music, (illegible),
parkdrum circle spas schools, neighborhood
& wellness economically on our parks
tourism Yes shopping,
food & networking
gathering spots build out on successes.
support likes a tourist trap
times of fun and rest excitement - penetrates to all nothing - maybe a few parking spacesYesYes love it i'd
getembark in a study
a consensus, of the
as you areassets,
doing
umm - lodgings, events, special surroundings - mountains! air of
Station #5 - Tourism Survey

opportunities, learn who the players are, i hope we will invest in longterm
times
umm -oflodgings,
fun and events,
rest special excitement - penetrates
surroundings - mountains!
to air
all of nothing - maybe a few parking spaces Yes love it get a consensus,
i'd embark as you are doing
the assets,
primarily, bringing people in to the spend time determining
in a study of who or what value projects: public
times of fun and rest excitement - penetrates to all nothing - maybe a few parking spaces Yes love it get a consensus,
opportunities, as you
who are doing
players are,
asheville-buncombe county from i'd
audiences
embarkwe a learn
in mightstudybe thetheassets,
oftargeting based upon transportation, attractive
primarily,
outside thebringing
area people in to the mountains, food, eclectic people none Yes to eat & play spend
i'd embarktime
opportunities, date determining
learn
in aand study who
large who
the
of trends
the or
assets, what are,
ihistorical
think planning for ongoing listening
playersand apartments & shops for residents of
asheville-buncombe
primarily, county
bringing people in from
to the audiences
spend timewe
opportunities, determining
might who be targeting based
or what
the players upon
the arts & crafts traditions, the access i do avoid coming downtown participating bylearn
the local who community isare,
key. i all ages & economic situations; a
outside the
asheville-buncombe
primarily, bringing county
area people infrom
to the mountains, food, eclectic people none Yes to eat & play fix the roads
historical
audiences
spend time date
we - many
and large
might
determining people trends
targeting
who areormoving the
inupon
to beautiful country & outdoor often because of traffic, lack of would focus equally on
bemaking it what
abased
wonderful symphony hall/performance arts
outside
asheville-buncombe county from mountains
mountains, & views, weather,
eclectic none Yes to
to shop,
eat & eat @ local restaurants, area
play historical
& thedate
audiences roads
we and
might getting
arelarge
be trends
targeting
quite based
busy - upon
hotels, restaurants,
the area tee-shirt shops, activities; thefood,
festivals; thepeople public transportation, crowds of place fix the live, shop,
toroads - many work
peopleas for aretourists
moving soin the space; trees & parks for seniors and
outside the area recreational
mountains, parks,
food, artist,
eclectic breweries,
people none Yes concerts
to & @ orange peel &
play increase
historical public
date transportation,
large trends and/or make keep homeless people safe and or
brewpubs universities,
mountains &music
views, weather, Yes spacey
to eat
shop,tourists area
eat @ local restaurants, asheville has
the depth
roads andare worth visiting
getting quite young children
people biltmore house, local stores recreational parks Yes downtown fix the&roads
cyclists safer - many people are moving
busy in - the move them to another location
visitors visiting,
coming spending
to see ourmoney
wonderful restaurants, retail, greenways,
breweries, concerts @ orange & increase public transportation, and/or make
mountains
recreational&parks,
views,artist,
weather, to shop, eat @ localpeel
restaurants, area & the
fix the roads roads many are getting
people quite
are busy -
moving in the keep homeless people safe and or
town
people visiting, spending money museums
biltmore house, local stores recreational parks Yes
Yes restaurants,
downtown bars, retail educate
cyclists public
safer
- on benefits of tourism them to another location
recreational
mountains &parks,
views, artist, breweries,
weather, concerts
to shop, eat@ orange
@ localpeel &
restaurants, increase
area & the public
roads transportation,
are getting quite and/or
busymake - keep
movehomeless people safe and or
Free festivals bring surrounding
people visiting, spending money biltmore house,
recreational local
parks, stores
artist, breweries, recreational parks Yes downtown
concerts @ orange peel & cyclists
increasesafer public transportation, and/or make move them to another
keep homeless people safelocation
and or
to push putting dollars into social justice & the county visitors which is good, but
people visiting, spending money biltmore house, local stores recreational parks Yes with a caveat that i don't spend cyclists safer
downtown move
Free them
festivals to another
bring location
surrounding
minority communities. to bring more awareness towards those not our usual visitors dining out etc.

PHASE 1
as much time as i used to due to communities and what they have to offer asheville & our county visitors which is good,
Change local perception that tourism is bad. we Free festivals
need bring
to inform surrounding
people that but
parking, increased traffic in tourists. promote minority leaders in our community not our usual visitors dining
Nature, entertainment, restaurants, Continuing engagement with locals and county
reaching
Free visitors which
our regional
festivals bring is good,out
residents
surrounding but
isetc.
people visiting the town nature, bars, retail, restaurants, arts some parking, discounts Yes restaurants & tourists perception we need to inform people that
Angry locals festivals Schools Yes Work and play information
Change localsharing on many thatplatforms
tourism is bad. great not our
county usual visitors
Asheville
forvisitors which dining
is good, out
butetc.
Nature, entertainment, restaurants, the tda could help fund some service Continuing
Change localengagement
perception with locals and
that tourism is bad. we reaching
not need to regional
ourinform
our usual residents
people
visitors dining that
out isetc.
Angry locals
businesses and services that help festivals
Nature,
most entertainment,
of the businesses andrestaurants,
service Schools
types for residents - such as worker Yes itWork
is theand
hubplay information
Change
of the city - a large Continuing local sharing
engagement
perception on manywith platforms
that locals
tourism and great
we
is bad. reaching need Asheville
for our
to regional
inform residents
people that is
Angry locals
attract and retain the interest of festivals
Nature,
types do entertainment, restaurants,
have some benefits for Schools
transportation - but even that could Yes Work
part ofand
what play
makes this place Complete
information
Continuing
make it clearwalking,
sharing
engagement
that the running,
ontdamany
with biking
funds trails;
platforms
locals and Find
projects reaching
that great Asheville
for our regional residents is
Angry locals
outside visitors. marketing shops, everyone
festivals in the city, particularly Schools
be leveraged toward learnings and Yes Work and
special. it isplay ways
information
creative at its core,
benefit help local
to locals sharing
while people
on many
growing andthe homelessness
platforms
share of the in great for Asheville

149
Complete
order to clean walking,
up therunning, biking
little and trails;
mostlyFind
restaurants, entertainment, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, operations that create a tourist even in the way that it engages funds that go toward these
look anoble applications
Complete
help to help
wayspeople. local people
walking,
Reduce running,
marketingand homelessness
bikingbudgettrails;byFind
5%in
restaurants, tours. wayfinding, shop circulator Yes with tourism
Love the atmosphere, order
ways
and to
begin
Complete clean
tohelpto local
help
walking, the
uplocals look
people and
homeless
running, little
abiking and
homelessnessmostly
persons.
trails; Findin
Walking trails in bike paths and drumming circle, music, help people.
order
(maybe
ways tomove
to help
cleanlocalReduce
to the
upanother marketing
look
people 5% a little
and budget
and mostly
marketing
ofhomelessness by 5%in could tourism dollars be used to
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

