Economy Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Jan 15, 2026)

Helene Economy Recovery Board Meeting Recap: January 15, 2026

On January 15, 2026, the Helene Economy Recovery Board convened to discuss key initiatives aimed at bolstering Asheville’s economic recovery. The meeting, held in person and streamed live for public access, focused on supporting small businesses, diversifying the local economy, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Board members, city staff, and community members participated in the discussions, which centered on critical decisions impacting Asheville’s financial future.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a review and update on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) Small Business Grant Program. Staff presented recommendations for allocating $17 million in CDBGDR funds to support businesses impacted by recent events. Following careful evaluation of five applications, the board is expected to vote in a subsequent meeting on fully funding Venture Asheville ($855,000) and a collaborative partnership between Mountain BizWorks, Arts AVL, and Eagle Market Streets ($2,322,500). While Institute Capital was not recommended for funding at this time, the discussion highlighted a commitment to supporting businesses vital to Asheville’s recovery. Board member Amy Kelly raised an important point regarding equitable support for disproportionately impacted communities, prompting a discussion on program outreach and ensuring resources reach those who need them most.

Beyond small business grants, the board received a comprehensive update from Clark Duncan, Executive Director of the Economic Development Coalition (EDC). Duncan outlined the EDC’s strategic plan, emphasizing a shift towards economic diversification. The focus is on attracting industries beyond tourism – including creative fields, advanced manufacturing, mobility solutions, and professional services – while also supporting local entrepreneurs. The EDC is actively working to connect residents with economic opportunities through initiatives like the Accelerate Buncombe program and utilizing data-driven decision making to guide their strategies. A brief discussion also touched upon Costco’s recent decision to locate in Buncombe County, acknowledging both the potential benefits and challenges for existing industrial sites. Jeffrey Burrows, Board Chair, emphasized the importance of transparency and efficient decision-making throughout these processes.

The meeting also included a review of conflict-of-interest guidelines, presented by City Attorney Brad Branham, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct and public trust. Board members Katie Cornell and Amy Kelly recused themselves from discussions and votes related to potential conflicts of interest. The board unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting held on November 20, 2025.

What's Next & Why It Matters:

Several key action items emerged from the meeting, directly impacting residents and businesses. The board will now review public comments received during the meeting and present their funding recommendations to the PEDE committee and ultimately, City Council for final approval. Following council approval, city staff will finalize agreements with the selected sub-recipients to launch these grant programs. A special meeting in February is being considered to further discuss the subgrantees' programs and plans, allowing for more detailed oversight. The EDC will continue its ongoing work to diversify Asheville’s economy and strengthen the local workforce, aiming for a more resilient and inclusive economic future.

This meeting demonstrated a strong commitment from the Helene Economy Recovery Board to supporting Asheville’s economic recovery and building a more diverse and equitable economy for all residents. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about these developments, as they will directly impact the opportunities and resources available within our community.