Special Meeting: People and Environment Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Feb 9, 2026)

People & Environment Recovery Board Meeting Recap: Focus on Urban Forests and Community Resilience (February 9, 2026)

The People & Environment Recovery Board held a hybrid meeting on February 9, 2026, focusing on two key areas: strengthening Asheville’s urban forest and mapping resources to help our community bounce back from crises. This recap breaks down what was discussed, decided, and what it means for you.

What Happened? Key Decisions & Discussions:

The meeting centered around two major projects: the Urban Forest Master Plan and the Resilience Hub Mapping Project. Keith Atkin and Mindy Moreman from Urban Canopy Works presented an update on the Master Plan, emphasizing community engagement to prioritize tree planting and maintenance that addresses local needs like heat reduction and water quality. Board members discussed the importance of selecting resilient tree species to withstand future challenges.

Crystal Perez and Kate Pett from Thrive Asheville introduced the Resilience Hub Mapping Project, a vital effort to identify and document locations across Asheville that provide essential services during emergencies. The project aims to create a map showing these hubs, their offerings (like shelter, food distribution, or communication support), and how they connect to each other. Board members engaged in a lively discussion about the project’s scope, ensuring it captures a comprehensive picture of community resources.

A significant decision was made to reschedule the April 6th board meeting due to scheduling conflicts. The new date is April 13, 2026.

What Did Residents Have to Say? Community Voices Heard:

The meeting included a public comment period where residents voiced their concerns and suggestions. A recurring theme was the need to address the city's "fee-in-lieu" policy related to urban forestry. Many residents want to see these collected funds, currently totaling a significant amount, put directly towards improving our city's tree canopy. There was also discussion about the West Asheville Community Center, with residents advocating for its renovation and a focus on community needs rather than current use by the Asheville Police Department. A resident raised questions about how the Resilience Hub Mapping Project will connect with broader regional efforts, and another suggested a more real-time mapping system to capture rapidly changing community responses during emergencies.

What's Next? Action Items & Moving Forward:

Several key actions will be taken following this meeting:

• Complete the Adaptive Resilience Survey: The city encourages all residents to participate in this survey, available on the city website. Your input is crucial for shaping future recovery efforts.
• Suggest Community Advisory Committee Members: Board members are being asked to recommend potential candidates for the Community Advisory Committee, ensuring diverse voices guide these important projects.
• City Staff will address concerns raised during public comment regarding the fee-in-lieu of compliance and consider them for future agenda items.
• Thrive Asheville will continue developing the Resilience Hub Mapping Project, incorporating feedback from the board and community.
• The Urban Forest Master Plan engagement process will continue, with upcoming workshops and opportunities for residents to share their priorities.

Why Does This Matter? The Big Picture:

The discussions and decisions made at this meeting are crucial for building a more resilient and thriving Asheville. By investing in our urban forest, we can improve air quality, reduce heat island effects, and enhance the overall beauty of our city. Mapping resilience hubs ensures that everyone knows where to turn for support during emergencies, strengthening community connections and preparedness. Your voice matters – stay informed, participate in upcoming events, and let your elected officials know you support these vital initiatives!