New Participatory Budget Program - Build Hendersonville
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 is setting aside $25,000 for residents to decide how the funds should be used to improve the community. This Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process gives residents an additional opportunity to give input on the City’s budget.
“We’re always looking for ways to connect with the community and involve residents in decisions that impact their daily lives,” said Deputy City Manager Brian Pahle. “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 of Hendersonville 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, matching funds, etc., as well as alignment with the City’s strategic plan goals.
Applicants must live within the City of Hendersonville limits or own a business in the city limits to participate. Applications are due by December 19, 2025. A drop-in informational meeting on the program will be held on November 4, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at the City Operations Center at 305 Williams Street in Hendersonville. Any residents with questions on their application are encouraged to attend the meeting.
For more information and to submit a proposal, visit www.hvlnc.gov/BuildHendersonville