Love the atmosphere, and begin

help people. to helpReduce locals homeless
marketing persons.
by 5% improve mass transit to get
Revenue for Asheville, crowdedness, running trails Riverfront trails restaurants, money
banking, art, shops,order to benefit
toclean upthe the community
look next
a littlebudget
and year
mostly if
in bike paths and drumming
Love the atmosphere,music, (maybe
and begin moveto to
help another
locals homeless of marketing
persons. residents and tourists to the places
Money to benefit the community Greenways
Walking trailsMusic venues Roads Sometimes I wish they wouldn’t find people watching,
circle,farmers all goes
help well).
people. It’s
Reduce important 5%that
marketing
evaluate ways investment in the asheville the
budget money
by 5%
hotels,
Revenue restaurants, festivals,
Asheville, music restaurants,
crowdedness, running
Walking music,
trails
trails concerts,
inRiverfront
bike art, city
pathstrails
and work downtown,
restaurants,
drumming circle, enjoy
banking,
music, eating
art, money
shops,
(maybe to
movebenefit to the
another community
5% of next
marketing year if they want to go easily & quickly?
besides just
forfor businesses and jobs and bridges Less stringent Airbnb out about particular roads so we market,
Love thefestivals, running
atmosphere, benefit
races
and begin
community the community
tocan help
increase its all
homeless
localsorvalue for
for nothing. A Move toward green buildings and
persons.
residents
events
Money & concerts,
for benefit air
theb&b,
Asheville, vrbo,
community
crowdedness, walking,
Greenways
running retail,
trails greenways
Music & other
Roads Sometimes I wish and other
people things
watching,
restaurants, downtown,
farmers
banking, all goes
money
art, shops, well).
to benefit It’s theimportant
community that the money free shuttle on major corridors
next
...Revenue
moneyto that directly helps the rules, when
Walking it comes
trails to
inRiverfrontthattrails
bikevenues
paths type
and of have a road to drivethey
on. wouldn’t
Get the find 5k etc., city
drumming meetings,
circle, bring
music, strong
our
(maybe
and priority.
move
enjoyment to
forIncrease
another
tourists. public of
5%invest marketing
in year if things to benefit climate change ..
retail
Money
besides tojust for
benefitbusinesses
the community outdoor
Greenwaysrecreation
and bridges Less
Music stringent
venues Airbnb
Roads out about
Sometimes particular
I wish theyroads Yes enjoy
people shopping
market, festivals,
watching, running
farmers benefit
races
all the
well). community or its
important all
that for nothing.
the every
Move 15 minutes
toward green buildings
community
Revenue for Asheville, and jobs apartment
crowdedness, running which
trails maybe
Riverfront for Airbnb. highway
is trails thing moving towouldn’t
completion.
so wefind Yes own family/visitors
restaurants, to our
banking, transportation
money
art, city.
shops, goesto
greenways, benefit Increase
...It’sthe
multimodal community hotel
transportation, tax
nextbymoney
year
1% ifA or Eric thanks for nothing againand
... money helps unusual
rules, whenqualities
comes oftosome people
type a road drive Get to5keat, art galleries,
city meetings,shop,
bring strong
our Increase to benefit climate change
besides
Money just for directly
to that businesses
benefit and
the communitythejobs the
and bridges
Greenways itLess
Music stringent
venuesthatAirbnb
Roadsof outhaveabout
Sometimes particular
I to
wish theyroads so the
on.wouldn’twefind market,
people festivals,
etc.,watching, running
farmers benefit
races
all the
goespriority.
alternative well). community
It’s
transportation or public
important its all
thatforthe nothing.
moneyA Move things toward green buildings and..
places to stay for folks coming,
community who
apartment
live andwhich here, friendly
work maybe is for Airbnb. some parking
highway thing downtown sell city
completion. Yes movies,
own walk, drink, to
family/visitors enjoy the
transportation
city. Increase hotel thanks nothing again
... money
besides justthat
fordirectly
businesses
helpsandthejobs rules,
and bridges
when itLesscomes to that
stringent type
Airbnb of have
out a road
about to moving
drive on.
particular to-Get
roads sothe
we 5k etc.,
market, city meetings,
festivals, to bring
running strong
our
benefit
ourraces priority.
the ...Increase
community
Identify needs of community & tourists, andor public
its all for taxnothing.
by 1% A things Move to
or Erictowardbenefitforclimate
green change
buildings and..
restaurants, entertainment people who are helpful parking stickers Yes entertainment
community
... money that directly helps the apartment which maybe is for Airbnb. highway thing moving
rules, when it comes to that type of have a road to drive on. Get the to completion. Yes own family/visitors to our
5k etc., city meetings, bring our transportation
city.
infrastructure
make
stronglongpriority.
range desperatelyIncrease
Increase
...plans needs tax
hotelimprovement
public
to address, whileby 1% or
things
Eric tothanks
benefit
forclimate
nothingchange
again ..
community apartment which maybe is for Airbnb. highway thing moving to completion. Yes own family/visitors to our city. Identify needs
transportation
maintaining theof ... community
essenceIncrease & tourists,
hotel
of Asheville by 1%
taxthat we are starting
or Eric
and Proceeds thanks
from fora new eco-tourist
nothing
tourism again
should focus
make long
Identify
attracts needs
so range
many plans
community
ofvisitors. address,
toMake & tourists,
surewhile
those and more worker-owned
on benefitting
coop the involves
thatcommunity
maintaining
make
who long
work
Identify inrange
needs the essence
plans
theoftourism
community of Asheville
address,
toindustry make that
while
& tourists, a and than Proceeds
half people
creating from
ofmoretourism
color should focus
& other
tourism.
Nature trails & greenways, hiking, less and less because of the attracts
maintaining
living wage so many
andthe
range have visitors.
essence accessof Make
plans to address, Asheville
to sure
affordable those
that
while more
Proceeds
Tourism on
marginalized benefitting
folks.
from
should you
tourism
not the community
can
should
simply becontact
a focus
way
i make
wouldlongsupport eco-tourism that provides
mountains, restaurants, arts, tailgate who work
attracts
traffic & congestion and alcohol- housing,
maintaining so in
publicmanythe
the tourism
visitors.
transportation,
essence industry
of Make and
Asheville make
sure quality
thata
those than
me
more
for at creating
the
Proceeds wealthy
from more
alinaever@gmail.com
on benefitting
or
tourism tourism.
the community
corporations
should to
myfocus
work for local folks, especially people of color
Hotels, for visitors
servicesAirbnb’s, Nature trails
national
restaurants, hiking, markets, & greenways,
forests
eclectic hiking,
shops and homes, Yes focus
Events, many
ofto showbusinesses who
childcare.
visitors, church, & attractswage
livingwork and
thehave
soGetting
inmany tourism access
of citizen
visitors. Maketo affordable
industry and make
sure a
business
those Tourism
name
than
make
more moneyshould
creating
isonalinah onever.
more simply
thanks.
not tourism.
the
benefitting backs a way
ofbelocal
the community
other marginalized lotscommunities
natural beauty mountains,
Nature trails
theater, music!restaurants,
& greenways,arts, tailgate
hiking, Can’t think of any at the moment. Yes restaurants, street music housing,
living
input
who wage
would
work public
be
inandthe have access
atransportation,
good
tourism start.
industry and
to affordablequality
make a for the
Tourism
labor.
than wealthy
should
creating moreor corporations
not simply be a way
tourism. to
markets,
Hotels, Airbnb’s, restaurants, hiking, mountains,
Nature eclectic
trails shops and
restaurants,
& greenways,arts,homes,
tailgate
hiking, childcare.
Events, to show visitors, church, housing, wage Getting
public have lots of citizen
transportation, and
andquality
business for
affordable makethemoney
Tourism wealthy
should onnot backs of
thesimply be localway
1.living
Refocus onand arts andaccess
cultureto- support local The value of the orartscorporations
and artists aintoa
Hotels,
natural Airbnb’s, theater, music!
beauty restaurants, hiking, markets,
mountains, eclectic shops and
restaurants, arts,homes,
tailgate Can’t think of any at the moment. Yes restaurants,
Events, street
to show visitors, input would
musicchurch, childcare.
housing, Getting
public a good
be transportation, start.
of citizen and business
andquality labor.
make
for themoney
wealthy the
or corporations local
to
arts council, enhance lotsarts opportunities for community andonthe impact
backs ofof the
natural
Hotels, Airbnb’s, markets,music!
beauty restaurants, hiking, theater, eclectic shops and homes, Can’t think of any at the moment. Yes restaurants, street
Events, to show visitors, input would
childcare.
musicchurch, youth, brand be
Getting a good
Asheville lotsas start.
of citizen
arts andand business arts labor.
makeonmoney
closingonthethe backs of local
achievement gap
natural beauty theater, music! Can’t think of any at the moment. Yes restaurants, street music entertainment
input would bedestination. a good start.2. Fight Raleigh to seem labor.to not be on the radar. I
spend funds more strategically to impact would like to see some of these
residents positively. 3. Hire people of color funds focused on increasing arts
from the community and seek to honor the opportunities for young people in
Bachelorette parties. Hotels. Architecture, roads, entertainment, rich cultural history and identity of people of and out of school, and supporting
Inflated prices. dining, public art, shopping Public education. Yes Entertainment, dining. color in AVL. artists and arts organizations.
 Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

Station #6 - Tourism Benefits

Learn about the local culture – heritage planning Great beer People that visit, spend & leave
Jobs/small business growth Great restaurants Good food, restaurants
Brings people to the area who spend $ that creates Great arts As a blue dot in WNC, we are exposing others to our
opportunity for locals & also enjoy activities, food, Not much! more left leaning values. Hopefully they leave a
etc. that are created/built knowing there is demand Crumbling sidewalks little more blue/purple
$ for business! Jobs Revenue
Economic benefits Activities that locals can enjoy as well as visitors Tourists bring revenue & sales taxes for projects
When managed sustainably, there are lots of quality Hotel room tax – have invested in cool stuff that Tourists OWN companies in other locations & may
of life benefits benefits residents as much if not more than visitors decide to bring jobs to AVL by opening expansions
When residents become a priority, tourists will benefit Sports – bringing events here is great for everyone here
Certainly not more hotels and loss of views Restaurants – but prices are going way up Defines and positions the city
Economic Community gathering spaces Entry level jobs
Showcasing the area Jobs – restaurants & chefs – increase wages? Bringing outside revenue
Popularity Visitor spending Increasing interest in people to relocate to the area
Input from tourists Youth engagement – creates activities Activity, jobs, income
Creation of attractions Meet people of different backgrounds Clean industry (environmentally)
Ability to show visitors the Asheville style Eclectic entertainment venues Attracts investment
Local business (small businesses) (something that was Lots of revenue Money
too blurry) Wonderful art community Outside income & interest
Tax base Music & venues Attracts wealthy investors
TDA funds to local community projects Puts money into the local economy Adds interesting, enjoyable attractions & cultural
Customers for local businesses Inspires innovation entertainment for all
Wouldn’t have Arts, restaurants, etc. w/o them Better flight connections Brings income from outside of AVL
Exposure to more diversity Young people want to locate here Makes city more vibrant
Possibility of inviting more diverse people into the Money
place Benefits
Tourism-based business Jobs; need living wage
Musical offerings – symphony & popular music Lots of things to do
Festivals (musical & not) Helps property values
Jobs, opportunity to grow in a career Sports
Jobs, entrepreneur opps, creates a fun downtown Liveliness – brings music, restaurants, arts
Millions $ in property tax & sales tax Fund infrastructure – safe sidewalks, light on street,
Build economic scale for cultural offerings public art, sculptures
Tax revenue Fund maintenance – of sidewalks, art, streetscapes
Reinvestment of TDA – your tourists use up, wear down and maim those
Hotel tax back to community on projects the assets. TDA $ should repair, replace, maintain
community wants Telling stories that we want told
Please involve the community in these decisions Brings in diversity of people, culture & money. Allows
Supports more restaurants, the arts, festivals, music businesses to have larger market to draw from
Supports historic preservation via B&Bs & businesses Supports local economy – it can
that invest in historic buildings Improvements to infrastructure, government
Provides a name for the baseball team related buildings; growth to local businesses (beer,
Love seeing tourists from all over the world – restaurants, hotels) – sharing of assets with locals
hopefully it will help make Asheville even more Provides employement
divers and promote more cultural interactions AirBNB helps a lot of locals maintain their homes &
Energy & enthusiasm for local culture & arts support their families
Jobs, marketing, funding arts & cultural expansion It’s addi---(illegible)

