To bolster neighbourhood connectivity and climate resilience, the City of Asheville, North Carolina, is enhancing five community spaces across the city using technology to support vulnerable communities. 

These spaces will promote inclusivity and remote participation in community gatherings and city government decision-making processes. 

The Community Space Upfit Project is an ARPA-funded initiative to provide five community spaces with technology and infrastructure enabling virtual community meetings, and emergency briefings: connecting residents in real-time no matter the situation.

The Community Space Upfit Project will use $75,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide the selected spaces with technology and infrastructure customized to the individual needs of the recipient community or space.
The selection process will prioritize neighbourhoods identified by the City’s Climate Justice Map as highly vulnerable to climate change and other socioeconomic impacts, ensuring that those most in need receive vital support.

“By investing in technology for some of Asheville’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods, we are hoping to not only enhance connectivity but also strengthen neighbourhood resiliency,” said City of Asheville Communication and Public Engagement Director Dawa Hitch.
“This initiative seeks to improve two things: the flow of information during an emergency; and access to decision making.”