News

Public invited to nominate a capital improvement costing up to $25,000

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 20, 2025

The city of Hendersonville is making its budget process more interactive than ever with the launch of a new participatory budgeting program called Build Hendersonville.

The city has set aside $25,000 to fund one or more capital improvement projects selected after a review and scoring.
“We’re always looking for ways to connect with the community and involve residents in decisions that impact their daily lives,” Deputy City Manager Brian Pahle said. “Our budget team is known for innovation, and we want residents to participate with us just like our department heads do during the CIP process.”
Residents have been consistently invited to shape city priorities through surveys, focus groups, community meetings and Council Conversations. However, this new initiative marks the first time residents can propose a project idea, help develop it and see it funded through the budgeting process.  
City residents can submit their capital project ideas through an application. Capital projects are those that create or improve a long-term asset. After review and scoring, the top-ranked project or projects will receive funding from the $25,000 budget.
Project ideas might include traffic safety infrastructure such as speed radar signs or traffic calming islands, park enhancements or updates to community spaces. Scoring will be based on a project’s community support like neighborhood buy-in, volunteer commitments, the potential for matching funds, as well as alignment with the city’s strategic plan goals.
Applicants must live within the city limits or own a business in the city limits to participate. Applications are due by Dec. 19. A drop-in informational meeting on the program will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the City Operations Center, 305 Williams St. Residents with questions on their application are encouraged to attend.
For more information and to submit a proposal, visit www.hvlnc.gov/BuildHendersonville.