(Part 2 of 2) LIVE @ Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Meeting 05/29/19

Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Meeting Recap: May 29, 2019

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) held a meeting on May 29, 2019, focusing primarily on finalizing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (2019-2020) and reviewing ongoing initiatives impacting tourism in Buncombe County. The meeting included presentations, discussions, and public input, ultimately shaping key decisions that will influence the county’s tourism landscape.

Key Decisions & Budget Approval: The most significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous approval of the proposed fiscal year 2019-2020 budget ordinance. The approved budget anticipates a 3% increase in year-end revenue, totaling $19,358,000. A significant portion of this funding ($6.45 million) is allocated to the Tourism Product Development Fund, which supports community projects and assets like the African American Heritage Trail. The budget also reflects a nearly $1 million increase in marketing spending, demonstrating the BCTDA’s commitment to expanding its reach and attracting visitors. A public hearing regarding this budget will be held on June 26th to allow for further community feedback.

Discussion Highlights: Marketing, Sports & Future Development: Beyond the budget approval, several key topics were discussed. The BCTDA reviewed its ongoing community engagement campaign, which utilizes video production, advertising across various media platforms (including AVL Today and the Citizen Times), and radio interviews to highlight tourism’s positive impact on the community. Updates were also provided from the Sports Commission, celebrating successes like the Oatroot race and securing a Grand Fondo National Series championship event in Asheville. A discussion was held regarding the US Cellular Center's new name – Harris Cherokee Center Asheville - while maintaining ExploreAxtual.com Arena for event-specific use due to previous BCTDA investment. Finally, the board acknowledged the importance of public transit and initiated a conversation about developing policy guidelines for future hotel development in downtown Asheville, recognizing the need to balance growth with community needs.

Community Input: Climate Change & Transportation: Public comments provided valuable perspectives on the direction of tourism in Buncombe County. Representatives from Citizens Climate Lobby and a local builder/UNCA professor both emphasized the connection between climate, tourism, and Asheville’s unique character. They urged support for policies that address climate change to ensure the area remains attractive and resilient. Kim Roney from the Multimodal Transportation Commission advocated for expanded public transit hours to better support both tourism and workforce needs, highlighting a crucial link between accessibility and economic vitality.

Action Items & What's Next: Following the meeting, several action items were assigned to BCTDA staff. Diana will report on responses received for the sales position branding RFP, while Deborah will begin developing policy guidelines or a framework to guide future hotel development in downtown Asheville. Discussions regarding the Sports Commission's contract with SOCON will continue, and efforts are underway to finalize and distribute video content from the recent Tourism Summit.

Why This Matters: The decisions made at this BCTDA meeting will directly impact the economic vitality of Buncombe County. The approved budget ensures continued investment in marketing, community projects, and event support, all of which contribute to job creation and tax revenue. The discussions surrounding hotel development and transportation highlight the BCTDA’s commitment to responsible growth that considers both economic opportunities and the long-term well-being of residents. By listening to community input, particularly regarding climate change and transportation needs, the BCTDA aims to ensure that tourism benefits everyone in Buncombe County.