Asheville Process for Downtown Business Improvement Service Extended

The City of Asheville is moving forward with the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for a Service Provider to manage services and operations of the newly formed Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). 

The RFP was released on September 20, 2024. Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the timeline of the RFP process was extended. The third and final Addendum was posted on Thursday, October 31 and includes answers to questions that were submitted as part of the RFP process. The proposal deadline for prospective Service Providers is November 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. 

The selected provider will be responsible for operationalizing the BID’s services in the following focus areas:

Safety & Hospitality: Ensuring a welcoming and secure environment for everyone
Enhanced Cleaning: Keeping our downtown clean and well-maintained
Special Projects: Undertaking initiatives that enhance the downtown experience

Service priorities were shaped by community input and are reflected in the RFP’s Scope of Work. The Service Provider will be responsible for implementing the following overall objectives: 

Be intentional about creating a downtown environment that is welcoming and inclusive to all, with a focus on engaging Asheville businesses, residents, and workers.
Provide services and management that improve the downtown experience and quality of life such as complimenting public safety, hospitality, enhancing cleanliness, and beautifying public spaces.
Create a nimble mechanism for championing and sustaining downtown improvement efforts for the long-term.
Increase business activity and attract new investment, with intention to support small independent businesses.

Full details on submission requirements and selection criteria are available in the official RFP document, which can be accessed via the City’s Purchasing/Bid Opportunities page.

For additional information about the RFP process or to stay updated on the Downtown BID and implementation of services, please visit the project page. here