New Office to Open in Jan. 2006, Realignment of Services to Aid in Coordination of Development

Asheville City Manager Gary Jackson recently announced the creation of an Office of Economic Development within city government. The office will be a division of the city manager's office lead by Economic Development Director Sam Powers and will operate out of the former city development office at 29 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville.

PROACTIVE MOVE
"The city recognizes expanded overall development activity in Asheville, including escalating interest in major downtown investment," said Jackson. "We are positioning ourselves to be proactive in the development environment while also collaborating in regional initiatives like the HUB project to foster the creation of quality jobs."

IMPROVED COORDINATION
The Office of Economic Development will coordinate with city departments involved in development applications, particularly downtown design review, while working with outside agencies like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Advantage West, Land-of-Sky Regional Council and Buncombe County to address community strategies for balanced growth and job creation.

Former responsibilities of the city development office, including coordinating with the Downtown Commission and West Asheville Business Association, will be folded into the new office. The city's Minority Affairs Program and real estate division will also be a part of the Office of Economic Development. Additionally, Powers will continue to serve as liaison to the Economic Development Advisory Committee recently formed by City Council.

IMPROVED OVERSIGHT
The move will strengthen the oversight and coordination of development relations, minority business and entrepreneurship programs, downtown project coordination and city-owned real estate, according to Powers.

"The city is aligning several existing service areas in one office to provide enhanced services to citizens, community groups and business associations," said Powers. "There will be a focus on improved coordination within the development process while continuing to provide a high level of service with minority affairs and other economic development and business activities."

Powers explained that the alignment of these key functions will strengthen the city's ability to achieve positive results in economic development in Asheville and throughout the region.

The Office of Economic Development will have five employees including Powers. The new office will be open in early January. Powers is available by calling 828-259-5433.

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