Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (Mar 17, 2026)

Planning, Economic Development & Environment Committee Meeting Recap: March 17, 2026

The Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee held a virtual meeting on March 17, 2026, focusing on two major initiatives: supporting local businesses recovering from the pandemic and planning for the future of Asheville’s public transit system, Asheville Rides Transit (ART). The meeting also included valuable input from residents. Here's a breakdown of what happened and why it matters to you.

Supporting Local Businesses: Small Business Support Program Updates

The committee received an update on the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Small Business Support Program, designed to help local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded with federal recovery dollars and will be administered by four local organizations: Mountain BizWorks, Arts AVL, Eagle Market Streets, and Venture Asheville. While applications aren’t open yet, businesses are encouraged to prepare by gathering necessary documentation (like W-2s and profit/loss statements) – details can be found at Asheville recovers.org. Committee members raised concerns about the program's timeline, and Alma King will return in April with more updates. This matters because it means vital assistance is on its way to help our local businesses thrive.

Charting the Course for ART: Planning Asheville’s Transit Future

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA). This study, examining transit service needs over the next decade, is crucial for ensuring ART effectively serves our community. Chris Whitlock presented two potential network concepts – one prioritizing ridership and the other focusing on broader coverage. Public feedback is being actively sought, with a draft network plan expected in May and a final report coming in August. Michael Scraton, a resident of Oakley, voiced concerns about potential route changes (specifically the S5 bus), highlighting its importance for residents with mobility challenges. This matters because it will shape the future of our public transportation system, ensuring it meets the needs of all residents.

Decisions & Next Steps: Contract Renewals and Budget Considerations

The committee approved the minutes from their previous meeting. A key discussion revolved around renewing the contract with RATP Dev, the company currently operating ART. While a formal vote to approve the full four-year contract wasn’t taken due to budget concerns, Councilmember Kim Roney suggested exploring a three-year option. The committee agreed to continue discussions with the City Manager's office regarding this possibility. The City Council will ultimately vote on the ART contract renewal on March 24th, and they'll also receive an update on the COA at their agenda briefing earlier that week. This matters because it will determine who operates our transit system and how much we pay for those services.

Community Voices Heard: Resident Concerns & City Responsiveness

Several residents shared their thoughts, including Rachel Cohen who questioned discrepancies in the reported cost of the RATPDev contract and expressed concerns about transparency regarding budget decisions. Cohen also raised questions about the city’s engagement with the Multimodal Commission, advocating for broader community input. This demonstrates a commitment to listening to residents and incorporating their feedback into important decisions.

What's Next? Stay Informed & Get Involved!

• Small Business Support Program: Watch for updates in April when Alma King returns to the PEDE Committee.
• ART COA: Participate in upcoming public engagement activities, including surveys and community forums.
• City Council Meeting (March 24): Attend or watch the City Council meeting to see if they approve the ART contract renewal.
• Keep an eye out: The committee is planning to discuss the BC Arts and Culture Plan, a Q3 Data Report, Resilience Hub Mapping update, and Downtown Activation in the coming months.

The PEDE Committee meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to support our local economy and improve our transportation system. By staying informed and participating in these discussions, you can help shape a vibrant and resilient Asheville for all.