City of Asheville 2018 Initiatives

With a new year come new programs, facility improvements and projects to improve our community.

Smart parking meters

Electronic parking meters were installed on Battery Park Avenue and around the Grove Arcade in 2016 for testing. Parking Services will roll out the new meters to the entire downtown area in 2018. The meters take your credit or debit card. Cash will still be accepted, and the Passport Parking program will also continue.

Capital Loan Program

With $250,000 in funds from the City and $200,000 from Buncombe County, the Mountain Community Capital Loan Program will launch in 2018. Working with three lending agencies—Mountain BizWorks, Self Help Credit Union, and the Carolina Small Business Development Center—the program is designed to help minority businesses gain access to funds to start or grow a business.

Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will be completely repaved

This project includes new sidewalks, stormwater improvements, and pedestrian crosswalk additions.

RADTIP construction will ramp up

As part of the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project (RADTIP), the city plans to incorporate new sidewalks, trees, on-street parking, landscaping, bicycling facilities, and stormwater improvements.

Climate Resiliency Toolkit

The city expects to launch a toolkit that can help property owners assess any vulnerabilities. The idea is to consider climate-related threats and hazards (such as fire from drought, flooding, or landslides from heavy rain events), with a goal of becoming more resilient, or better prepared for them.

Velodrome to be completed

Bicycles will be zooming around the Carrier Park Velodrome in early 2018! The improved velodrome will feature a regraded and resurfaced track as well as new lighting and fencing.

For more details, visit www.ashevillenc.gov