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

Recap of the March 17, 2026 Planning, Economic Development & Environment Committee Meeting: Supporting Businesses and Shaping Our Transit Future

The Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee held a virtual meeting on March 17, 2026, focusing on two major initiatives impacting Asheville residents: supporting local businesses recovering from the pandemic and planning for the future of our transit system, Asheville Rides Transit (ART). Here's a breakdown of what was discussed and decided:

Supporting Our Small Businesses: The committee received an update on the Small Business Support Program (CDBG-DR), funded by federal COVID-19 recovery dollars. This program aims to provide crucial assistance to local businesses, with four organizations (Mountain BizWorks, Arts AVL, Eagle Market Streets, and Venture Asheville) working to finalize program details. While applications aren't open yet, businesses are encouraged to gather necessary documentation (like W-2s and profit/loss statements) – details can be found at Asheville recovers.org. The committee anticipates further updates in April, so stay tuned! Why this matters: This program is a vital lifeline for many small businesses still recovering from the pandemic, helping them stay afloat and continue contributing to our local economy.

Charting the Course for ART: A Modernized Transit System: A significant portion of the meeting centered around the ongoing Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) for ART. This study is examining how to best meet our community's transit needs over the next decade, considering factors like ridership, demographics, and future growth. The committee heard about two potential network concepts – one prioritizing ridership and the other focusing on broader coverage. Public feedback is being actively gathered, with a draft network plan expected in May and a final report in August. Why this matters: The COA will shape the future of our bus system, ensuring it's efficient, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of Asheville residents.

Community Voices Heard: Michael Scraton, a resident of Oakley, voiced concerns about potential changes to the S5 bus route. He emphasized its importance for residents with mobility challenges and those accessing essential services like the food pantry. A pre-submitted comment from the Sunrise Movement WNC raised questions about transparency and financial accountability related to the ART contract. Why this matters: The committee acknowledged these concerns, highlighting the importance of community input in shaping transit decisions.

Key Decisions & What's Next: While a formal motion to approve the ART contract was not made, Councilmember Kim Roney expressed interest in exploring a three-year contract option. The committee agreed to discuss this further with the City Manager’s office. The most significant decision was a motion made to recommend moving forward with the ART contract, which was approved. Here's what you can expect:

• Alma King (CDBG-DR): Will return to PEDE in April with more updates on the Small Business Support Program.
• Chris Whitlock (COA): Will continue gathering public feedback through surveys, stakeholder meetings, and community forums.
• City Council: Will receive an update on the COA at their agenda briefing in March and will vote on approving the ART contract renewal (RATP Dev) on March 24th.
• Residents: Look out for opportunities to participate in the COA public engagement process, including surveys and community forums.

This meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to support our local economy and modernize our transit system. By staying informed and participating in public discussions, residents can play a vital role in shaping the future of Asheville.