PHASE 1 150

Station #7 - Tourism Challenges
Creates demand for services like police, fire, water, parking,
etc. that local systems & individuals have to provide/
respond to
Displaces people who pay local taxes from central areas for
both housing & business
Drives up cost of living for locals
Brings people to town who may not be respectful of or
invested in this community
Parking issues – but it’s worth the hassle
Wear & tear on infrastructure
Community leaders may be excited to “entertain” traveling
public in the short term – can lead to impulsive decisions
– need to take long view
Crowding
Parking
Sometimes tourists don’t respect their surroundings
Taxing infrastructure
Sidewalks (ADA compliance)
Everyone brings car – need to address climate impact
Tourism strains infrastructure (already crumbling!) while
giving nothing back
More tourism & more hotels = less interesting downtown
& city for locals
Massive impact on infrastructures in city = $ for city to pay
(streets, water, parking, electricity, housing opportunities)
Increase traffic
Funneling tax revenue to improve infrastructure
Pricing those that are native to here or can’t afford to live
here because of cost of living/low renting stock & TV
Locals of mid or low-wealth are priced out of city & funds to
breweries, music venues like Orange Peel & other for-
profit activities rather than sidewalks, transit shelters,
parks, benches, shade trees, etc.
Funneling tourism dollar to local businesses instead of
outside developers & chains
Too much traffic not enough parking too many hotels
Too few safe places for unhoused to find dignity of sleep
& toilets
The challenge of filling existing hotel rooms so hotels &
B&Bs don’t go out of business and create urban blight,
while maintaining Asheville’s unique character. If we’re
ALL tourists there’s nothing to come here for
Loss of character & changes to the experience of living here,
focus on quality of life
Loss of community character – community soul, loss of
“real” place…we are becoming “anywhere” with folks
coming for the wrong reasons. Tourism is also making it
almost impossible to live & work here.
We need to invest in public transportation! If we hollow out
the center with hotels & restaurants we may attract one-
time tourists and create only low-paying jobs.
We need to create green spaces & replant trees to create
more safe spaces for seniors to gather.
We are losing places for non-tourism businesses within
downtown (think flat iron bldg for one (?) 80 businesses)
as well as other places. Have worked downtown almost
40 yrs & have been told by city staff I should leave. My
staff is frustrated trying to walk downtown or get to
parking (we pay—illegible)- too crowded and folks often
inconsiderate of locals)
None
Not being able to enjoy favorite spots because too many
tourists. When I do go out, I can tell tourists that don’t
respect or appreciate Asheville culture. The drunk bros
mostly.
Too much emphasis on tourists, while residents suffer from
traffic, crime, higher cost-of-living
State legislature
NIMBY idiots
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d
Impact on black Asheville Stagnant wages
Overemphasis on jobs that rely on tips make it hard to find
economic stability for many workers.
Interests of wealthy boomer tourists do not align with the
interest of poor and working class Asheville citizens
Tourism supports low-paying jobs, pushes citizens out of
downtown and W. Asheville, raises housing costs through
Air (illegible)
Tourism strains our failing infrastructure
TDA is undemocratic institution where the elite spend
public money to benefit themselves, while giving nothing
back to the working class
Tourism is the reason for the massive police budget and
militarization of downtown (illegible) against citizens
and artists who ironically were responsible for making
Asheville a tourism destination.
Traffic
Parking
Dangerous, crumbling, crowded sidewalks
Tourism = 8% of carbon emissions
We do not have the green infrastructure for tourism & need
localized economies now.
TDA should not exist.
Ratio of residents to tourists is 1:43. We should not be
spending millions on advertising. The TDA should not
exist.
Loss of green space/urban forests
Increase urban heat island
Increase stormwater runoff/flooding/landslides
Increase cost of living (no wage increase)
Decrease fesitivals (LAFF, All Go West, Mountain Sports,
Bele Chere)
Increase chains; decrease local businesses (increase rents)
No parking – no free parking, all lots are now pay
Traffic – no more easy commutes (& road widening – loss of
small businesses)
$ allocated to our city for services
Infrastructure improvements
Wear & tear on infrastructure
Crime
Congestion
Be practical about approving bike lanes in a city like
Asheville that has no continuous terrain. City council is not
sensible about this and only is listening to the loudest.
Transportation (need more bus & bike lanes)
Environmental (too many cars)
Equalizing opportunity for all residents, taxpayers with $
from tourism
Impact on infrastructure
Transportation
Poor pay in typical tourist industry
Increased gentrification
Increased traffic
Longer commutes & increase of accidents/construction
Increase in hotels, decrease in housing
Too many people getting paid service wages
TDA should projects that are Peaks of Distinction (?) for
AVL/(illegible) – Arts culture, (illegible) exploration on
aquarium
Overcrowding of downtown sidewalks & streets & parking
spaces
Wear & tear of sidewalks & streets
Trash piling up
Greed by builders causing cheap, ugly architecture blocking
the views citizens used to marvel about, often replacing
treasured old buildings & trees
Noise
Tourists take up parking that are also needed by locals
Traffic
PHASE 1 151
Pressure on emergency services
Too many wages that don’t match housing costs
Increased congestion
Not enough economic/biz diversity – our reliance on tourism
for local economy
Increasing wealth/economic gap – unaffordable to too many
families even with full time work or multiple jobs
Public perception & comprehension of the impacts
Attracting more diverse visitors & families
Downtown becoming overly touristy – less attractive for
locals, losing identity as an eclectic city center
Too much, low pay. Too many expensive hotels.
Not sufficient parking for locals – the tourists in AVL theme
park do not need parking.
Greater police presence
Lack of tourism & going to infrastructure
Sidewalk repair & new sidewalks
To make sure local residents are not “pushed” aside
Hotels built when we really need housing for local residents
& workers that’s affordable and close to downtown.
Tourism-related projects seem to get higher priority while
important issues to locals get pushed back.
So. Much. Drinking. All the beer culture has really changed
our community. More drunk people everywhere.
People blocking downtown sidewalks
Prices jacking up
The rent drives locals/local businesses
More public intoxication and noise
Congestion
Less desirable living conditions
Breakdown of community
Low paying jobs – hospitality & service are decreasing pay
Excessive use of not well-planned out infrastructure
Increase of short-term travels (?) to the detriment of locals
needing housing
Increased # of drunk drivers as tourists often don’t
understand increasing gravity beers (??)
Lack of parking downtown
Excessive holds & historic buildings being restored for
tourists
Transit – needs to serve & be marketed to tourists & locals
Rising costs for locals w/out benefit to locals
Loss of cultural identity
Maintaining city infrastructure
Protecting the beautiful environment
Not enough public transit offered
Traffic
Parking
Use of facilities
Making sure they are entertained enough to come back
again
Making sure they feel welcome!
Infringement and squeezing of open spaces/(illegible)
Traffic and parking
Negotiating with local government
Balancing resources
Housing prices for our artists
Managing infrastructure to support growth (roads, parking,
etc.)
Low wages
Provide free events
Parking, low wages, housing affordability
Consider the needs of locals
Tourists strain our current infrastructure
Growth of city erases what tourists come to see
Trashier streets & highways – litter everywhere

Station #8 - What Makes Buncombe County Authentic?
Arboretum
Biltmore Estate
PSABC
Special buildings dating back to Asheville’s Golden
Age = 1920s
It is still rather rural in character
A very cool and engaged soccer community
Our people, our hospitality
Appreciating diversity and knowing appreciating our
history
Mountain views & trees
Tolerance of many views (need to listen, not talk)
Casual attitudes & dress
Good elected leadership/staff/county sheriff engaged
with all residents, willingness to improve
Trying to listen to all points of view – but can do better
Entertainment opportunities
Education (formal & informal) Opportunities
Natural beauty
Income stratification
Tourism-based economy.
Alternative health concepts
The Arts
Look of diversity - not true
Urban & rural
What does (or can) make Beer Cty distinctive?
Top quality performing arts center, science/tech
exploration, aquarium (not a museum)
Open & accepting arts community
The hope & effort to keep a small town feel
Natural setting/outdoor resources
Our fascinating history
The NC Room @Pack Lib
Generally very good elected officials
The city of Asheville/Downtown points of openness
to various view
The people!
We need to remain & grow a place that is for locals
& visitors & retains local character and culture and
natural beauty
The artists! More support for local arts is needed!
The music!
People, natural landscape
Nature, the green of the hills & blue of the sky
All the local, independent businesses
Beautiful & vibrant downtown & small towns
Politics, eclectic (?)
History of Buncombe Co. & the role it has played
The people!
Rich history of artists of all types
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d
Slavery (negative effect)
The creativity & sense of community of our citizens
and these gorgeous mountains
History/geography/atmosphere/weather/community
Local bluegrass/old style music
Storytelling
Arts, crafts, music, mountains, scenery, 4 seasons,
mix of people living here from all over the country
Culture/lifestyle
Love of the arts
Appalachian history
Unique geography
Authenticity is a reflection of locals – not a tourist
them park
And geographical (illegible) – maintaining integrity of
the local environment
Locals of native origin/long term residents, not recent
transplants (< 5 yrs.)
Real people live & work here
Biodiversity of our region is unique in the world
We are a community of invested advocates who want
to improve our community even further
Don’t forget who brought you to the dance..what
made this place special years ago must be treated
with care yes yes yes…
People are most open to differences
There is something for everyone
Our sense of fun and adventure
The beautiful environment and how we cherish and
enjoy it
People are welcoming
Must have non-commercial spaces where locals and
visitors interact and have conversations
Greenways (planned & existing)
Diversity of population/people who care about each
other and the environment; small farms & tailgate
markets
Drum Circle – total diversity of people, cultures,
classes
Green, trees, which we are quickly losing to highrises/
hotels
Elder & sage garden, BeLoved House, Firestorm -
community orgs that don’t cater to tourist $
Small backyard farms, all ages living & interacting
small businesses
High quality unique music. Thriving music industry
Local artists, artisans, craft culture
VA, good healthcare
Locally-owned businesses
Wellness offerings
PHASE 1 152
Surrounded by forests
Commitment to Earth healing
Support of local farmers
Scale of buildings, local ownership
Friendly people (illegible)
Historic architecture
Artists & makers
Local businesses v. chains
Friendly & inclusive people
Land trusts/non-profits
Businesses that have been here for 5+ years
Roman’s Deli – bars that cater more to locals and
have frequent events & fundraisers to support local
causes
Preservation of past (e.g. bldgs., culture, art/craft,
music, foods, etc.)
High value on: education, race/gender equality
Accessible to multiple age groups
Seeking synthesis of natural assets w/built enviro.
Grappling w/high % of low wage jobs (seeking to
provide “affordable” wages)
Access to nature – mts. & rivers
The wonderful weird people here…do not want them
to be run out
Our continued existence despite oppressive
institutions such as the TDA
Long term/generational communities being able
to stay (i.e., African-Americans, folks that go
back generations) despite being priced out of our
community
Eclectic experiences across art, food, music & outdoor
adventures
Small big opportunities/community of support
Friendly people, local restaurants & retail
Sadly, less & less as tourism grows & locals left out of
city planning decisions
People, art, healing practitioners, outdoor activities
Music. Crafts. Mountains.
It’s Appalachian Mountain roots, it’s historic
architecture & neighbors – culture & (illegible)
environment – current tourism is more & more based
on booze & food not “from around here” losing our
soul –what she said
Heritage tourism
 Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d

Station #9 - Where do you spend your time?

