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As development booms, it’s easy to forget that our economy isn’t robust – or even stable – for everyone. Asheville has shifted to an economy that relies heavily on tourism and hospitality, industries without high salaries.
Our middle class has gotten lost, and Asheville proves unaffordable for many. So how do we support and expand the middle class? How do we take charge of our future to make this a city for everyone?
These are among the many questions the Citizen-Times hopes to address Tuesday night in a forum capping off its 7-week series examining the growing pains and booming successes Asheville has seen over the last half century.
Each of the panelists fills a critical piece of the puzzle that lies ahead.
Former Mayor Terry Bellamy, currently an outreach coordinator for the Asheville Housing Authority, has one of the broadest perspectives on Asheville’s rapid growth, paired with a long history of advocating for affordable housing for every citizen.
Jack Cecil, a commercial and residential developer and CEO of Biltmore Farms, also belongs to one of Asheville’s oldest and most influential families, one that largely shaped the city we live in today.
Jeremy Littlejohn is the CEO of RISC Networks, a tech startup headquartered in Asheville, who chose to relocate his business to Asheville bringing sustainable jobs with him.
John McKibbon, developer and CEO of the McKibbon Hotel Group, has been at the forefront of Asheville’s booming tourism industry, providing jobs and income across the city.
Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen, Associate Professor at UNC Chapel Hill’s department of regional and city planning, is a leading expert in housing policy, community development, economic development, and urban growth phenomena.
Pastor Micheal Woods, executive director of WNC Rescue Ministries shelter downtown, works on the front lines every day in downtown’s largest homeless shelter, bursting at the seams with families in need.
The free event, sponsored by PNC, will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville. Executive editor Josh Awtry and community engagement editor Casey Blake will moderate.
“Asheville is a crown jewel of North Carolina, and how its citizens fare is important to us all,” said PNC Regional President Weston M. Andress. “Forums like this allow us to be thoughtful and strategic about growth, but also help make sure we celebrate and retain Asheville’s unique personality.”
We hope you’ll join us to be a part of the conversation.
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