Projects & Initiatives

In 2007, the Asheville City Council authorized and funded the development of a Master Plan for Downtown Asheville.  During the fall and winter of 2007-8, city staff adn the Downtown Commission went through an RFQ selection process and selected Goody Clancy of Boston to create the master plan.  Goody Clancy began work in Asheville in April 2008 and a series of public input meetings were held in 2008 with the final public input meeting being held in January 2009.  The final plan was brought to City Council in May 2009, and was adopted.

To View the Master Plan Documents:

Final Downtown Master Plan

Final Downtown Master Plan Appendices

Note:  Council adopted the plan, but not the Appendices.  The Appendices are additional information and recommendations for the community to consider as it moves forward.

Implementation of the Plan

The Downtown Commission, which is a Council appointed board, is enabled through its ordinance to develop and implement plans for Downtown.  The Downtown Commission has appointed an ad-hoc committee, called the Downtown Master Plan Action Committee, which will work towards the specific roles in downtown or are stakeholders in particular areas.  In addition, there are a variety of points of view on each committee.  The Action Committee is made up of five subcommittees:  Arts and Culture; Historic Preservation; Transportation and Parking; Urban Design & Development; and Downtown Management.  These five subcommittees will work concurrently and periodically come together to discuss progress on the plan goals.

Roster of Downtown Master Plan Action Committee (11-02-09)

Overview, Background of the master planning process

Contact Information
City of Asheville, Office of Economic Development
Downtown Master Plan Project Manager
Sasha Vrtunski
Phone: (828) 232-4599
E-mail: svrtunski@ashevillenc.gov

To Receive Email Updates  send an email to: downtownmasterplan@ashevillenc.gov