Downtown Safety Initiative

IN THIS UPDATE

• The Latest Activities
• Data and Accountability
• Ways You Can Help
• Report Issues of Concern
• Contact Information

The Latest Activities

Highlights since the May 5 email update include: 

• Continued public safety presence, cleanliness activities and assistance to those in need in the downtown area. 

• Received feedback from the Downtown Commission (link to video). 

• Posted activities tracked on the project page (see the “By the Numbers” tab) for the time period May 1 - May 14, 2023. 

• Presented an update to City Council’s Environment & Safety Committee (link to video and presentation).

• Launched a public dashboard highlighting data from the Community Responder Program.

View the Community Responder Program dashboard here. 

Data and Accountability 

An important part of this initiative is tracking activities taking place across departments. The City’s Office of Data and Performance is helping with that effort - tracking metrics in the categories of Cleanliness, Community Support, Compliance and Environment Improvement.

Highlighted activities between May 1 and May 14 live on the project page. The next update will be posted on June 2 which will cover activities for the time period May 1 through May 28, 2023.

Crime statistics, a pre-survey completed by the Asheville Downtown Association, a post-survey and data/activities tracked during the initiative will be used to determine future efforts and strategies moving forward.

Ways You Can Help

It will take a community response to address the complexities leading to safety concerns and the City continues to encourage community members to get involved.

Here are some ways to help: 

• Organize a community clean-up event in coordination with City staff and Asheville Greenworks. Email avldowntownsafetyinitiative@publicinput.com. 

• Schedule a public safety assessment walk to discuss public safety conditions in areas of interest, and work with City leadership to develop short and long-term strategies. See more information here and send an email avldowntownsafetyinitiative@publicinput.com. 

• Familiarize yourself with these crime prevention tips and share them with your networks. 

• Post No Trespassing signs on private property and sign a Trespass Letter with APD.

• 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. 

• Email the team at avldowntownsafetyinitiative@publicinput.com if you have additional ideas on how to help.

   

Report Issues of Concern

• Use the Asheville App to report issues related to public safety, cleanliness or other concerns. 

• Report crimes in-progress to 911.

• Report non-emergency public safety concerns to APD’s non-emergency line, (828) 252-1110.

• Report criminal activity anonymously by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or use the TIP2APD smartphone application.

Contact Information

Find more information on the project page
Email the team at avldowntownsafetyinitiative@pubicinput.com