|
The Leadership Asheville Forum Presents
September’s Critical Issues Luncheon:
The Impacts of Urban Renewal in the 1960s
Join Us for: The Impacts of Urban Renewal in the 1960s
Wednesday, October 28th, 2026
Presented by Leadership Asheville Forum
City Manager Weldon Weir oversaw the largest Urban Renewal Project in the Southeast in the 1960’s, one that encompassed 425 acres, destroyed 1,200 to 1,300 homes, and displaced approximately 4,000 residents, which included, effectively one-half of Asheville’s entire Black population. Forced sales at below market rates cost these families tens of millions of dollars of intergenerational wealth, including an estimated $ 138 million lost equity in the Southside area alone.
JOIN us as we hear three noted speakers on this history: Kathleen Lawlor, UNCA Associate Professor of Economics & Finance; Priscilla Robinson, an Asheville native who will speak to the impacts of urban renewal on Black families and the major relocations it caused, and Torre Garrison, Executive Director of RSAA (Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville) as they discuss the lasting implications of this project and how it affects the present and the future of all those living in Asheville and Buncombe County. ( We will lead off with about a 2 min trailer of Todd Gragg’s film on Urban Renewal, and we are trying to arrange a ‘next day showing’ of the full film, hopefully on campus at UNCA )
Whether you're a business leader, engaged citizen, or regional stakeholder, this event is designed to deepen your understanding of the work being done to move Asheville and Buncombe County forward. The program will include a live Q&A session, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and share perspectives on the issues that matter most to our community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation.
Event Details:
?? Location: Country Club of Asheville, 170 Windsor Road
?? Date: Wednesday, October 28th, 2026
? Time: 11:30 AM – Food Service | 12:00 PM – Program Begins
?? Cost: $30 for LAF Members | $40 for Non-Members
Reservations required by noon on Wednesday, October 21 at Noon.
Click Here to Register
Have Questions? Check out our FAQ and if your answer isn’t there, reach out to us at info@leadershipashevilleforum.com!
|