Early Insights from Downtown Asheville’s Business Resilience Conversations
In December, the Asheville Downtown Association and Asheville Downtown Improvement District partnered with Public Sphere Projects to begin the listening and discovery phase of the Downtown Business Resilience Strategy. Over several days, PSP met with Downtown stakeholders through neighborhood roundtables, a working group meeting, and on-the-ground observations to better understand current conditions and priorities.
These conversations were thoughtful, candid, and rooted in lived experience. Together, they offered a clearer picture of how downtown is functioning today and where there is shared interest in moving forward.
South Slope Roundtable hosted at Antidote
LoLex and the Block and surrounding area Roundtable hosted at Dobra Tea and Pennycup Coffee
Meetings and roundtables took place across Downtown: from South Slope, Lolex, The Block, and more. Meetings were intentionally held in different locations to ground the conversation in real, physical conditions and daily experience.
Some key insights include:
Downtown is deeply valued, but stretched.
Small businesses give downtown its character, yet many are operating without the steady foot traffic or employment base needed to support daily activity.
Safety is complex and interconnected.
Participants described safety as part of a broader spectrum of trauma affecting business owners, workers, residents, and unhoused community members. There was shared agreement that solutions must be coordinated, layered, and rooted in care.
Downtown depends on experience
Downtown thrives because people choose to be there. Public space quality, programming, and storytelling are essential to encouraging repeat visits and long-term vitality - how can we go beyond this?
Accessibility is a priority
Gaps in sidewalks, lighting, accessibility, and wayfinding were frequently raised as barriers to comfort and mobility, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities.
Collaboration exists, but needs structure.
There is strong interest in working together across organizations and sectors, paired with a desire for clearer roles, coordination, and shared accountability.
What’s Next
PSP will continue synthesizing community input alongside survey data and field analysis. This work will lead to actionable near-term pilots and longer-term strategies to support downtown businesses and the public realm.
We are encouraged by the level of engagement and the shared sense of momentum as this process continues. Please let us know if you’re interested in receiving updates on this project by signing up here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for sharing your insight and wisdom! We’re grateful for your time, presence, and dedication to helping Downtown thrive.
