First launched in 2010 by the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC) and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, The AVL 5X5 was the first 5-year strategic plan of the region uniting business leaders, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, educational institutions and community around a common goal to grow employment and wages, attract investment and economic opportunity in target industries and cultivate sustained economic vitality, now and for future generations.
This is a region committed to strategy and collaboration. Thoughtful planning and implementation of five-year “AVL 5×5” economic development plans has been a part of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County’s (EDC) activities since 2010. This 5×5 Plan is the fourth five-year plan and is designed to carry the region through 2030.
Dedication to strategic planning has contributed to the region’s success. Between 2010 and 2025, the Asheville MSA has grown by 55,000 people and added 38,000 jobs. Proud of its longtime reputation as a top-of-the-charts visitor destination, the region has more recently garnered national recognition for its headline-making economic development wins. The entrepreneurial scene is thriving and gaining attention with its unique approach to venture philanthropy. Awarded accreditation by the prestigious International Economic Development Council in February 2024, the EDC was again recognized for its research acumen and innovation in workforce development. This type of progress is an outcome of the collaboration, unified vision, and shared goals of area partners who have been brought together around 5×5 Plans.
As of March 2025 with three months left in the plan, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC) provided significant (not exclusive) assistance in the attraction of three new companies and nine expansions generating 1,540 newly announced direct jobs. These new jobs will increase opportunity for both residents and the economy, going far beyond the companies and industries that created them. Industries that supply goods and services in the supply chain will be impacted, as will income generation for households and associated local spending. The majority of sectors in the local economy are boosted at some point by the EDC and partners’ strategic job creation efforts.
The Return on Investment (ROI) helps further quantify the EDC’s attraction and expansion accomplishments. These efforts have generated prominent local economic activity and investors have realized a positive return on investment.
Economic development in Asheville and Buncombe County is a team effort. Our community relies on the leadership and investment of more than 80 private Asheville businesses, organizations and local governments. These investors help the EDC strategically expand high-growth industries and attract higher wage jobs to the Asheville area, creating better opportunities for our residents while increasing county and city investments in our economy.
Investors make a five-year financial commitment that offer the business and community many benefits. New labor income and industry growth create a ripple effect in the metro Asheville economy, increasing demand for industries like professional business services, banking, real estate, health care, supply chain products and more.
Thanks to the many Asheville area businesses investing in job growth through AVL 5X5!
*Indicates a Legacy and Executive Level Investor.