The photos above is the results after all three public input workshops (dots continued to be added to the same boards).

PHASE 1 153

Station #10 - Project Ideas
Urban Forester
Green infrastructure
Ribbon trails along rivers
River/streambank conservation (climate resilience –
we will have more & more flooding and landslides)
Urban forest conservation/remediation for recent tree
loss
Improvement of basketball infrastructure/program
(model of Transylvania (?) county basketball league/
program)
Focus on history of African American culture: arts in
Asheville
Connection of greenways and extension of into
downtown (South Slope to RAD to Woodfin to Bent
Creek)
For locals & tourists
Bike infrastructure within the city
Funding go to affordable housing, etc., so locals can
benefit
Renovate Rec Park into a waterpark or some other
amusement
Local African American Artist Galleries (affordable)
Youth programming
We need to be able to afford talent & civic
management who can help Asheville be the great
city it has the potential to be
Clean
Safe
Important assets well-cared for, such as murals,
historic buildings (YMICC), public buildings, the
Urban Trail
Inclusive & equitable
Offer cultural events & festivals that have $$ support
so that they can afford to maintain their quality
(shindig) and add some new ones. Our mountain
culture is unique & our historic identity culture is
our unique identity (?)
Make sure that when we think of key economic
clusters that we don’t leave out handmade craft –
that was a leader in the creative cluster development
idea & then made it happen. Now where these key
clusters are mentioned it’s beer and food that get
called out – art/craft is left out. Should be art/craft/
beer/food/music
We must not forget that it was the revitalization
of downtown Asheville – due to the efforts of
hundreds & hundreds of people & a great public/
private partnership – that lit the fire. The growth- the
resurrection enjoyed by so many today. It also must
be maintained, invested in, beautiful, compelling as
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d
a public space – Asheville’s living room (? Cut off…)
II Collier Avenue Wood preservation
Preservation of trees, landmarks
Plant real trees and maintain them
Creating more green spaces in downtown
Build the park across from the Basilica
Repair all downtown sidewalks
Provide benches in downtown, many more than are
currently available
Provide quiet outdoor spaces for respite
Better public transportation
Hop-on, hop-off shuttle
Park & ride parking outside of downtown
Provide more parking for residents, worker in
downtown, customers
Provide free parking for downtown residents, at least
first 2 hrs., with a decal
Goal: make AVL/Bun City recognized as arts,
education, culture, sci/tech center of WNC, West SC,
east TN – performing arts center/sci/tech Exploration
(not a museum)/Aquarium, (i.e., Chatt TN)
Affordable artist’s studio/residents
Public art
Micro enterprise with youth
Local youth-focused org.
Vote with your dollars, spend local w/discount
incentives
Creative problem solving
Affordable housing & studios for artists
Disparity funds and loans and grants for artists of
color
14 riverside into an artist coworking space
Public art
Local discounts incentivized by TDA
Affordable artist housing & studio space
Infrastructure improved for all: streets/potholes/
sidewalks
Water mains improved (Merriman every week)
City council planning to thoroughly think through a
project they are considering (i.e., parking: Early Girl
lack of parking but still approved)
South Sloped Southside: green pocket parks (illegible),
sculptures, public art
Fix Haywood Street sidewalks – horrible impression
for one of the busiest walking areas.
Yes yes! And know the street scape project is in
planning stages. Yes!
Sport and recreation facilities that benefit (quality of
life/health and social benefits) locals most of the
time, but also benefit tourism
PHASE 1 154
Work with dogwood foundation on those projects
with obvious health and wellness implications for
citizens of WNC
Sidewalks (connectivity)
Environmentally friendly transportation network
Maintain the public/civic amenities we have before
starting new ones, i.e., maintain well the Urban Trail
on an annual basis before adding anymore public
art/amenities
Add professional to city staff who can assist city in
the maintenance & conservation of these art assets
overtime
Long-term asset management protection funding (for
primary assets)
Education/training/jobs for youth/young adults in the
summer for low income families
Help West Ashville! We desperately need public
restrooms a visitor center and more parking!
Also improved support for the rising crime – maybe
a designated officer that walks the area evenings &
nights
Keep music and access to it a top priority. All music,
symphony, opera, mountain music, etc.
Something to support housing affordability which
supports workforce that is needed keep heads in
beds, along with early childhood centers – capital
investment transportation
Pit of despair
Homeless aid
Affordable housing
Outdoor amphitheatre – along the FB River?
Indoor, multi-use sports facility – for locals and sports
tourism
Low-income projects
BTDA should fund public transportation & a downtown
shuttle (step-on, no fee bus transportation
Asheville community theatre
Support for local artists
Community outreach involving schools
Better sidewalks
A competitive swimming pool complex
Free tourist shuttle (also from hotels outside the city)
More pedestrian zones
Conference & convention space (state-of-the-art)
Extended public transportation hours
Smaller arts organizations
Better transit to serve visitors & locals; promotion of
transit to all too
Preservation of Asheville culture

Station #10 - Project Ideas
A downtown shuttle & extended hours on public
transport
Discounted parking for downtown workers
Early childhood ed – “the workforce behind the
workforce” – and a great ROI
The (illegible) recreation park
The civic center
Memorial stadium
Create an entertainment district
Improved public spaces in the library
Thomas Wolfe
Civic Center
Parking Decks
Repave downtown streets
Pack Square Park – make safer & more enjoyable
Music Hall
Downtown location for large concerts – outside (ex:
Kannapolis Village Park)
Arts organizations
Civic center
Worham Theatre
Urban Plaza redesign @ pack square
Natatorium/Regional Aquatic Center (like
Greensborough)
Look @ Swannanoa area
On BLS line & (illegible) interstates
Asheville Urban Trail – marketing & maintenance
(illegible) & open 24/7!
Thomas Wolf Auditorium major upgrade, another
parking deck; help w/downtown sidewalk repair,
DW theatre, projects for children
Performing arts center/complex
Bring the trolley back
Performing arts center
Bus w/expanded routes every 30 minutes
Ped zones
Bike lanes
Greenways – completed greenway/ped/bike network
so it is more useful/usable
As much infrastructure as possible
Sidewalks & parking – find a way
Navtic Sports Center
Parks & rec expanded better care & education for
visitors for physical environment & most utilized
hiking areas
Cleanup along roads & walks & West Asheville
For greenways to have an interconnected system &
20 miles need = good for residents & tourists
Commuter rail from Asheville to Charlotte, etc.
Green infrastructure to address climate change &
make Asheville & county more resilient to flooding
Extend RAD to Azalea Park & Woofin
Wave park
Public Input Workshop Results, cont’d
Beautification projects that achieve other benefits – Increase any & all opps for more “walkable and
pollinators, ecological, stormwater bikeable” channels
Sidewalks Runoff water management
Music hall Make city more walkable (downtown)
Transit Linkage between pedestrians and public transit
Bike infrastructure Make Explore AVL bldg public property
Stephens Lee Abolish the TDA
Sidewalks A great music hall in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Water treatment Restore Democracy: citizen representation on board
Buffers along streams to improve water quality More focus on local resident amenities & support
Affordable housing & office space Authenticity
Assistance with downtown maintenance Less % $ in advertising
Repair & expand sidewalks; transit bus shelters; More % $ on capital investments for locals
parking outside city center – shuttle tourists Physical memorial of AVL’s past, especially in ref to
Cleanup cigarette butts role of people of color’s contribution
Fund greenways, sidewalks, bike lanes, shuttles Provide shuttle into city
Fund public transportation, maybe smaller electric, The TDA should not be a funding source as it supports
more frequent, bus shelters a luxury industry that is responsible for 8% of
Fund a new symphony hall, support carbon emissions. We don’t need it. We have until
Help workers with childcare 2030 to become carbon neutral.
Support only those businesses that pay $15 – a living Support West AVL
wage Trash cans (our streets need trash cans)
More apartments & shops to cater to workers, Public bathrooms
retirees W. AVL Visitors Center w/parking, bathrooms, green
Keep a pedestrian friendly, safe sidewalks, greenways space
Community gardens; shade trees, benches Address and help us w/the homeless population that
Greenways, sidewalks, multimodal transportation, was displaced from the river arts project
shuttles, buses Help us clean up W. AVL. We love our community
Ditto and it is a destination, we need help keeping it
Performing arts center friendly & clean
Children’s science museum Service worker housing
Support arts programming for youth & increase More efficient public transit…not buses
access to arts for all Public art
Build a larger science center expand AMOS Repair & rehab of Asheville corridor on Blue Ridge
Shared resources w/ UNCA/climatic center/AMOS/ Pkwy (edge ruts, formalizing roadside parking, road
legacy of (illegible) adventure maintenance, trail head work, etc. access points
More indoor activities for children Preservation of historic trees/wood at 11 Collier Ave
More minority-run plans, non-profits Transit capital: electric bus fast-charge & electric
infrastructure fleet electric downtown shuttle
Walkability Forgotten asset for residents/locals that can be
Museums opportunity to improve
Investment in smaller urban parks/pocket park- A beautiful music venue for all types of performances
create a network connected by multimodal More green spaces
transportation Transit center upgrades to market green city
Transit, deeply & truly affordable housing Public transit (specifically full funding for the transit
Community gardens master plan)
Parks & facilities for locals 100% renewable energy transition – converting
Roads & streets & sidewalks rooftops and land to solar – TDA property &
Efficient public transportation elsewhere
New symphony hall Affordable housing & early childhood education that
Safe urban trees tourism workers need access to in order to have a
Modern libraries dignified life here
Support PACK library
PHASE 1 155

