AUG. 30, 2026 – G20 Finance Track meeting themed decorations in Asheville. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) —High-level G20 Finance Track meetings are underway at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, bringing finance leaders from some of the world’s largest economies to western North Carolina.
Security was tight in and around the hotel as officials, finance ministers and central bankers gathered for the meetings. Discussions are expected to include interest rates, national debt and economic growth.
Explore Asheville President and CEO Vic Isley said hosting the event is significant for the region’s economy, businesses and jobs.
More than 500 people are expected to attend, with officials estimating the meetings could bring about $2 million to the area.
Organizers say Asheville was selected in part to highlight western North Carolina’s ongoing recovery from Helene.
ASHEVILLE G20 MEETINGS SPOTLIGHT HELENE RECOVERY, ECONOMIC PRIORITIES
APRIL 3, 2024 – Exterior of the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
PROTESTERS LINE MERRIMON AVENUE DURING G20 FINANCE TRACK MEETINGS IN ASHEVILLE
“You look around the devastation, and you see billions of dollars in public and private property loss,” John Anglin of Branch Group said. “You realize you’re in a position where you need every bit of help you can get.”
But on the streets of Asheville, demonstrators voiced frustration with the pace of recovery efforts.
Pat Trueman, a demonstrator, said the meetings should lead to more than discussion.
“You can’t celebrate — you can’t say that you are part of the resilience in the area if you don’t step up and do it,” Trueman said. “Talk is all we get.”
The G20 finance meetings will continue, putting Asheville and its continued recovery on an international stage.
