What we do COVID-19 Business Resources Notice: For area businesses, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce has compiled the Coronavirus Resource Guide. We encourage local businesses to respond to the COVID-19 Business Survey. Asheville is recognized worldwide for being a hub for healthcare industries, maker economies and craft entrepreneurship, breweries, small businesses, travel and tourism, breathtaking natural resources, and a rich place for arts, culture, music and entertainment. The Community and Economic Development Department promotes the City’s development polices and leverages resources in order to enhance economic opportunity. We work with the community to improve economic and social conditions to create a vibrant, robust and sustainable city. Contact: Angelica Driver Updated 1/7/2022 ConnectCommunity and Economic Development70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801Mailing AddressPO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802Business HoursMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.DirectorNikki Reid, nreid@ashevillenc.govBusiness Services AdministratorAngelica Driver, adriver@ashevillenc.govMain Phone Line828-232-4505Additional LinksStaff Directory Related Services MWSBE Certification Find information to register for certification as a Minority, Woman, and/or Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) with the City of Asheville. Business Inclusion The Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city. Apply for a commercial film or photography permit Information about commercial filming and photography work involving city-owned property, sidewalks, streets, and parks. Apply for a special event or festival permit Information about hosting an event on city-owned property, sidewalks, streets and parks. Find cold weather emergency shelter When extreme cold weather is expected, the Asheville Homeless Coalition issues a Code Purple Alert. Participating homeless shelters voluntarily add space beyond their normal capacity to keep as many people as possible out of the cold. Find financial support for your Asheville business Learn about financial support that may be available for your business. Find or register a minority, women or disabled-owned business Resources for finding or registering a minority, women or disabled-owned business. More Related Services Related Projects Deaverview Purpose-Built Community Development Process The City of Asheville is working with their partner, the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville on a master plan for about 60 acres of land in Deaverview following the Purpose Built Communities model. Duke Energy Downtown Electrical Substation Duke needs to replace or rebuild the substation at the rear of the Harrah’s Cherokee Center of Asheville and has approached the City to explore options to rebuild the substation on City property at 57 Rankin. 360 Hilliard Development Process Construction is underway for a new affordable and mixed income community at 360 Hilliard Avenue, next to the Aston Tennis Center. More Related Projects Community and Economic Development News Asheville Code Purple is extended through January 9 Posted on January 3, 2022January 8, 2022 by Beth Bechel UPDATE – 1/7/2022 (10 a.m.) Correction: Trinity is operating overnight for families, couples and other vulnerable people who are unable to access other options. Not a warming center. UPDATE – 1/6/2022 (5 p.m.) Code Purple remains in effect through January 9. Shelter resources: In addition to Costello House and the Salvation Army, Trinity UMC (587 Haywood Rd. Asheville NC 28806) is available overnight for families, couples and [...] Buncombe County announces a Red Cross emergency shelter for those without power Posted on January 3, 2022January 4, 2022 by Beth Bechel Update: The shelter closed at 10 a.m. January 4. Original post, January 3 Buncombe County announces a Red Cross emergency shelter for those without power at Trinity Baptist Church Click here for more information. Check out the WNC Nature Center on Visit a Zoo Day Posted on December 22, 2021 by Christy Edwards Looking for something fun to do with visiting family or children off from school? December 27 is Visit the Zoo Day, and the WNC Nature Center has three new animals that joined the Nature Center just in time for the holidays. The WNC Nature Center is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s [...] More Community and Economic Development News
MWSBE Certification Find information to register for certification as a Minority, Woman, and/or Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) with the City of Asheville.
Business Inclusion The Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city.
Apply for a commercial film or photography permit Information about commercial filming and photography work involving city-owned property, sidewalks, streets, and parks.
Apply for a special event or festival permit Information about hosting an event on city-owned property, sidewalks, streets and parks.
Find cold weather emergency shelter When extreme cold weather is expected, the Asheville Homeless Coalition issues a Code Purple Alert. Participating homeless shelters voluntarily add space beyond their normal capacity to keep as many people as possible out of the cold.
Find financial support for your Asheville business Learn about financial support that may be available for your business.
Find or register a minority, women or disabled-owned business Resources for finding or registering a minority, women or disabled-owned business.
Deaverview Purpose-Built Community Development Process The City of Asheville is working with their partner, the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville on a master plan for about 60 acres of land in Deaverview following the Purpose Built Communities model.
Duke Energy Downtown Electrical Substation Duke needs to replace or rebuild the substation at the rear of the Harrah’s Cherokee Center of Asheville and has approached the City to explore options to rebuild the substation on City property at 57 Rankin.
360 Hilliard Development Process Construction is underway for a new affordable and mixed income community at 360 Hilliard Avenue, next to the Aston Tennis Center.
Asheville Code Purple is extended through January 9 Posted on January 3, 2022January 8, 2022 by Beth Bechel UPDATE – 1/7/2022 (10 a.m.) Correction: Trinity is operating overnight for families, couples and other vulnerable people who are unable to access other options. Not a warming center. UPDATE – 1/6/2022 (5 p.m.) Code Purple remains in effect through January 9. Shelter resources: In addition to Costello House and the Salvation Army, Trinity UMC (587 Haywood Rd. Asheville NC 28806) is available overnight for families, couples and [...]
Buncombe County announces a Red Cross emergency shelter for those without power Posted on January 3, 2022January 4, 2022 by Beth Bechel Update: The shelter closed at 10 a.m. January 4. Original post, January 3 Buncombe County announces a Red Cross emergency shelter for those without power at Trinity Baptist Church Click here for more information.
Check out the WNC Nature Center on Visit a Zoo Day Posted on December 22, 2021 by Christy Edwards Looking for something fun to do with visiting family or children off from school? December 27 is Visit the Zoo Day, and the WNC Nature Center has three new animals that joined the Nature Center just in time for the holidays. The WNC Nature Center is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s [...]