What does success look like?
Acceptance of goals by the
greater community.
A process that supports
investment in large-scale
community projects that is
PHASE 1
regularized and has the support of Council's lack of support for big enough. Tourism let's us enjoy
the community and its
governmental bodies.
156
Increased equity through
community growth, tourism
growth just one component and
one tool.
Significant funding for projects
that truly take into account and
benefit the needs of both
residents and tourists.
The ability to maintain the
livability, vitality and character of affordability for locals, improve employment, increased access to arts Stress on infrastructure, rapid growth,
Asheville.
What are the problems you
What opportunities does tourism
would like the TMIP process to
provide for the community?
address?
Small business growth, jobs, good
wages, dollars to support non profits services and neighborhoods, driving housing
and community projects. TPDF
Transit increased value.
Jobs. As well as cool stuff to do and
great places to eat and drink for
locals. Without tourism we would
Misalignment between TDA and NOT have the vibrant community we
governmental entities. City enjoy. The population is simply not
tourism and the MANY business amenities as residents that most
sectors its supports. cities our size cannot offer.
Lots of low wage jobs, longer
commutes and increased
1) Dysfunction between TDA opportunities for employers and
and municipalities. landlords to profit.
Funding source that should benefit
residents as well as those who visit
and that provides local growth
Infrastructure. opportunities.
Improve transit, green space, increased business diversity,
economic diversity and culture opportunities.
What are the challenges tourism
What are the challenges tourism brings?
faces?
Over usage of hiking trails. Wear and tear of
sidewalks, streets. Public safety
compromised. Investors buying property
who have little or no commitment to
Asheville. AirBnb growth, stressing public
costs up, loss of affordable housing. Creating Asheville's loss of uniqueness and
divisiveness between residents and tourists. independent businesses.
Over generalized assumptions about
tourism that are contrary to the real
data. A city council that does not
provide the same support for tourism
that it does other industries such as
healthcare and manufacturing. A
Can bring in folks that don't share or respect disrespect for the people who work in
our community values. They become users tourism assuming it's a job they
instead of contributors. would prefer not to have.
Local culture at the expensive of profit for
some. Displacement of local uses (and users)
for hotel developers and tourists. Increased
distance between property owning and 1) A potential gas crisis brought on by
working classes, a national trends, federal foreign policy. 2) Massive
exacerbated by certain industries (service and backlash from locals. 3) Elimination of
Community Leadership Council - Meeting #1 Poll Results
hospitality). Difficult for people to work their local culture in exchange for tourist
up to homeownership due to competition trap trash that visitors won't return
with wealthy outside investors. for. 4) Labor strikes.
Increased "wear and tear" on infrastructure Producing sustainably appropriate
and public services like fire, rescue and police. wages.
Burnout. Depletion of our creative
economy and all the things that make
widening the gap between locals and tourists. us a "unique destination".

What does success look like?
Well thought out 10 year plan.
Acceptance of goals by the
greater community.
Consensus across community
Achievable long term plan that
enhances quality of life for
A process that
residents. supports
Create an innovative Livability/affordability 3.
investment in large-scale
destination.
community projects that is
regularized and has the support of
PHASE 1
the community and its
governmental bodies.
Coordinated and strategic impact County.
157
Success looks like general
agreement on priorities that
support the community as well as statute says about heads in
Increased equity through
visitors. Minimal gripes.
community growth, tourism
growth just one component and 1) Dysfunction between TDA
one tool.
Sustainable
Significant funding benefiting
projectsfor projects
both citizens
that truly takeand visitors,
into account and
collaborating w community
benefit the needs of both
residents and tourists.
Increase
The abilityreturn to our community
to maintain the
and creative sector
livability, vitality and character of affordability for locals, improve
Asheville.
What are the problems you
What opportunities does tourism What are the challenges tourism
would like the TMIP process to What are the challenges tourism brings?
provide for the community? faces?
address?
Local resistance, lack of coordinated
Huge economic driver. Improves Over usage of hiking trails. Wear and tear of community planning, key entity
Synergy between major non Asheville brand which benefits many Striking balance
sidewalks, streets. Increased
of Public demand and
safety leadership turnover (also an
profit entities in the area. local orgs. infrastructure
compromised.to Investors that demand.
supportbuying property opportunity).
p p ,
who have little or no commitment to unemployment rate = hard to staff
Meaningfully mitigate the It supports
Small businesses
business growth,and jobs,
jobs, good Creates
Asheville.polarization in community,
AirBnb growth, have and
stressing public up, cost of start up, community ire,
impacts of tourism on creates businesses
wages, dollars and jobs,
to support nongrows
profits have nots,
services andwinners
neighborhoods,
and losers,driving people
many housing lack of services needed concerning
infrastructure. Shift cost burden revenue, supports
and community projects. culture
arts andTPDF feel
costsleft
up,out
lossofofthis economy/opportunity
affordable and
housing. Creating parking, cleanliness,
Asheville's loss of uniqueness social
policing orand
to visitors rather than property
Transit and food. Creates
increased value. opportunities for unable to reach
divisiveness a quality
between of life they
residents see
and tourists. services for the
independent homeless, transit for
businesses.
tax payers. locals to experience as well. others enjoying their employees, etc.
Over generalized assumptions about
1. Conflict between industry Jobs. As well as cool stuff to do and tourism that
Reduction to are contrary to
a ubiquitous the real
experience.
and policy leaders, 2. great places to eat and drink for
Homogenized downtown market, entitlement Loss data.ofA the
cityunique that does
councilthrough not
saturation
Employment, tourism we would
locals. Withoutinvestment, attitude, "make it the way the tourist wants and provide the same
industry "bestsupport
practices" tourism
fornot
Preservation
Misalignmentofbetween
authenticTDA and
place. cosmopolitan vibrant community we
NOT have the creation. it". that it does
relevant other industries such as
to AVL.
governmental entities. City enjoy. The population is simply not healthcare and manufacturing. A
Council's lack of support for
big enough. Tourism let's us enjoy
Can bring in folks that don't share or respect disrespect for the people who work in
Would like to see broad and
tourism and the MANY business amenities as residents that most
our community values. They become users tourism assuming it's a job they
equitable investments across Incredibly important employment
sectors its supports. cities our size cannot offer. instead of contributors. would prefer not to have.
social and geographic sector (accessible entry level with Sustainability and agility to stay fresh
boundaries within Buncombe upward mobility). How can we / relevant in face of demographic
cement those career paths? Infrastructure needs changes
Local culture at the expensive of profit for
some. Displacement of local uses (and users)
Tourism is an important part of a well Hostility. Lack of acknowledgement of
for hotel developers and tourists. Increased
Infrastructure, a broadening of rounded economy. It supports other the connection between tourism and
distance between property owning and 1) A potential gas crisis brought on by
the interpretation of what the industries in turn that support the the role it plays in the overall
working classes, a national trends, federal foreign policy. 2) Massive
overall quality of place that makes economy. It's a part that helps fuel
Lots of low wage jobs, longer exacerbated by certain industries (service and backlash from locals. 3) Elimination of
beds. the place so attractive for tourists. Stress on local infrastructure other pieces.
commutes and increased hospitality). Difficult for people to work their local culture in exchange for tourist
opportunities for employers and up to homeownership due to competition trap trash that visitors won't return
and municipalities. landlords to profit. with wealthy outside investors. for. 4) Labor strikes.
Community Leadership Council - Meeting #1 Poll Results, cont’d
Funding source that should benefit Disconnect with locals, overcrowding
Infrastructure needs, equity and Customers
residents asfor local
well as biz,
thoseeconomic
who visit Crowding/traffic, wear on infrastructure, of amenities, hotels competing for
inclusion growth
and that provides local growth locals indicate
Increased they
"wear anddon't
tear"come downtown
on infrastructure room nights
Producing sustainably appropriate
Collaboration
Infrastructure.to bring multiple opportunities. and public
Tourism services
leaves manylike fire, rescue
people behindand police.
because wages.
partners to together to solve of low wages. Pushes people out of
problems, support locals and Tourism gives entrepreneurs neighborhoods by making our city more and
increase tourism. Transit . avoid opportunities to be Innovative and more expensive. Puts pressure on transit and
investment of duplicated
Improve transit, green space, creative
increasedand draw on
business a much larger infrastructure. Pressure on local business
diversity, Burnout. Depletion of our creative
tourism activities
audience
employment, increased access to arts because rapidly rising property
Stress onofinfrastructure, values.
rapid growth, gentrification.
economy and all the things that make
economic diversity and culture opportunities. widening the gap between locals and tourists. us a "unique destination".

