Asheville – The City of Asheville has undertaken a groundbreaking initiative, the Community Space Upfit Project, to strengthen community connectivity and climate resilience. This project, funded by $75,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, aims to enhance five community spaces across the city by providing them with technology and infrastructure to support virtual community meetings and emergency briefings.
The application period for neighborhoods to apply for the project closed on July 12. The selected spaces will prioritize neighborhoods identified as highly vulnerable to climate change and socioeconomic impacts according to the City’s Climate Justice Map. This ensures that the most vulnerable communities receive the necessary support to foster inclusivity and remote participation in community gatherings and city government decision-making processes.
The City of Asheville recognizes the importance of investing in technology for vulnerable neighborhoods to improve connectivity and strengthen neighborhood resiliency. Dawa Hitch, the Communication and Public Engagement Director for the City of Asheville, emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance the flow of information during emergencies and access to decision-making.
By providing technology and infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of each selected community, the Community Space Upfit Project aims to bridge the digital divide and create a more equitable and inclusive environment. The project enables residents to participate in real-time virtual meetings, ensuring that crucial information reaches everyone, regardless of their physical presence.
The utilization of ARPA funds for this project underscores the City of Asheville’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting climate resilience. The project aligns with the broader goals of the ARPA in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by communities across the nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions.
Neighborhood leaders and residents interested in participating in the Community Space Upfit Project could access more information and submit their applications through the dedicated platform at www.publicinput.com/CSUP. The City of Asheville encourages all eligible neighborhoods to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance connectivity, foster resilience, and ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that shape their communities.
As the application period has now closed, the City of Asheville eagerly anticipates notifying selected neighborhoods in late July. This marks an exciting step forward in the City’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and resilient future for all residents. Through the Community Space Upfit Project, Asheville is setting an example for other communities, demonstrating the transformative power of technology and community engagement in fostering connectivity, climate resilience, and equitable decision-making.