Economy Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Mar 19, 2026)

Economy Recovery Board Meeting Recap: March 19, 2026

The City of Asheville’s Economy Recovery Board (ERB) convened a hybrid meeting on March 19, 2026, focusing on two key areas: supporting small businesses recovering from recent challenges and planning for a potential new Arts & Entertainment facility. This meeting, attended by all board members, aimed to gather input and provide direction for ongoing recovery efforts.

Supporting Asheville's Small Businesses: The ERB received an update on the Small Business Support Program (SBSP), funded through disaster recovery grants. This program, managed in partnership with organizations like Mountain BizWorks and Arts AVL, will distribute $15.5 million in grants to eligible businesses later this spring or summer. Board members emphasized the importance of clear communication and encouraged businesses to prepare their financial documentation (including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier - UEI) in advance. While no formal votes were taken, the discussion highlighted a commitment to ensuring equitable access and supporting businesses impacted by recent events.

A New Arts & Entertainment Hub: Community Input is Key: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a proposed mixed-use development anchored by an Arts & Entertainment facility on the city-owned Parkside site. Chris Correll presented a vision for a 2,500-seat performance hall alongside rehearsal spaces and potential retail/gallery areas. The discussion centered on a robust community engagement plan, recognizing the importance of transparency and addressing potential concerns. Public comments raised critical points about protecting legacy neighborhoods, particularly Black-owned businesses and cultural heritage sites in the surrounding area. Concerns were also voiced regarding parking, affordability, and ensuring the facility benefits all residents. The board responded by emphasizing inclusive engagement strategies, suggesting including groups like the North Carolina Stage Company and a Legacy Neighborhood Representative in stakeholder discussions. A request was made for a cultural impact study to fully understand the potential effects of this project on surrounding communities.

What’s Next? Following the meeting, several key action items were identified:

• Finalizing Stakeholder List: The ERB will finalize a comprehensive list of stakeholders to engage in one-on-one and small group meetings.
• Request for Qualifications (RFQ): The board will draft an RFQ to solicit additional partners for the Arts & Entertainment Facility project, incorporating community feedback received.
• Economic Impact Study: ATG Entertainment will provide an economic impact study in the near future.
• Community Engagement Ongoing: The city will continue to update information and FAQs on the project page (asheville recovers.org) and encourage residents to sign up for email updates.
• Grant Applications: The city will apply for a Disaster Supplemental Grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
• Cultural Impact Study Exploration: The city will explore conducting a cultural impact study to assess the potential effects of the project on surrounding communities.

Why This Matters to You: The ERB’s discussions and planned actions will directly impact Asheville's economic recovery and the future of its arts and entertainment scene. The focus on community engagement underscores a commitment to ensuring that these initiatives benefit all residents, protect valuable cultural assets, and create opportunities for growth across the city. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting asheville recovers.org and providing feedback throughout this process. The next ERB meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026.