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Apply Now: Join the LIFT Fund Committee
Applications Close April 10 at 5 p.m.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is now accepting applications for the Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund Committee. We are currently seeking one candidate who is an owner or operator of a hotel, motel, or other taxable lodging accommodation.
About the LIFT Fund Committee
The LIFT Fund Committee is a nine-member volunteer group that makes recommendations to the authority for investing in major tourism capital projects that will increase patronage of lodging facilities in and further economic development of Buncombe County. Through the LIFT Fund, the authority has committed $10+ million through 11 community projects since 2024. Project investments have included greenways, parks, public art, sports and recreation facilities, cultural heritage institutions, and other family attractions. A list of all LIFT investments can be found here.
Committee Member Roles & Responsibilities
In assessing applications for LIFT grants, committee members must have a thorough understanding of the grant requirements as mandated by the legislation and a responsibility to uphold the priorities of the authority. Grant requirements and selection criteria will be included in LIFT Program Guidelines, which members will use to determine if proposed projects satisfy program requirements. Committee members are expected to maintain an unbiased position and refrain from communications or meetings with applicants throughout the review process.
Time Commitment
Committee members serve a term consisting of three funding cycles spanning at least three years. Members may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
A typical funding cycle includes a series of committee meetings:
- Committee Member Orientation
- Phase I Review
- Phase II Review & Project Presentations
- Site Visits
- Final Review
Committee members commit to attending each meeting and are expected to participate in group discussions. Meetings range from three to eight hours in length and require substantial preparation, including reviewing application documents, including financials, marketing plans, and feasibility studies. Committee members may also be asked to attend other meetings outside of the grant cycle to assess project issues as they arise.
Other Requirements
A majority of committee members must be owners or operators of hotels, motels, or other taxable lodging accommodations. The remainder of the committee shall be comprised of representatives with tourism, legal, financial, economic development, architecture, or engineering expertise.
The authority is currently seeking one candidate who is an owner or operator of hotels, motels, or other taxable lodging accommodations.
For any questions, please contact Kimberly Puryear, Destination Investment & Project Manager at kpuryear@exploreasheville.com.
Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m.
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