Economic Development Last updated or reviewed on March 9, 2026 Welcome to Economic Development! The Economic Development Division works to help everyone in Asheville succeed. We focus on creating an environment where people can find good jobs, start or grow businesses, and improve their lives. By helping our local economy grow in a way that lasts, we make Asheville a better place to live for everyone. We act as a bridge between the city government, local businesses, and the community. Our team works hard to support businesses that want to stay and grow in Asheville, create new job opportunities by attracting new businesses, invest in buildings and neighborhoods to bring new life to different parts of town, and connect job seekers and business owners to resources they need to succeed. We also manage several offices and programs: Business Inclusion Office: We make sure small businesses and those owned by women and minorities (SMWBEs) have equal opportunities to work with the City. City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA): We provide internships and college support to help our local students become future leaders. City Real Estate Office: We manage City-owned land and buildings to make sure they are used in the best way for the community. We don’t do this alone! We partner with many local groups and organizations to bring more high-paying jobs to the area. By working together, we make sure our city stays strong and that everyone has a path to a bright financial future. Our Webpages To help navigate the Economic Development Division, please find the links to our web pages below. Asheville Business Inclusion Office Business Resource Library City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) City Real Estate Office Economic Development Programs Community and Economic Development Projects Get Involved Consider joining one of our meetings below to get more involved. Mountain Community Capital Fund The Mountain Community Capital Fund (MCCF) helps small businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County get the loans they need to grow. The fund is supported by a partnership between the City, the County, and local organizations like Self-Help, Carolina Small Business, and Mountain BizWorks. Planning, Economic Development, and Environment Committee (PEDE) PEDE is made up of three City Council members who provide policy recommendations to City Council on all matters relating to land use, transportation, economic recovery, climate action, and resilience planning. Helene Economy Recovery Board The Helene Economy Recovery Board provides input to City Council on policy recommendations related to economic recovery, land use, workforce development, and other related topics. Asheville Recovers Asheville Recovers is a website that provides information about City of Asheville recovery projects and initiatives. Economic Development Staff Staff Name Title Program Area Email Rachel Taylor Economic Development Division Manager Economic Development rtaylor@ashevillenc.gov Marcus Kirkman Business Inclusion Manager Asheville Business Inclusion Office mkirkman@ashevillenc.gov Promise Boseman CAYLA Program Lead Workforce Development pboseman@ashevillenc.gov Kimmy Hunter Real Estate Manager City Real Estate Office khunter@ashevillenc.gov Vacant Economic Development Specialist Economic Development Vacant
