In a significant move to enhance tourism and community welfare, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has announced grants totaling $11.2 million. These funds are being directed to 10 projects aimed at boosting visitor numbers and benefiting local residents alike.
The grants were distributed under the Legacy Investment from Tourism fund, or LIFT fund, following a competitive selection from 24 applicants. The TDA’s decision came as part of their ongoing commitment to tourism-related development.
Leading the list of recipients is the North Carolina Arboretum, set to receive $2.4 million for developing a new education and events plaza designed to be pedestrian-friendly.
Another major beneficiary is the River Arts District Artists Foundation, which is slated to receive $2.1 million. This funding will support the establishment of a new RAD Creative Campus, a project expected to revitalize an area previously impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Speaking on the development, Tiffany Thacker, TDA’s vice president of partnership and destination management, highlighted the campus’s strategic location above Asheville’s floodplain. Thacker detailed the plans: “Building One at 123 Lyman will become the front door to the district with a permanent River Arts District welcome center, a retail shop, exhibition space and flex space. Building Two at 135 Lyman will house affordable artist studios, classrooms and creative offices with shared production space.”
Overall, the LIFT fund will cover approximately 19% of the estimated $60 million required for all 10 projects. Additional financial support will be sourced elsewhere, according to Thacker.
Courtesy of the North Carolina Arboretum
Established following a 2022 legislative amendment, the LIFT fund is one of two primary vehicles through which the TDA supports local capital initiatives. The other, the Tourism Project Development Fund (TPDF), operates in alternate years, both utilizing a competitive grant process.
Despite the potential benefits, there has been some community advocacy for the TDA to broaden the scope of tourism-related expenditures to include affordable housing. However, a recent law signed by Gov. Josh Stein has restricted local governments from using occupancy tax revenues for such purposes. TDA President and CEO Vic Isley confirmed that the legislation explicitly excludes affordable housing as an eligible expenditure.
This year’s LIFT grant recipients include:
The North Carolina Arboretum Society: $2.4 million for the North Carolina Arboretum Education & Events Plaza
RADA Foundation, Inc.: $2,124,540 for the RAD Creative Campus
Center for Craft: $1,752,846 for the Center for Craft Community Library & Archives
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts: $1,739,146 for infrastructure replacement and repairs
Town of Black Mountain: $1,229,982 for the Black Mountain Golf Course Restoration and Enhancement Project
City of Asheville: $721,120 for Eagle and Market Street Enhancements and implementing the Vision for The Block
Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority: $500,000 for the airport’s new Guest Services and Welcome Center
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce: $400,000 for Asheville Visitor Center Upgrades
City of Asheville: $296,179 for Biltmore Village Public Realm (Infrastructure) Restoration
North Carolina Stage Company: $22,700 for NC Stage Company Facility Modernization: HVAC, Lighting, and Security Upgrades
