Downtown Safety and Cleanliness

You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive updates on the City's safety and cleanliness efforts downtown. Newsletters will continue to be sent monthly. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Your input and involvement is critical to a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable downtown. We look forward to continuing to keep you informed and engaged. 

Encourage neighbors and friends to sign up for future updates here! 

The Latest

City Launches Less Plastic Asheville Challenge 

This voluntary initiative invites Asheville residents to reduce their single-use plastic consumption by providing information, resources, and some friendly competition. Participants who take the “Pass on Plastic Pledge” or play (and win) “Less Plastic Bingo” can earn prizes to assist them on their Less Plastic Asheville journey! 

The Less Plastic Asheville Challenge runs from February 19 – May 31. Visit the ashevillenc.gov/lessplasticasheville for more information on how to join the challenge. 

You can learn more about the City's Litter Reduction Programs here. 

Site Work Beginning for Downtown Restroom Project

At the February 13 City Council meeting, council members approved resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute contracts for the purchase and installation of a prefabricated restroom outside of the Rankin Avenue parking garage.

In addition to the restroom facility, improvements will be made to the public space, including landscaping, new lighting and the installation of security cameras.

Tree pruning is taking place this week (week of March 25) and site construction is scheduled to begin on April 15, 2024.

More information about the project is available on the project page here. A map showing existing public restroom facilities is viewable here.

Improvements to Sidewalks and Stormwater Systems Downtown

This month, work is underway on multiple projects downtown to improve the City's sidewalk and stormwater infrastructure in order to enhance safety and accessibility for all. These projects include:

• Sidewalk accessibility improvements on Patton Avenue between Asheland Avenue and Coxe Avenue. This work is being completed by an in-house public works crew. Work is currently taking place on the south side of the street; the north side will follow. 
• The next phase of work for the Carter Ann Patton Stormwater project, including several new catch basins along with sidewalk reconstruction. There will be impacts to traffic during this and future phases of construction. 

Find more information about these projects here.  

Stay Connected 

City Launches O.U.R. Asheville - a Community Engagement Leadership Academy

The Asheville community is invited to learn more about the O.U.R. Asheville Academy – a community engagement leadership academy that kicks off this spring.

Applications are open for the first round of 12 trainees, who will be selected as the first group of participants for this ongoing program. The academy is open to youth and adults residing within the city limits of Asheville. The first academy orientation is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024. 

“Organizing and Uniting to Re-Power” (O.U.R.) Asheville is an interactive, hands-on learning opportunity that will address the areas of community connectedness, community research, community development and mental health, and community mobilization. Academy participants will benefit from peer-to-peer learning opportunities, networking connections, and résumé-building skills. Additionally, participants who complete all 8 weeks of the academy will receive a stipend of $500. 

Find more information and sign up for updates on the City's Engagement Hub here. 

Q&A with Police Chief Mike Lamb

The Asheville Police Department recently posted a Q&A with Police Chief Mike Lamb on the Asheville Police Department Facebook Page. View the video here. 

Downtown Safety and Cleanliness Updates Provided to Downtown Commission

At the Downtown Commission's March 22, 2024 meeting, updates on safety and cleanliness efforts were provided by Assistant City Manager Ben Woody and Police Chief Mike Lamb. The latest crime stats for downtown were included as part of this presentation. View the slide deck here and a recording of the presentation here. Representatives from the City Manager's Office and Asheville Police Department provide downtown safety and cleanliness updates every other month to the Downtown Commission.

More information about the Downtown Commission is available here. 

Consideration of Proposed Business Improvement District

City Council heard a presentation at their March 26 meeting for a proposed Business Improvement District (BID) for downtown Asheville. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is working with Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) and downtown stakeholders on the proposal. View a recording of the presentation here.

City Council consideration is outlined in the schedule below: 

• 3/22/24 - Downtown Commission presentation (view recording)
• 3/26/24 - Presentation to City Council (view recording)
• 4/23/24 - Public Hearing at City Council 
• 4/26/24 - Downtown Commission recommendation to City Council
• 5/14/24 - BID Ordinance Reading (City Council Vote 1 of 2)
• 6/11/24 - BID Ordinance Reading (City Council Vote 2 of 2)

More information about the proposed BID has been made available by the Chamber and P.U.M.A. at www.downtownashevillebid.com. 

Updates on Addressing Homelessness

• An update on Shelter Strategy was provided to City Council at their February 27, 2024 meeting. View a recording of the presentation here. 
• The Homeless Strategy Division continues to offer a monthly education series on homelessness in our community. View more information and register here.

Take Action

Report Crime

• Guidance on reporting crime
• Report crimes in-progress to 911
• Report non-emergency public safety concerns to APD's non-emergency line, 828-252-1110
• Anonymously share tips with APD using TIP2APD
• Submit a trespass letter to APD

Report Issues of Concern

• Use the Asheville App or contact the City's Constituent Services Coordinator for service requests including litter issues, lighting outages or maintenance needs

Schedule a Security Survey with APD

• Schedule a security survey by emailing APD's community engagement unit and/or utilize Crime Prevention through Environmental Design strategies

Enhance Security Camera Systems

• Register and upgrade security camera systems with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Real Time Intelligence Center

Organize a Community Clean-Up

• Register to organize a community clean-up through Asheville Greenworks with support from the City of Asheville.

Support Efforts to Address Homelessness

• Find support for issues related to homelessness
• Learn more about homelessness, the City's Homeless Strategy Division and how to join in the community's response to homelessness. 

Resources

Please visit the pages below to learn more and get involved. 

• City of Asheville News
• Virtual Engagement Hub
• Downtown Projects and Initiatives
• Boards and Commissions 
• Neighborhood Resources
• Homelessness Resources
• APD Crime Prevention
• APD Crime Statistics and Trends
   

 Contact Information

Find more information on the downtown safety and cleanliness project page.

Email us at downtownsafety@publicinput.com.