We’re excited to share that the latest Boosting the Block update has been posted! This update includes important highlights on recent progress, upcoming opportunities for engagement and what’s next for the project.

Read the latest update here: Boosting the Block - PublicInput

Community Visioning Sessions

In July, the Community Facilitators led two youth-focused visioning sessions to inform the design of the gateway and cultural corridor, and long-term vision for The Block. The first, on July 14th, was in partnership with My Daddy Taught Me That and the Youth Empowerment Solutions program for middle and high school students. The session was attended by approximately 30 young leaders who were provided an overview of the history of The Block to inform the visioning activity. The students were asked to use their creativity to envision ways The Block can be a more inviting space for young people. 

The second session took place on July 15th with elementary and middle school-aged children attending the Stephens-Lee summer camp. Similar to the first youth session, the Community Facilitators provided an age-appropriate history of The Block, an overview of the Boosting the Block project, and guided the students to work in groups to draw their visions of a future version of The Block. 

In both sessions, the young people emphasized a vision for The Block as a place to play and gather in welcoming outdoor space and local establishments. 

Other Project Activities:

• Ongoing connection and coordination with community stakeholders, business owners, nonprofit and local government leaders to articulate a shared vision and identify potential opportunities to collaborate and coordinate with Boosting the Block. 

• Continued work with the City of Asheville on the project scope in preparation for contracting with a professional architecture/design-build team to execute the formal design process, including the development of design/engineering plans, and ultimately building the gateway structure and public space enhancements.. 

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

• The Community Facilitators will not hold in-person meetings in August. They will resume regular meetings in Asheville in September. They can be reached via email at: info@illuminedtolead.com.

• If you’d like to offer your thoughts and perspectives, we invite you to participate in our brief online survey, located at the bottom of the Boosting the Block page. This survey will remain open until September 15th.

With gratitude, Your Boosting the Block Community Facilitators, 

Margaret A. Brunson, PhD, MPA

Brittany Bennett Weston, MPA