Executive Director, Hayden Plemmons, Reflects on First Year in Asheville

It's been one year since I joined the Asheville Downtown Association, and what a year it has been! Thanks to the generosity and support of our partners, we've achieved remarkable milestones. From the outset, we engaged our members and stakeholders, asking what they believe is at the heart of our work and how they envision the Downtown Association's role in the community over the next few years. We heard loud and clear that this organization is the VOICE for Downtown, and we should continue in this pivotal role. Not only are we leaders in advocating for Downtown, but we also produce beloved public events. In the last year, we did just that.

In collaboration with the local firm, Miller Integrated Marketing, we developed a strategic direction for the Asheville Downtown Association. This new strategy was complemented by a new look and feel for the organization, representing the vibrancy, diversity, and quirkiness of Downtown Asheville. We were pleased to work with Helle Creative to develop the new brand and design our website, which launched this week.

As part of the Building Our City Speaker Series, we hosted Greg Colburn, a foremost expert in affordable housing and the author of "Homelessness is a Housing Problem." His insights were invaluable to our ongoing discussions with City and community leaders to advocate for affordable housing options in and around Downtown.

Our “slower season” was anything but. In addition to producing the annual Holiday Parade and thanks to a grant from the Trina Mullen Foundation and our partnership with Winter Star Holiday Lights, we lit up Pritchard Park with holiday lights, increasing foot traffic and perception of safety in the neighborhood.

We also hosted a well-attended Candidate Cafe ahead of the primary election, where candidates for Asheville City Council answered questions on Downtown-specific issues. Additionally, our annual stakeholder survey received a record 400+ responses, which was a catalyst for us to reimagine the State of Downtown event with local vendors, entertainment, and a keynote speaker.

We're still producing your favorite public events, many of which have seen significant improvements. You may have noticed the amplified voice of our non-profit partners at Downtown After 5, and the more than 11,000 attendees at the new location for the Independence Day Block Party on South Slope.

Most notably, we partnered with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce to advocate for and establish a Business Improvement District in Downtown. This achievement underscores our commitment to making Downtown Asheville a vibrant and thriving community. In just a few months, the Downtown Association, along with the Chamber of Commerce, will respond to the City of Asheville's RFP for the management of the Business Improvement District. We intend to build a community-focused program that is inclusive, transparent, and has integrity.

Additionally, we're launching the inaugural Winter in Downtown program, inviting stakeholders to help us LIGHT UP Downtown with holiday lights and activate the streets throughout the Winter season.

None of this would be possible without your support. Looking ahead to our three-year strategic plan, we need our community to remain engaged and enthusiastic about supporting a Downtown that is beautiful, safe, and welcoming for all.

At this point, I’m sure you’re wondering how you can get involved? Renew your membership—it's through membership dues that we can continue our advocacy and special projects. We’ve also launched a Community Partner program whereby sponsoring the organization as a whole, you allow us to fund initiatives such as Winter in Downtown and other placemaking efforts. Last, we’re recruiting people to serve on our Policy and Advocacy Committee as well as our Board of Directors.

On a personal note, I've met some of the most genuine and generous people in Asheville. I've had the opportunity to serve a fantastic board of folks who are quick to roll up their sleeves and contribute their time, talents, and treasures. Despite a few trials in accomplishing our goals, I have such hope for Downtown and look forward to continuing to engage our community in a way that benefits all people.

If we haven’t yet connected– please reach out. I’d love to hear from you and learn how the Downtown Association can better serve our community. Here’s to another year of making Downtown a place we love to live, work, play and explore.