Request for Letter of Support

Lost Province Arts is preparing a $10 million Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding application to restore and transform the historic Lansing School campus into a Regional Creative Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Community Resilience Center.

We invite you to support this important project by providing a letter of support on your business or organization's letterhead.

Here is a brief Project Scope of Work describing the proposed project and its anticipated benefits for Lansing, Ashe County, and the surrounding region:

Lost Province Arts is applying to the Community Development Block Grant -Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) requesting $10 million to restore and transform the historic Lansing School campus into a Regional Creative Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Community Resilience Center. The proposed project includes the rehabilitation of the 17,000-square-foot historic Stone School building, improvements to the surrounding campus, and the planned acquisition and restoration of the adjacent gymnasium into a multi-purpose community center. Together, these facilities will provide affordable space for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, workforce development programs, educational activities, and community events while preserving one of Lansing's most treasured historic landmarks.

Inspired by the campus's vital role in supporting the community following Hurricane Helene, the project will create a vibrant destination that strengthens the local economy, supports small businesses, expands arts and cultural programming, and provides flexible community gathering spaces. The restored campus will also serve as a regional resilience hub capable of supporting future disaster response, volunteer coordination, and community recovery efforts, ensuring the Lansing School continues to serve Ashe County and the surrounding region for generations to come.

We ask that you prepare a letter describing why you support this investment and how you believe it will positively impact your business, organization, or the broader community.

To assist you, we have included a list of suggested talking points that may be helpful in preparing your letter. Please use only those that are relevant to your business or organization and write the letter in your own words. Personalized letters that reflect your unique perspective and experience are far more impactful than form letters.

Please include the following in your letter:

• Your business/organization's official letterhead

• Date

• Name and title of the person signing the letter

• Signature of an authorized representative

• A statement expressing your support for the Lost Province Arts CDBG-DR funding request

• Specific examples of the economic, tourism, workforce, creative economy, community, or regional benefits you believe this project will provide

If possible, we would appreciate receiving your letter by July 24th to allow time for inclusion in the final grant application.

Business Owners & Local Employers

Businesses may wish to discuss how the project will:

• Increase visitation to Lansing and Ashe County, bringing more customers to existing businesses. 

• Strengthen the local economy by creating a year-round destination rather than relying on seasonal tourism. 

• Increase customer spending at restaurants, retail stores, lodging, and service businesses. 

• Help attract and retain entrepreneurs who will invest in downtown Lansing. 

• Expand opportunities for local artisans and makers to sell products and grow their businesses. 

• Encourage new businesses, galleries, studios, outfitters, and creative enterprises to locate in Lansing. 

• Create additional reasons for visitors to extend their stay and return to the community. 

• Improve the overall vitality and attractiveness of downtown Lansing. 

• Support job creation and business expansion throughout Ashe County. 

• Demonstrate confidence that public investment in the campus will generate long-term economic returns for surrounding businesses. 

Tourism & Hospitality Industry

Letters from tourism partners could highlight:

• The project will create a significant new visitor attraction for Ashe County. 

• Expanded arts, music, heritage, and cultural programming will increase tourism. 

• Visitors drawn to the campus will also support restaurants, lodging, retail, outfitters, and other attractions. 

• The project complements existing outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthens Lansing as a destination. 

• Heritage tourism is an important economic driver that preserves local identity while generating visitor spending. 

• The campus will encourage repeat visitation through year-round programming and events. 

Creative Businesses, Artists & Makers

Creative entrepreneurs can discuss:

• The need for affordable studio, classroom, exhibition, rehearsal, and maker space. 

• Opportunities to launch or expand creative businesses. 

• Increased visibility and sales opportunities for local artists. 

• Access to networking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial support. 

• The importance of investing in the creative economy as an economic development strategy. 

• The project's ability to attract additional artists and creative professionals to the region. 

Workforce Development & Economic Development Organizations

Potential themes include:

• Supporting entrepreneurship and small business development. 

• Expanding workforce training opportunities. 

• Creating quality employment opportunities. 

• Helping diversify Ashe County's economy. 

• Supporting business incubation and innovation. 

• Increasing economic resilience following Hurricane Helene. 

• Retaining young professionals and skilled workers. 

• Strengthening the county's long-term competitiveness.

Community Organizations & Nonprofits

These organizations might discuss:

• Providing flexible community meeting and event space. 

• Expanding educational programming for youth and adults. 

• Increasing collaboration among nonprofits. 

• Creating a permanent community gathering place. 

• Improving quality of life for residents. 

• Supporting volunteerism and civic engagement. 

• Building stronger partnerships across the county.

Suggested Closing Statements

You might also suggest that supporters conclude their letters with one or more of these ideas:

• "We strongly support funding this project through the CDBG-DR Program." 

• "This investment will generate long-term economic, cultural, and community benefits for Ashe County." 

• "The Lansing School campus has already demonstrated its value during Hurricane Helene recovery, and this project will ensure it continues serving our community for generations." 

• "We believe this project represents one of the most significant economic development opportunities for Lansing and Ashe County."