Asheville Downtown Association

Dear Downtown Asheville Community Members,

We kindly invite you to take a moment and participate in our annual Downtown Asheville survey, designed to capture your unique experiences and perspectives as Downtown Asheville stakeholders. Your participation is more than just sharing your views; it plays a pivotal role in guiding meaningful conversations with City and County officials, and in influencing important decisions that shape our Downtown.

Your feedback is crucial for the success of programs such as the City's 60 Day Downtown Safety Initiative, the implementation of Buncombe County's Affordable Parking Program, and looking ahead at the possibility of a Business Improvement District in Downtown. These initiatives are at the heart of our efforts to improve the quality of life and business in Downtown Asheville.

Please be assured that your individual responses will be kept confidential. We will only report data in aggregate form, such as percentages reflecting collective concerns or preferences. For instance, we might report that "25% of respondents identified cleanliness as their top concern."

We value your input greatly and urge you to complete the survey by February 9. Your insights will not only contribute to the betterment of our community but will also be highlighted during our annual State of Downtown event and included in the State of Downtown Report.

Thank you for your time and for being an essential part of the Downtown Asheville Community.

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* 1. Name:

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* 2. Email address:

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* 3. Which of the following describes your relationship to Downtown Asheville? (Check all that apply.)

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* 4. Are you a member of the Asheville Downtown Association?

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* 5. Please prioritize the following issues in order of their impact on Downtown Asheville, with your top selection representing your most pressing concern.

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* 6. In the last month, have you had customers or employees express concerns for their personal safety in Downtown?

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* 7. In the last month, have you personally experienced any of the following safety issues in Downtown Asheville? (Check all that apply.)

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* 8. On a scale of 1-to-5, rate how safe you feel in Downtown during the day?

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* 9. On a scale of 1-to-5, rate how safe you feel in Downtown at night?

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* 10. Thinking about the cleanliness of Downtown Asheville in the past month, please rate it on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents 'Very Poor' and 5 represents 'Excellent.'

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* 11. Please add any additional comments on public health and safety in Downtown.

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* 12. Do you believe the City of Asheville and Buncombe County are taking the appropriate steps in addressing homelessness?

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* 13. In your opinion, is there adequate communication from the City and County about their current efforts and future plans in addressing homelessness?

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* 14. Which of the following policy initiatives, in your opinion, would be most effective in reducing housing insecurity in Downtown? Rank the initiatives, with your top answer being most effective.

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* 15. Please add any additional comments regarding housing insecurity and homelessness here.

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* 16. Regarding future investment in Downtown, rate each initiative on a scale from 1 (not important) to 5 (very important) to the vitality of Downtown.

  Not Important Somewhat Important Neutral Important Very Important
Development of Affordable and Workforce Housing
Improvements to City Owned Property (Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Parking Garages, etc.)
Management and Maintenance of Parks and Public Spaces
Infrastructure Plan to address Streets, Sidewalks, and Lighting
Public Realm Enhancements (Holiday Lights, Flower Baskets, Banners)
Public Restroom Facilities
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a specially designated area within a city or town where local property and business owners collaborate to enhance the economic and physical environment. BIDs are typically funded through a self-imposed tax or assessment on property owners within the district. The primary goal of a BID is to improve and promote the area, often through initiatives such as beautification, cleanliness, enhanced security, marketing, and events.

These districts are typically managed by a nonprofit organization or association that works closely with local government authorities and stakeholders. BIDs serve as engines for economic growth, helping local businesses thrive and contributing to the overall vitality and inclusivity of the neighborhood or downtown area they serve.

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* 17. Prior to this survey, were you familiar with the concept of a Business Improvement District?

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* 18. The following list is representative of the services a BID can provide. These services are intended to be in addition to or different from those provided by the City of Asheville. Which of the following services would you consider paying for through a BID assessment?

  Unsure Definitely Not Consider Probably Not Consider Probably Consider Definitely Consider
Enhanced Safety & Hospitality (uniformed on-street safety and hospitality staff, assisting pedestrians, provide visitor information, connection of unsheltered homeless population to appropriate services, coordination with local law enforcement, community paramedics, etc.)
Enhanced Cleaning (litter pickup, hotspot removal, graffiti removal, sweeping and power washing of sidewalks, coordination with Public Works, etc.)
Beautification & Maintenance (sidewalk and tree well landscaping and weed removal, flower planters and hanging baskets, tree planting and tree canopy care, banners, etc.)
Retail/Restaurant Support (retail promotions, market data and research, maintain inventory, liaison for permitting, pop-up programs, business retention and recruitment, etc.)
Marketing & Communications (holiday promotions, collaborative advertising, district branding, website and social media, newsletters, etc.)
Placemaking Enhancements (public art and murals, parklets, holiday lighting and decorations, gateways, etc.)
Programming & Events (programming and activation of public spaces, special events and festivals, etc.)
Parking & Mobility Management (coordinated management of downtown parking, parking communications and technology enhancements, bike share, curbside drop-off management, etc.)
Capital Improvements (installation of enhanced lighting, streetscape improvements, benches and furniture, wayfinding and signage, plazas and parks, etc.)

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* 19. Based on your current understanding or prior knowledge of Business Improvement Districts, do you believe Downtown Asheville would benefit from the establishment of a BID?

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* 20. Please include any comments regarding the Business Improvement District here. 

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* 21. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements about the Asheville Downtown Association.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
The cost of membership is reasonable. 
I trust the Asheville Downtown Association to advocate of my behalf. 
The Asheville Downtown Association is a reliable source of information.
It’s clear what the Asheville Downtown Association can do for me.
It’s important to me to stay involved with the Asheville Downtown Association.

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* 22. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 signifies 'Very Low Priority' and 5 signifies 'Very High Priority,' how much do you think the Asheville Downtown Association should prioritize the following areas of advocacy or services?

  Very Low Priority Low Priority Neutral  High Priority Very High Priority
Advocating on behalf of Downtown at the City and County.
Taking a stance in the media on issues affecting Downtown.
Producing public events.
Managing enhancements to the public realm (holiday lights, flower baskets, banners).
Convening and connecting stakeholder groups.
Sharing news and updates affecting Downtown.
Answering questions or referring members to additional resources.
Advocating for the Business Improvement District.

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* 23. Please provide comments about the Asheville Downtown Association here. 

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* 24. Thank you for participating in the Asheville Downtown Association's 2024 Downtown Survey. We value your input. If you have any additional general comments or feedback, please share them here.

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