What does success look like?
We're happy to see visitors and
share our community because we infrastructure needs
don't feel we're fighting for scarce investment. The City is
resources or ceding our city.
Acceptance of goals by the
Nurtures
greater placemaking, offers a
community.
positive memorable experience,
and reinforces Asheville
authenticity.
A process that supports
investment in large-scale
community projects that is
regularized and has the support of Council's
Not sure yet?
the community and its
What are the problems you
What opportunities does tourism What are the challenges tourism
would like the TMIP process to What are the challenges tourism brings?
provide for the community? faces?
address?
g pp yj
by data - of the impacts, tourists look for unique, authentic tourism are part-time (no benefits) and not Lack of parking, poorly maintained
burdens and benefits of experience. Artists, craftspeople, well paid.
Over usageAsoftourism has grown,
hiking trails. many
Wear and locals
tear of sidewalks, downtown isn't clean,
tourism. Basic community musicians and makers of all kinds can feel shut out of their downtown
sidewalks, streets. Public safety and don't crowded - sidewalks can't be
sell directly and make a living here. feel their concerns
compromised. are recognized
Investors and
buying property expanded because street parking seen
Asheville has amenities well beyond addressed.
who Tourism
have little or noalso attracts new
commitment to as more important, security concerns,
burdened by visitors, but also Small (restaurants,
its sizebusiness entertainment,
growth, jobs, good residents who
Asheville. AirBnbthen immediately
growth, want
stressing public issues with travelers.
wages, dollars to support non profits services and neighborhoods, driving housing
and community projects. TPDF costs up, loss of affordable housing. Creating Asheville's loss of uniqueness and
Transit increased value. divisiveness between residents and tourists. independent businesses.
Diverse experiences for visitors and Stresses on infrastructure and transit, lower
Housing locals, fueling the economic engine wage jobs Growing
Over generalized
negativeassumptions
perception about
Jobs. As well as cool stuff to do and tourism that are contrary to the real
great places to eat and drink for data. A city council that does not
locals. Without tourism we would provide the same support for tourism
Misalignment between TDA and NOT have the vibrant community we that it does other industries such as
governmental entities. City enjoy. The population is simply not Negative impacts on infrastructure, healthcare and manufacturing.
Economic downturn A
and anti tourism
Equity lack of support for big
Jobsenough. Tourism let's us enjoy Can bring in folks
overcrowding andthat don't
locals share
feeling or respect
pushed out disrespect for the people who work in
public sentiment
tourism and the MANY business amenities as residents that most our community values. They become users tourism assuming it's a job they

PHASE 1
governmental bodies. sectors its supports. cities our size cannot offer. instead of contributors. would prefer not to have.

Communicating the benefits of Excess demand during peak times that can Creating new reasons for people to
what tourism provides to the Great careers and advancement for Local culture
curb local at the expensive
consumption. of profit
Hostility from for
local come back. How to keep this major
Quality of life local community our local youth some. Displacement
community for tourism of local uses (and users) economic driving force sustainable
for hotel developers and tourists. Increased
Community collaboration to work valuable community resources Incredible restaurants which may not Higher than average hotel rates, food

158
distance between property owning and 1) A potential gas crisis brought on by
together to enhance our while looking toward the future be in a traditional community; jobs; costs, GAS costs, anti tourism
working classes, a national trends, federal foreign policy. 2) Massive
community assets - making sure (10-20 years) for new quality hotels; future residents and mentality, and finally the community
Increased equity through Lots of low wage jobs, longer exacerbated by certain industries (service and backlash from locals. 3) Elimination of
that we work together to enhancements designed to potentially future business relocating does not recognize that tourism
community growth, tourism commutes and increased hospitality). Difficult for people to work their local culture in exchange for tourist
maximize potential and eliminate improve issues such as parking, to the community because of the traffic, parking, increased hotel rates, wear drives a better quality of life in
growth just one component and 1) Dysfunction between TDA opportunities for employers and up to homeownership due to competition trap trash that visitors won't return
duplication of efforts equity and quality of life experience during a visit and tear on our public facilities Buncombe County
one tool. and municipalities. landlords to profit. with wealthy outside investors. for. 4) Labor strikes.

Inclusiveness to benefit all Intro to population s who traditionally

Community Leadership Council - Meeting #1 Poll Results, cont’d

Significant funding for projects Funding source that should benefit

communities.
that truly take into account and
benefit the needs of both
residents and tourists.
Employees of local employers
receive significant benefits of the
outcomes.
Wages
Affordable Housing for
workforce and retirees. Transit.
Infrastructure.
Parking. Help pay some of
community costs generated by
tourism.
would not come to the mountains
residents as well as those who visit
and that provides local growth
opportunities.
Jobs, many w modest wage,
especially retail, food prep and
service, hotel/motel.
Exclusion
Increased "wear and tear" on infrastructure
and public services like fire, rescue and police.
Gaining trust
Producing sustainably appropriate
Defacto hotel moratorium. Tourists
wages.
don't see real Asheville if they don't
see the struggles of workers to pay
rent and travel to work.

The ability to maintain the
Locals are engaged and benefit.
livability, vitality and character of
Local businesses thrive and
Asheville.
become resilient. Opportunities
open for local ownership.
Improve transit, green space, increased business diversity, Burnout. Depletion of our creative
Lack of sustainable management yields
affordability for locals, improve employment, increased access to arts Stress on infrastructure, rapid growth, economy and all the things that make
negative impacts on locals and local industry, Locals no longer feeling / having
economic diversity and culture opportunities. widening the gap between locals and tourists. us a "unique destination".
Growing local industry not jobs, affordability and access to local ownership of the place they call
purely dependent on tourism. ownership. home.

What does success look like?
What are the problems you
What opportunities does tourism What are the challenges tourism
would like the TMIP process to What are the challenges tourism brings?
provide for the community? faces?
address?

Drawing people from all over

Involves fresh voices and More visible evidence that the nation/world can increase economic Over usage of hiking trails. Wear and tear of Public perception that the industry
uncovers untold stories that draw funds are being used for prosperity for all residents if managed sidewalks, streets. Public safety doesn't provide a living wage for most
new people to our city. downtown infrastructure needs. properly. GENTRIFICATION
compromised. Investors buying property employees.
who have little or no commitment to
Engagement and representation Small business growth, jobs, good Asheville. AirBnb growth, stressing public
Equitable opportunities for all of local cultural and historical wages, dollars to support non profits services and neighborhoods, driving housing
Acceptance contribute
communitiesoftogoals Revenue
by the to and contributions from communities and community and pathways
streamsprojects. TPDF to Extractive
costs up, loss
andofexploitative
affordable strategies that
housing. Creating Representation
Asheville's and
loss of uniqueness local
input fromand
benefit from
greater tourism industry
community. of color.
Transit economic mobility
increased value. diminish local
divisiveness resources
between residents and tourists. independent of color
communities businesses.

Over generalized assumptions about

Jobs. As well as cool stuff to do and Increased
tourism resistance
that and support
are contrary to the real
sustaining our tourism industry in Examining the % of occupancy great places to eat and drink for from the
data. local
A city community.
council that does not
Buncombe
A County,
process that and its
supports tax revenue that is mandated locals. Without tourism we would Wear and tear on infrastructure. Acknowledging
provide the same and addressing
support the
for tourism
contributions
investment in to our local
large-scale for tourism marketing
Misalignment betweenopposed
TDA and NOT have the vibrant community we Compromising the integrity and cohesiveness that carrying capacity
it does other of industries
tourism such
in ouras
economy WITHOUT
community projects that is governmental investment
to local capitalentities. Cityor enjoy. The population is simply not of neighborhoods via homestays (inventory of healthcare
community.and Themanufacturing.
impermanenceAof

PHASE 1
compromising
regularized andour
haslocal
the support
residentsof other investments
Council's .... adjusting
lack of support for Amenities...
big restaurants,
enough. Tourism let'scultural
us enjoy affordable
Can bring inhousing
folks that locals).
fordon't being an 'IT'
share or respect disrespect forcommunity
the peopleand vogue
whoenwork in
quality
the of life. Avoiding
community and its the tourism to acknowledge
this ratioand the
the MANY business amenities
attractions,asdiversity businesses,
residentsofthat most Disproportionate
our community values.amount of service-related
They tourist destination,
become users tourism assuming it's anda job economic
thethey
development of
governmental our local
bodies. maturation
sectors of our tourism
its supports. etc. for
cities ourlocals to enjoy,
size cannot which would
offer. jobs in our
instead economy. Displacement of our
of contributors. uncertainty
would preferthatnotgoes along with it.
to have.
economy without being overly industry since the TPDF was otherwise not be able to exist here artist community. Decreased authenticity of The inability for our infrastructure to
dependent on tourism revenue. established twog decades ago. withoutgpatronage , from tourists.
y our brand. keep up with it.
tourists are inaccessible to building by being forced to share Local culture
Traffic. Workersat the expensive
pushed of profit
to margins. for
More

159
residents with a 26k average unaffordable housing, time to listen some. Displacement
socialization of costs of
associated
local useswith users)
(andtourism
and 46k median income and are to radical podcasts while stuck in for hotel developers and tourists. Increased
(policing, roads, airport) while community Resistance from labor, community
pushing workers out of tourist traffic, opportunity to be distance between
needs ignored, property owning
privatization and
of profit, 1) A potential
groups, potential
gas tocrisis
runbrought
out of lowon by
Better return to service workers downtown without adequate arrested in an over policed disneyfied working
community classes, a national
sucked trends,
dry by carpetbagging federal
wage workers
foreignifpolicy. 2) Massive
unsustainable
Increased
from tourismequity through
development transit Lots of low wage jobs, longer
downtown. exacerbated
outside by certain
business industries (service and backlash
interests. practices from locals. 3) Elimination of
continue.
g g y p
community growth, tourism commutes and increased hospitality). Difficult for people to work their local culture in exchange for tourist
We need to better understand infrastructure at a rate we can't maintain, visits quickly, then what? And what
growth just one component and 1) Dysfunction between TDA opportunities for employers and up to homeownership due to competition trap trash that visitors won't return
Strengthening of place that builds the impacts of tourism on the pushing costs to the community. Expansion of becomes of the businesses and
Community Leadership Council - Meeting #1 Poll Results, cont’d

one tool.
upon existing community values,
benefits everyone, and improves
Significant funding for projects
the relationship of tourism and
that truly take into account and
community
benefit the needs of both
residents and tourists.
The ability to maintain the
Resilient, liveable community
livability, vitality and character of
Asheville.
and municipalities. landlords to profit. with wealthy outside investors. for. 4) Labor strikes.
community. This goes beyond housing (STR) for tourists is detrimental to workers that relied on the visitors?
investments in capital projects the housing supply and rents for locals. Risk Community at large appears to loath
Funding source that should benefit
and includes studying the ways to the balance of locals and visitors. With so the amount of visitors, creating a
residents as well as those who visit
tourism can hurt us. q Brings full wallets to our community. many driving here, environmental impacts, divide that hurts us. Are we
y and that provides local growth Increased "wear and tear" on infrastructure Producing gsustainably appropriate y
Transit challenges.
Infrastructure. 10% forest opportunities. Traffic. Solid waste. Huge price increases with in
and public services like fire, rescue and police. wages. overtourism. Direct antagonism
canopy loss has happened in no local wage changes. We are suffering between locals and tourists. The I26
the last 10 years. Our city is from overtourism. Major environmental project will make traffic unbearable
becoming less liveable and Diverse experiences for residents too. degradation. Hotels hotels hotels. No storm here and tourism will go down and we
more crowded and less Acknowledgement of our beautiful water runoff planning. Flooding landslides will have bad press. Ongoing tree loss
Improve transit, green space, increased business diversity, Burnout. Depletion of our creative
attractive to tourists. Traffic and setting. Funding for cultural events. erosion. and environmental destruction here
affordability for locals, improve employment, increased access to arts Stress on infrastructure, rapid growth, economy and all the things that make
economic diversity and culture opportunities. widening the gap between locals and tourists. us a "unique destination".

