News release from the City of Asheville:
The City of Asheville is pleased to share the latest updates and next steps for services and operations of the recently approved Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). City staff are moving forward with contract negotiations with the highest-ranking proposal received as part of a competitive process to identify a service provider. A public hearing will be held at the City Council meeting on January 14, 2025; this item includes a consideration by Council to authorize staff to execute the contract with the top-ranked service provider.
More information on the selection process
On September 20, City staff launched a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to seek a qualified operator/service provider to implement defined services and objectives directed for the BID. The service priorities outlined in the RFP were shaped by City Council objectives and community input gathered in July and August 2024.
Due to Hurricane Helene’s impacts, the initial RFP deadline for prospective operators was extended to November 13, 2024. Two proposals were received and scored by an evaluation committee composed of 8 city staff and a downtown commission representative, following the criteria outlined in the RFP.
Next Steps
Pending City Council approval on January 14, BID services are anticipated to begin to roll out in early 2025. Additionally, the operator’s first quarterly progress report is expected in Spring 2025.
Per state requirements, the City shall provide, maintain, or let contracts for the services for which the payers of the district are being taxed within a reasonable time, not to exceed one year, after the effective date of the establishment of the district (by June 30, 2025).
More Information
For additional background on the Downtown Business Improvement District and more information on implementation process, or to stay updated on the Downtown BID and implementation of services, please visit the project page.
Find a copy of this press release on the City of Asheville website.
Please spare us the faux horserace. The Council already paid for the study created by the people who dreamed up this tax to improve their businesses and get regular residents to help pay for it. This sdeal was backroomed months and months ago.