A new round of tourism-related investment is set to support ten community projects across Buncombe County, from artist workspaces and cultural facilities to outdoor recreation and visitor services.

On September 30, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority approved $11,186,513 through its Legacy Investment from Tourism, or LIFT, fund.

The projects collectively represent more than $60 million in expected capital investment, with LIFT providing part of the financing. The awards are not announcements that all ten projects are complete.

Big awards for the Arboretum and River Arts District

The North Carolina Arboretum Society received the largest award, $2.4 million, toward a pedestrian-friendly education and events plaza.

The RADA Foundation was approved for approximately $2.12 million toward a planned River Arts District Creative Campus. The project envisions repurposing former industrial buildings on Lyman Street above the floodplain.

Plans for that campus include affordable artist studios, shared fabrication areas, exhibition space, classrooms and a welcome center. The grant's first-building funding is contingent on a property closing by December 15, 2027, so its development is not yet assured.

Projects reach beyond central Asheville

The Center for Craft received roughly $1.75 million for a library and archives project, while the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts was approved for about $1.74 million in infrastructure work.

Black Mountain Golf Course restoration and enhancement received approximately $1.23 million.

Additional investments include improvements around Eagle and Market streets, a welcome center at Asheville Regional Airport, upgrades to the Asheville Visitor Center, Biltmore Village public infrastructure restoration and facility modernization at North Carolina Stage Company.

Where does the money come from?

The LIFT program uses a portion of tourism-related occupancy tax revenue to support capital projects intended to benefit visitors and the broader community.

Supporters describe the investments as a way to maintain community attractions and help rebuild after Hurricane Helene. As with other tourism-funded projects, residents may also ask how the benefits extend beyond visitors and how projects will be maintained over time.

What happens next?

Grant approval is a funding milestone. Individual recipients must still carry out design, financing, construction and other requirements on their own schedules.

For Asheville and neighboring communities, the awards offer a concrete picture of where some tourism-related capital spending is headed, including arts spaces, recreation and public-facing infrastructure.

828 Daily will follow the projects as plans move toward construction and opening.