On Tuesday, January 14, the Asheville City Council voted 5-to-1 to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with the Asheville Downtown Community Improvement District for delivery of downtown Business Improvement District (BID) services at their regular meeting. Following a competitive selection process, the contract was awarded to the top-ranked service provider, Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID), an organization founded through a partnership between the Asheville Downtown Association, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Nexstreet (MWBE) based in Asheville, NC.
The proposed initial contract term is for a 3-year period with two optional 1-year renewals. The Asheville City Council maintains the final authority to approve the annual BID Budget and set the yearly tax rate to fund the BID. The contracted BID Operator will be responsible for regular reporting to City Council and the public, as well as data-tracking and public engagement to evaluate effectiveness of services.
In his presentation to City Council, Assistant City Manager Ben Woody remarked that the role and services of the BID will be both timely and beneficial to economic recovery for downtown and to the broader community, post-Helene. “Supporting the success and resilience of downtown – our region’s center of employment and commerce – is critical to recovery,” noted Woody.
In addition to the Scope of Services already outlined, the ADID team will hire a Business Resiliency Coordinator to support existing downtown businesses as well as businesses displaced by Hurricane Helene. The Coordinator will also work with public and private agencies to leverage small business and emergency recovery resources, and to coordinate marketing initiatives that support the local economy.
Next Steps
The following timeline for implementation of services was shared in the presentation to Council:
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January 31, 2025: Contract executed with service provider
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February/March, 2025: Hiring and training of BID staff
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March 2025: Initial services launched
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Initial services to include: engaging businesses, hiring staff, and board selection and approval
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Anticipated start of April 1 for on-the-ground services to begin
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March/April, 2025: Service Provider reports activities and accomplishments to City Manager’s Office and Downtown Commission
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Will include reporting on the launch of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District Program
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June 2025: BID services fully operational
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June 2025: Service provider reports activities and accomplishments to City Council
The City is required by State law to begin providing BID services within one year of formation, or no later than June 30, 2025.
More Information
Stay updated on the Downtown BID and implementation of services by visiting the project page here.