Weaverville’s economic advisory committee outlines museum talks, tourism and a new foundation

A Weaverville Economic Development Advisory Committee (WEDAC) representative told the Town Council on June 22 that the volunteer advisory group has built a 40‑person distribution list and outlined four underway projects intended to support the town’s strategic goals: exploring the placement of the Western North Carolina Museum of Culture and History at a ThermoFisher campus, promoting intentional tourism projects such as a pickleball and arcade entertainment complex, conducting hotel outreach across a 10‑state radius, and launching a Weaverville Foundation 501(c)(3) to fund projects beyond the town’s budget.

The WEDAC chair said the committee’s economic development policy aligns with six of the town’s eight goals — including tourism, housing diversity, safe streets and small‑business support — and thanked council for meeting space and a stipend. He noted the group’s work is volunteer‑led and highlighted next steps: conversations with ThermoFisher real estate and outreach to hotel developers; a Rings Creek Golf Club fundraiser on Sept. 11 will support the foundation.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and welcomed the committee’s offer to help property owners researching appropriate uses for rezoning candidates after the Reagan Lane hearings. Councilmember Young added that long‑range plans such as intentional tourism fit with other town initiatives and noted parallel efforts to increase resilience and community amenities.

WEDAC’s priorities, as presented to council, include small and medium business support, infrastructure planning, and community amenities that can draw regional visitors while retaining downtown character. The committee offered to coordinate follow‑up research and to meet with owners seeking conditional zoning to identify compatible commercial uses before a formal application.