Neighborhood Advisory Committee, September 23, 2024
September 23, 2024 at 6:05 PM
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Event Recap
Neighborhood Advisory Committee Recap: September 23, 2024
The Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) convened on September 23, 2024, for its annual retreat meeting. This year’s focus was on strategic planning for the coming year and understanding key priorities from City Council. The meeting, attended by NAC members, featured an engaging icebreaker and covered a range of topics impacting Asheville’s neighborhoods.
A significant portion of the discussion centered around the annual "Festival of Neighborhoods." While the event was unfortunately canceled due to concerns about inclement weather, the planning committee reported exceeding expectations with a record number of vendors and neighborhood tables confirmed. A key decision made was to explore rescheduling the festival for spring 2025, potentially in late April or early May. The committee will carefully assess park availability and consider partnerships with other events to maximize the festival's impact. Regarding finances, donations received for the canceled event will be managed transparently and in accordance with city policies.
Beyond the festival, the NAC addressed upcoming vacancies on the committee itself. Three positions will be opening: at-large representatives (Dane and Jake) and a representative for the 28805 zip code (Sandra). Jake's at-large position also includes serving as a liaison to the Multimodal Transportation Commission (MMTC), presenting an opportunity for increased involvement in transportation planning. The city will be accepting applications on a quarterly basis, encouraging interested residents to apply and participate in shaping neighborhood initiatives.
Dawa Hitch, the City Council’s Communication and Public Engagement Director, provided an overview of City Council's vision statement and key priorities for the year. These include fostering an equitable and diverse community, improving transportation infrastructure, supporting a thriving local economy, and focusing on environmental sustainability. Staff is currently working on several significant initiatives including the Affordable Housing Plan, refining zoning regulations through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), developing a solid waste and urban forestry master plan, and implementing the Greenways Accessibility and Pedestrian Plan (GAP). NAC members emphasized the need for ongoing communication about these initiatives, suggesting quarterly presentations from city staff to keep the committee informed and enable effective outreach to their respective neighborhoods.
The meeting concluded with the election of officers, confirming (Name) as Chair and Elizabeth as Vice Chair. Looking ahead, the NAC will continue discussions about goals for the coming year at their next meeting on November 25th, 2024. The committee also expressed interest in exploring a venue change for future meetings to better engage with the broader community.
How This Impacts You:
The NAC plays a vital role in representing neighborhood interests and providing feedback on city-wide initiatives. Residents interested in getting involved can monitor the city's website for application announcements regarding NAC vacancies. Staying informed about NAC activities and upcoming events through the city's social media channels and neighborhood newsletters is a great way to remain engaged in shaping your community.