TO: Boosting the Block Stakeholders

DATE: June 12, 2026

PREPARED BY: Margaret A. Brunson & Brittany Bennett Weston, Community Facilitators

SUBJECT: Exciting Boosting the Block Updates!

Welcome to the latest update for the Boosting the Block project! 

This month marks an exciting moment for the project as we celebrate Juneteenth on The Block and the design contract for the capital project associated with Boosting the Block is considered by City Council. More details on both below.

Project Updates:

• On June 4, 2026, City of Asheville staff presented Boosting the Block project updates at the City Council agenda briefing in preparation for a June 9 City Council budget amendment to transfer funds from the City’s grant fund into the capital projects fund. City Council subsequently approved the amendment, advancing design and construction of the Eagle and Market Street Enhancements Project.. You can find the agenda briefing recording here, the presentation materials here and the staff report for the budget amendment here. 

• Juneteenth celebrations on The Block will take place next Friday, June 19 beginning at 10am! More information is detailed below.

• At 1:00 pm on Juneteenth, along with Echoes of the Forest, The City of Asheville, and YMI Cultural Center, we will unveil a beautiful custom bench and marker that honors the collective experiences of those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene across Asheville and Western NC. The artist, Kwadwo Som-Pimpong, will provide remarks, as will representatives from Echoes of the Forest and The City. Learn more about the bench and Echoes of the Forest from this PBS documentary.

• On June 23, 2026, City Council will consider authorization of a design contract for the Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project, the capital project that implements the major physical investments associated with the broader Boosting the Block initiative. If approved, the design team will soon begin working on conceptual streetscape and gateway designs inspired by the feedback received and broader community vision. Conceptual design options will be presented for feedback in the early fall. 

• The public parklet on S. Market Street recently received a refresh, supporting continued community gathering on The Block and signaling momentum for Boosting the Block’s broader work to strengthen the district’s identity and enhance public spaces. 

Upcoming Events & Engagement Opportunities

Juneteenth on The Block - 10am – 8pm on Friday, June 19, 2026

There will be a special Juneteenth Ujamaa Marketplace, music and many opportunities for community connection. See more details in the flyers below. We hope to see you there!

NC Weekend Segment about The Block

Check out this wonderful segment from a recent episode of the PBS series, NC Weekend, about The Block. It highlights the history of the district as well as existing businesses and organizations Noir Collective, YMI Cultural Center, LEAF Global Arts, and The Foundry Hotel. 

We will continue to regularly share Boosting the Block updates and engagement opportunities. Feel free to send an email with any questions, or to connect with us about the project: boostingtheblock@publicinput.com

We invite you to also subscribe to the Eagle Market Streets Enhancements Public Input page for project updates specific to the forthcoming streetscape design/construction project that supports and implements the objectives of the Boosting the Block initiative 

With Gratitude,

Margaret A. Brunson, PhD, MPA

Brittany Bennett Weston, MPA 

Boosting the Block Community Facilitators