# Economy Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Nov 20, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — Economy Recovery Board
**Date:** November 20, 2025 9:00 AM EST (2025-11-20T09:00:00-05:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - First Floor Conference Room

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281

## Summary

The inaugural full meeting of the City of Asheville’s Economy Recovery Board took place on November 20, 2025, held in the First Floor Conference Room. The meeting was a hybrid event, with all board members present in person and streamed live on the city's virtual engagement hub for public access via phone and online comment queue. Chris Corl served as the staff liaison, guiding the initial proceedings. The meeting aimed to formally establish the board and begin laying the groundwork for its operational structure, following a preliminary meeting on November 4th.

The agenda began with introductions and roll call, confirming the presence of all board members except for Eva Michelle Spicer, Jeffrey Burrows (initially), and Katie Cornell (initially). Following introductions, the board unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on November 4th, a motion made by John Ellis and seconded by Pat Kappas. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to electing a Chair and Vice-Chair, transitioning leadership responsibilities from the staff liaison. Six individuals were nominated, but four expressed a strong interest in these roles: Jessica Thomason, Ann Keller, John Ellis, and Jeffrey Burrows. Each candidate briefly outlined their qualifications and motivations for seeking the positions. Jessica Thomason highlighted her extensive experience in arts, entrepreneurship, and youth development, while Ann Keller emphasized her diverse background and leadership skills within various city commissions. John Ellis briefly introduced himself, noting he was out of town for the initial meeting.

While the process of nominating and hearing from candidates was completed, the transcript excerpt provided does not detail the outcome of the officer elections. The meeting concluded with this ongoing process, leaving the selection of a Chair and Vice-Chair pending. 

The overall tone of the meeting was collaborative and well-organized, with board members actively participating in discussions about leadership roles. The focus remained squarely on establishing the foundational elements of the board’s operations and identifying individuals capable of guiding future meetings. Future updates regarding the election results will be provided as they become available.

## Agenda

- [Officer Elections (15 - 20 Minutes)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/21436)
- [Approval of Minutes from 11/4/25](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/8373)
- [Rules of Procedure (5 - 10 Minutes)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/8381)
- [Officer Elections](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/8374)
- [CDBG-DR 101 & CDBG-DR Small Business Grants Update (15 - 25 Minutes)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/8382)
- [Officer Elections - Nomination of Burroughs as Chair](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/8375)
- [Officer Elections - Nomination of Tomasin as Chair](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/8376)
- [PUBLIC COMMENT (30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT, 3 MINUTES EACH)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/21437)
- [INFORMAL DISCUSSION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/21438)
- [Officer Elections - Motion for Tomasin](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281/item/8379)

## Votes

- Motion to approve minutes from 11/4 — Passed, 9-0
- Motion to nominate Keller — Withdrawn
- Motion to nominate Burroughs as Chair — Failed, 4-6
- Motion for Burroughs passed unanimously. — Passed, 9-0
- Motion for Tomasin — Passed, 6-4
- Motion to approve the Rules of Procedure — Passed, 9-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://youtube.com/live/kAOLblfOGYE?feature=share
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/57/segments

## Documents

- [Helene Economy Recovery Board Agenda 11.20.25.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=1007)
- [agenda_2025-11-20.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=1003)
- [Economy Recovery Board Rules of Procedures 2025.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=1011)
- [Draft Action Minuntes_11-20-2025_Economy Helene Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=1010)
- [CDBG-DR Introduction - 11.20.2025.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=1014)
- [Approved Action Minuntes_11-20-2025_Economy Helene Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=2276)
- [minutes_2025-11-20.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=2308)
- [November 4, 2025.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/281?document=8992)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/economy-recovery-board-hybrid-nov-20-2025/)