Economy Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Jul 30, 2026)

Meeting Overview The City of Asheville’s Economy Recovery Board convened on July 30, 2026, for a hybrid meeting chaired by Jeffrey Burrows. The session focused on receiving progress updates regarding three major economic recovery initiatives launched in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. Board members reviewed the status of small business grant programs, the arts sector recovery framework, and the design phase for revitalizing flood-affected commercial corridors. The meeting concluded with public comment and the approval of previous records.

Key Decisions The only formal action taken by the board during this session was the unanimous approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on March 19, 2026. No other votes, motions, or policy decisions were recorded. The meeting was adjourned following a motion and second, with no further business brought before the body.

Discussion Highlights Staff provided detailed updates on the Small Business Support Program (SBSP), which utilizes $15.5 million in City Council funding. Two initiatives were highlighted: "Asheville Recovers Together," a partnership distributing $14 million in grants ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, and the "Optimus Ventures Disaster Recovery Accelerator," offering up to $25,000 in CDBG-DR funding. Staff noted that 722 applications were received for the former, requesting a total of $42.4 million. First conditional award letters are expected in September, with program closure targeted for next September. The Accelerator’s finalist presentations are scheduled for August 3–6, with selections announced on August 7.

Regarding the Arts Recovery Plan, Katie Cornell, Executive Director of Arts AVL, presented a 10-year framework developed with county and city partners. The plan addresses seven focus areas, including arts districts, public art, and live/work spaces. Cornell noted that the arts sector contributes over $1 billion annually to the region, emphasizing the need for affordable live/work spaces and dedicated staff at the city and county levels. The final report is expected in August.

The board also reviewed the Flooded Commercial Corridors Program, a $30 million initiative designed to stabilize and reactivate flood-impacted districts along the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers. Staff explained that the program will use a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process and is currently mapping study areas. Board members emphasized the need for large-scale mitigation, such as levees and greenways, rather than "band-aid" fixes, noting that flooding is likely to worsen. Questions were raised regarding how Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) benefits are calculated, with staff clarifying that metrics can be based on census tract demographics or job-based data.

Community Input Public comment focused on transparency and equity in the distribution of recovery funds. Kyle Turner, a resident with federal contracting experience, urged the board to direct the City Manager to establish clear policies, including making scorecards, eligibility criteria, and appeal processes public to ensure fairness. Board members echoed concerns about transparency, with one member stating, "Scorecards should be available... I want to see my scorecard... I want to make sure that the process is fair and reasonable and yes, equitable."

Regarding the Small Business Support Program, board members asked staff about the review process, noting that independent panels hired by sub-recipients are reviewing applications. When asked about eligible businesses that do not receive funding, a staff member clarified that while no current funding exists for rejected applicants, data will be preserved for potential future state or federal opportunities. Staff also acknowledged the value of coordinating with other recovery boards to avoid silos, a suggestion made by Chair Burrows.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Staff indicated that while the application scorecard is not yet publicly posted, applicants will be informed of their scoring upon notification. A board member suggested making the scorecard public for greater transparency; staff noted this could be an opportunity for transparency but did not explicitly commit to posting it immediately. The next meeting of the Economy Recovery Board is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.