City of Asheville “Love Asheville, Go Local” Proclamation

February 9, 2021

WHEREAS; The City of Asheville is proud to join with Asheville Grown Business Alliance (aka Go Local Asheville),  Asheville Downtown Association, Just Economics of WNC, Yoruba network of Black-owned businesses, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and Asheville Independent Restaurant Association in supporting and celebrating Asheville’s locally-owned independent businesses and the positive impact they have on the City’s culture, economy, and character; and

WHEREAS, by choosing local first and supporting the “Love Asheville, Go Local” movement, Asheville’s residents and visitors embrace our unique, vibrant community and advocate for  the place-based businesses that keep us from becoming “Anywhere, USA” and encourage a strong sense of pride in our community; and

WHEREAS, by supporting the  “Love Asheville, Go Local” movement we create a stronger community by sustaining vibrant town centers and neighborhoods, link neighbors in a web of economic value and supply chains and develop social relationships that increasingly contribute to local causes.

WHEREAS, by supporting the “Love Asheville, Go Local” movement we create greater access to prosperity for all. The “multiplier effect” of both residents and visitors choosing local first creates diverse job opportunities, greater civic engagement and protects us from the effects of economic downturns; and

WHEREAS, by supporting the “Love Asheville, Go Local” movement we  keep money circulation in the local economy. For every dollar spent at a local-independent business, up to three times more gets circulated  back into our community, compared to when spent at a national chain store and online; and

WHEREAS, by supporting the “Love Asheville, Go Local” movement Asheville’s residents help to improve and protect the environment. The purchasing habits, central location, and smaller footprint of local businesses results in less packaging, fuel consumption, air pollution, congestion, and help to reduce sprawl and loss of natural habitat; and

WHEREAS, by supporting the “Love Asheville, Go Local” movement Asheville promotes and encourages increased entrepreneurship and access to ownership, which attracts new talent, and in turn, enhances the local economy; and

WHEREAS, by supporting the “Love Asheville, Go Local” movement we grow a healthy and happy community. Studies show that those who live in communities where local, independent businesses are the norm are healthier – and thus happier; and

WHEREAS, by acknowledging the month of February as “Love Asheville, Go Local Month”, the City of Asheville supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve our unique and vibrant neighborhoods.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Esther Manheimer, Mayor, City of Asheville, do hereby proclaim the entire month of February  as “Love Asheville, Go Local Month”, and urge all citizens to join in this celebration and to Go Local, Buy Local and Think Local First now and throughout the year.