What does success look like?
What are the problems you
What opportunities does tourism What are the challenges tourism
would like the TMIP process to What are the challenges tourism brings?
provide for the community? faces?
address?

Low wages in tourism jobs, traffic which our

Jobs, usually prefer to shop and eat infrastructure
Over usage of can
hiking handle
nottrails. in its
Wear present
and tear of The community resentment of so
Community involvement is crucial locally, so helps small businesses, and foreseeable
sidewalks, streets.future,
Publicmost
safetyresidents feel much money being spent to bring
due to the growth of the area and Community at large feeling chance to interact with visitors and that they are not
compromised. heard when
Investors buying voice their
theproperty visitors to our city when the residents
tourism putting a strain on tax tourism takes precedence over learn from their take on the Asheville concerns
who haveabout the
little or nolarge
commitment
amounts to spent to are the ones footing the bill for what
base resources.
y p residents quality of life. area.
Small business growth, jobs, good bring in more
Asheville. visitors
AirBnb growth, stressing public they use.
creates capital projects that excite Improving the quality of life of wages, dollars to support non profits services and neighborhoods, driving housing
the
Acceptance
people ofofBuncombe County. the average county citizen:
goals by the and community projects. TPDF costs up, loss of affordable housing. Creating Asheville's loss of uniqueness and
The process
greater is transparent and
community. living wages, improved
Transit increased value. divisiveness between residents and tourists. independent remain a unique tourist
Will Ashevillebusinesses.
the project management team infrastructure, access to mind Purchase of locally made products destination or will the hordes just
implements these projects on and body betterment and experiences. We don't "ship" it move on to the next "must see"
budget and on schedule opportunities out, you come to us! Homogeneity place?
Over generalized assumptions about
Jobs. As well as cool stuff to do and Road crowding tourism that are contrary to the real
great places to eat and drink for data. A city council that does not
A process that supports locals. Without tourism we would Extreme gentrification. Pushing out natives, Increased
provide thecrime,
samemental
supporthealth issues,
for tourism
Sustainability
investment in large-scale Affordable housing!
Misalignment gouging
Pricehave
between TDA and NOT the vibrant community we POC, working poor, disabled, elderly. and drug
that abuse.
it does other industries such as
Integration of
community tourism
projects that
andis Coordination for
governmental the multiple
entities. City enjoy. The population is simply not healthcare and manufacturing. A

PHASE 1
entities lack of support for
community and has the support of Council's
regularized Exposure
big enough.
forTourism new
potentiallet's usresidents
enjoy Stress on present
Can bring infrastructure
in folks that don't share or respect Overcrowding of area
disrespect for the people who work in
the community and its tourism and the MANY business amenities as residents that most our community values. They become users tourism assuming it's a job they
governmental bodies. sure
Making its
sectors supports.
to focus on every cities our size cannot offer. instead of contributors. would prefer not to have.
jurisdiction in the county and
Building community and providing consider the challenges
options and opportunities for associated with tourism related Growth whether good or bad, tax Rapid
Local culture
growth,atstrain on infrastructure,
the expensive of profit need
for Acceptance, available land and

160
residents and visitors. projects. base, recognition and quality of life. to provide
some. living wage,
Displacement of gentrification.
local uses (and users) resources, competing interests.
Areas that have been forgotten Neiborhood infrastructure for hotel developers and tourists. Increased
become seen development Resources and needed attention Creative
distance Pretending
between property owning and 1) A potential gas crisis brought on by
working classes, a national trends, federal foreign policy. 2) Massive
Increased equity through Lots of low wage jobs, longer exacerbated by certain industries (service and backlash from locals. 3) Elimination of
A plan that recognizes
community the needs
growth, tourism commutes and increased hospitality). Difficult for people to work their local culture in exchange for tourist
and diversity
growth of each
just one component
of the and 1) Dysfunction between TDA make
Jobs, means tofor
opportunities employers
a living,and Ensuring
up that tourism-related
to homeownership jobs pay living
due to competition trap trash that visitors won't return
Community Leadership Council - Meeting #1 Poll Results, cont’d

individual
one tool. jurisdictions or and municipalities. landlords
economic togrowth,
profit.opportunities to wages,
with balancing
wealthy increased
outside tourism with
investors. for. 4) Labor strikes.
communities within the County. Equity countywide share our heritage impact on infrastructure Negative perception by general public
Significant funding for projects Funding source that should benefit
that truly take into account and residents as well as those who visit Fossil fuels, disrespectful visitors that reflect
benefit the needs of both Hospitality
and is a privilege.
that provides Hosting
local growth leadership's
Increased "weardisdain
and for
tear"
lowonincome locals,
infrastructure Producing sustainably appropriate
residents and tourists. Infrastructure. visitors is fulfilling beyond measure
opportunities. of deeply
lack public
and affordable
services housing,
like fire, rescuediminishing
and police. wages.
when you have resources to offer and access, employers not investing in their
A sense of sharing a thriving and Transit, access, reducing can share a city you can enjoy workers, city giving preferential treatment to
sustainable & strong community pollution yourself <3 non residents Having a healthy hostess body <3
The ability to maintain the Improve transit, green space, increased business diversity, Burnout. Depletion of our creative
livability, vitality and character of affordability for locals, improve employment, increased access to arts Stress on infrastructure, rapid growth, economy and all the things that make
Asheville. economic diversity and culture opportunities. widening the gap between locals and tourists. us a "unique destination".

What does success look like?
What are the problems you
What opportunities does tourism What are the challenges tourism
would like the TMIP process to What are the challenges tourism brings?
provide for the community? faces?
address?

Criticism that tourism is the driver of

Equitable growth across all
sectors of the community so
tourism benefits ALL
Acceptance of goals by the
Being able
greater to assist the
community.
community in giving it more
options for reasidnts, while also
making it a more attractive place Making locals feel "included" in options for our residents through
for tourists to visit.
A process that supports
investment in large-scale
Over usage of hiking trails. Wear and tear of inequities and disparate income
Traffic, environmental
sidewalks, stresses,
streets. Public safety tourist levels in the community, and that the
ignorance about the special
compromised. Investors buying character and
property result is negative impacts (growing
quality
Potentially improved quality of life for who of our
have littlecommunity,
or no commitment cost of
and the to achievement gaps in schools)
all citizens
Infrastructure and capital needs Small IF funds
business are granted
growth, jobs, good living increases
Asheville. AirBnbthat challenge
growth, housing
stressing public disproportionately on persons of color
equitably
to improve schools and housing wages, thru an INCLUSIVE process. options for hourly wage earners.
dollars to support non profits services and neighborhoods, driving housing and low wage earners.
and community projects. TPDF costs up, loss of affordable housing. Creating Asheville's loss of uniqueness and
Transit increased value. divisiveness between residents and tourists. independent businesses.
Jobs and the opportunity to improve
infrastructure and entertainment Meeting the demand with proper Affordability of coming to our area -
infrastructure (roads, transportation, lodging, Mostly,
Over the high cost
generalized on hotel rooms,
assumptions about
the plans moving forward. revenue generated.
Jobs. As well as cool stuff to do and etc). as well as their availability.
tourism that are contrary to the real
great places to eat and drink for data. A city council that does not
locals. Without tourism we would provide the same support for tourism
Misalignment between TDA and NOT have the vibrant community we that it does other industries such as

PHASE 1
community projects that is governmental dots: Maximize
Connecting theentities. City enjoy. The population is simply not healthcare and manufacturing. A
regularized and has the support of all of the investments
Council's lack of support TDA big enough. Tourism let's us enjoy
thefor Can bring in folks that don't share or respect disrespect for the people who work in
the community and its has funded
tourism andbythemaking
MANYthem Increased as
business amenities opportunities
residents that local
formost Increased
our community
traffic,values. challenges,
parkingThey becomelow users tourism assuming it's a job they
governmental bodies. accessible
sectors to tourists and the
its supports. business
cities our start-ups,
size cannotjobs, tax revenue
offer. wage jobs
instead that need to be filled by people
of contributors. Balancing
would growth
prefer not toand increased
have.
local community by making an that can be used to improve and who cannot afford to live in the city or tourism while retaining and
ongoing investment in transit. expand local services. Benefits to the commute a long distance. Robust transit supporting the local culture and

161
Opportunity and access for the
entire community.
A clean and green city, with free
bus service in the city and county
that runs 24/7.
Increased equity through
community growth, tourism
growth just one component and
Successful cities thrive on
robust and efficient transit.
1) Dysfunction between TDA
community make it a more desirable
destination for tourists as well.
Lots of low wage jobs, longer
commutes and increased
opportunities for employers and
Local help address
couldculture at the many of these
expensive issues
of profit foras community that created the tourism
well as enhance the tourist experience.
some. Displacement of local uses (and users) in the first place.
for hotel developers and tourists. Increased
distance between property owning and 1) A potential gas crisis brought on by
working classes, a national trends, federal foreign policy. 2) Massive
exacerbated by certain industries (service and backlash from locals. 3) Elimination of
hospitality). Difficult for people to work their local culture in exchange for tourist
up to homeownership due to competition trap trash that visitors won't return
Community Leadership Council - Meeting #1 Poll Results, cont’d

one tool.
Significant funding for projects
that truly take into account and
benefit the needs of both
residents and tourists.
Collaboration
The ability to maintain the
livability, vitality and character of affordability for locals, improve employment, increased access to arts
Asheville.
and municipalities.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure.
Safe & livable city for all
Improve transit, green space,
economic diversity
landlords to profit. with wealthy outside investors. for. 4) Labor strikes.
Growth of local businesses, funding
source for
Funding affordable
source housing.
that should benefit Community resentment
residents as well as those who visit
and that provides local growth Increased "wear and tear" on infrastructure Producing sustainably appropriate
opportunities. and
Due public
to the services
high costlike
of fire, rescue and police. wages.
living—many
employers are unable to pay wages that Anger toward any & all things tourism-
Opportunity for entrepreneurs in a match that challenge. All categories of related without examination or
wide variety of businesses jobs—not just traditional tourism jobs. consideration.
increased business diversity, Burnout. Depletion of our creative
Stress on infrastructure, rapid growth, economy and all the things that make
and culture opportunities. widening the gap between locals and tourists. us a "unique destination".

