When it comes to improving our infrastructure for transportation, parks and recreation facilities and affordable housing opportunities, Asheville voters made their mandate clear at the polls on November 8, Election Day. By an overwhelming margin, Asheville residents said yes to all three bond questions put before them on the ballot.
The general obligation referenda will generate $74 million for public improvements financed by the bonds. The public improvements are divided into three categories:
- Housing Affordability, $25 million;
- Parks and Recreation, $17 million; and
- Streets, Sidewalks and Bike Lanes, $32 million.
With all 40 precincts reporting, here is the breakdown from the NC Board of Elections website:
- 35,181 of Asheville voters, 75.81 percent, voted yes for the transportation bonds;
- 33,072 of Asheville voters, 71.22 percent, voted yes for the affordable housing bonds;
- 33,951 of Asheville voters, 77 percent, voted yes for the Parks & Recreation bonds.
City staff is ready to hit the ground running and looks forward to delivering quality projects in all three areas approved by voters. During the next few months, city staff will focus on developing project plans, schedules and communication tools.
To learn more, visit the City’s bond referendum information webpage with frequently asked questions, a timeline, impact on taxes and more.
“We’re all in this together and we intend to communicate progress every step of the way,” said Mayor Esther Manheimer.