What does success look like?
Melding of community respect
and financial success.
Happiness in both armies
Acceptance of goals by the
greater community.
Collective
A prosperity
process that supports
investment in large-scale
community projects that is
that
TDA projectsand
regularized enhance
has the support
the of Council's lack of support for
community
the for locals
community
and itsand support tourism and the MANY business amenities
PHASE 1
governmental high-earning,
the needs of a bodies.
diverse local resident workforce
162
Increased equity through
community growth, tourism
growth just one component and
one tool.
Significant funding for projects
that truly take into account and
benefit the needs of both
residents and tourists.
The ability to maintain the
livability, vitality and character of affordability for locals, improve employment, increased access to arts Stress on infrastructure, rapid growth,
Asheville.
What are the problems you
What opportunities does tourism What are the challenges tourism
would like the TMIP process to What are the challenges tourism brings?
provide for the community? faces?
address?
Low wage jobs, gentrification, people being
shut
Over out of housing
usage of hikingmarket
trails. Wear inability
due toand tear ofto Understanding and reacting in a
Economic growth, job opportunities, pay higher rents or buy a home
sidewalks, streets. Public safety condo due to respectful and productive manner to
Infrastructure with an equity opportunity to create more diverse increased popularity
compromised. of the
Investors area which
buying propertyreally the negative impact people are
lens. creatity and local talent. should
who havefocus
little
onorthe
noarts and mountains.
commitment to feeling.
Integration of competing At
Small last, achieve
longbusiness long-range
growth, jobs, good Asheville. AirBnb growth, stressing public
projects planning! services and neighborhoods,
wages, dollars to support non profits Acknowledging that we are a driving town"
"touristhousing Denial of & hostility to tourism
and community projects. TPDF costs up, loss of affordable housing. Creating Asheville's loss of uniqueness and
Expanded
Transit transit needs: Tourism provides
increased value. jobs, but those jobs Many
divisiveness
peoplebetween feel uncomfortable
of color residents and tourists. independent businesses.
extended hours to midnight; need to provide family-supporting coming into downtown Asheville because of
more routes; extend routes income so families can live in the increased police presence and being harassed
farther out into the county county where the work is. by law enforcement. Over generalized assumptions about
Engagement process that Jobs. As well as cool stuff to do and tourism that are contrary to the real
involves ALL stockholder groups great places to eat and drink for Inaccurate
data. A citynarrative surrounding
council that does not
in solutions! Collective
locals. pprosperity
Without tourism we would loss of authenticity tourism the same support for tourism
provide
Misalignment between TDA and NOTnontourism
have theemployers
vibrant community A
to the area.we that it does other industries such as
governmental entities. City revenue
enjoy. stream
The replacing
population is simply
lost not healthcare and manufacturing. A
manufacturing
big business
enough. Tourism kept
let's--us enjoy Can bring in folks that don't share or respect disrespect for the people who work in
Asheville alive
in bad times.
as residents that most
Arts and our community values. They become users tourism assuming it's a job they
sectors its supports. culture
cities opportunities
our above our
size cannot offer. Low-wage,
instead of contributors.
low-advancement jobs. Demands would prefer not to have.
weight. on local services and infrastructure. Horrible public opinion.
Increasing the prosperity of
workers in Asheville will Most importantly growth for the city Local culture at the expensive of profit for Cities like Venice and Amsterdam
increase the tourist experience and its residents while providing a some. Displacement of local uses (and users) have reached a saturation point how
as well service to tourists Gentrification!
for hotel developers and tourists. Increased much is TOO MUCH tourism
distance between property owning and 1) A potential gas crisis brought on by
working classes, a national trends, federal foreign policy. 2) Massive
Not many,
Lots of low because
wage jobs, people are
thelonger exacerbated by certain industries (service and backlash from locals. 3) Elimination of
not in control.
commutes andTourism
increasedis catapulting hospitality). Difficult for people to work their local culture in exchange for tourist
1) Dysfunction between TDA us towards catastrophic
opportunities climate
for employers and up to homeownership due to competition trap trash that visitors won't return
and municipalities. change due
landlords to to dependence on long
profit. with wealthy outside investors. US, THE
for. 4) Labor WAGE WORKERS and
LOWstrikes.
distance travel. We need local supply CATASTROPHIC CLIMATE CHANGE, PUBLIC FIXED INCOME FOLKS WHO ARE SICK
Community Leadership Council - Meeting #1 Poll Results, cont’d
chains
Fundingand substantially
source higher
that should wages HEALTH CRISES AS SO MANY ARE IN POVERTY
benefit OF IT AND ARE RISING UP
residents as well as those who visit Regulatory environment, particularly
and that provides local growth Increased "wear and tear" on infrastructure between
Producinghotels and home-stays
sustainably appropriate
Infrastructure. opportunities. and public services like fire, rescue and police. (Airbnb)
wages.
Truly sustainable development and
investment that meets the needs of
Improve transit, green space, increased business diversity, Burnout. citizens while
Asheville Depletion making
of our it a
creative
welcoming city.
economy and all the things that make
economic diversity and culture opportunities. widening the gap between locals and tourists. us a "unique destination".
Lack of cultural diversity in access
 Community Leadership Council - Meeting #2 Results

Waste Disposal Security improvements Design guidelines Environmental remediation

Tree plan Streetscapes (beautification/ Portico – open market Water quality (esp. French Broad)
Landscaping cleanliness) Lexington & Coxe Avenue projects Financial tools for local govts. Long-
Carolina Ln/Chicken Alley Worker parking & transit Banks & Buxton term
Downtown Broadway Cultural Greenways & pedestrian amenities Infrastructure, safety, lighting Continued greenway expansion
Gateway Activation of areas afflicted by 68 Haywood property (project in the queue)
Wall Street (remove parking? Access vagrancy Greenways Public safety (police & fire)
is a concern for businesses) Expansion of farm heritage trail Urban Trail – maintenance for public Performing arts (center/fix Thomas
West Asheville & other neighborhood Expansion of mountain mobility art Wolfe)
hubs New civic center Performing arts space Aquatic Center (innovative new sport
Burton Street The Block (placemaking inclusion) Cultural assets – museums, centers, activity/greater community service)
Shiloh Wooded Areas (existing in arts, education Indoor track
Madison Avenue neighborhoods/natural healing Pack Square Park – maintenance Sportsplex
Montfort space/working ownership) Temp public art Track
Stephens Lee Blk Mountain (pedestrian friendly) 68 Haywood Downtown streetscape &
Triangle Park Intersection of South Slope/RAD Coxe & Lex & Banks & Buxton & transportation
Charlotte St. Technology infrastructure Collier Parking deck (w/athletic facility on
Thompson St. Training Carolina Lane/Chicken Alley (?) top (greenspace)
Swannanoa Greenway Connectivity Community access to tech Rankin “park” (bus shelter, green Greenway
Livingston District Business incubators seating, public art) Memorial
Gardens (like Edgington Center) Fix or expand infrastructure that Haywood Road (street trees/greening) Placemaking (streetscape/lights/
Farmer’s Markets limits sustainable tourism growth SW Pack Square (urban plaza) safety)
Connect Gardens by Greenways!! (i.e., flooding) Haywood St (streetscape project) Safe haven for homeless (“traveler
Public Sculpture at Visitor Center – Tie into existing assets (greenways…) Pedestrian bridges (add art & population”)
needs sprinkle and planned amenities) Greenways
Platform system for Biltmore Village Transportation connectivity Sports complex in Swannonoa – Downtown sidewalks
(flooding) Historical preservation (working connect ppl. Streetscape improvements
R.A.D. – activation monument) Cragnolin Park Affordable artist studio space
Smaller municipalities – sprinkle Convertible lodging Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary Riverfront revitalization (continue
S. Asheville – sprinkle Public Art Wall St. (pedestrian) - @ times RADTIP North & South –
South Slope Street painting – sprinkle 20 murals in 2020 Local experience/benefits infrastructure)
5 greenways in county – need Heritage trails Art projects/video on buildings Shuttle between downtown &
sprinkles Parklets & public spaces & amenities Bus shelters/create experience riverfront
Libraries – making more than books Planters Play areas – connections to adult Transit operations & infrastructure
Pritchard Park – activation Attract families to downtown – play activity Performing arts center
Asheland/Patton Ave. spaces Focus on safety Community & neighborhood spaces
Mixed Use for Pit of Despair Placekeeping Affordable housing for underserved – equity
R.A.D. – signage & info ctr. Fun crosswalks (dancing) neighborhoods Food co-ops (food security) – equity
Airport Term. Expansion Transit – shuttles Minority-owned business support
Thomas Wolfe Park & ride – worker transit History museum (multiple locations
Multi Use Sports Complex Parking structures W. North Carolina)
Indoor Connect cities Public housing revitalization
Outdoor Signature bridge Patton Avenue restoration
Infrastructure Bike share West Asheville parking solution
Sidewalks Trolley=arts districts Public outdoor spaces
Road repairs Wifi – public for downtown Tree canopy restoration
Street trees Gateways Stream restoration

PHASE 1 163
 PGAV
200 North Broadway, Suite 1000
St. Louis, MO 63102

Magellan Strategies
P.O. Box 5632
Asheville, NC 28813