Rescheduled: People and Environment Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Apr 13, 2026)

People and Environment Recovery Board Meeting Recap: April 13, 2026

On April 13th, 2026, the City of Asheville’s People and Environment Recovery Board convened a hybrid meeting (with both in-person and online participation) to discuss key recovery efforts and plan for a more resilient future. Chaired by Jack Ogilman, the board’s focus aligned with the City Council's vision of a recovery rooted in resilience, unity, care, and readiness. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in learning more about Asheville’s recovery journey.

Significant Decisions & Approvals:

The board unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on February 9th, signifying a commitment to documenting and tracking progress. While no formal votes were taken on major initiatives during this meeting, the board expressed strong support for four planning projects seeking funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Fund. These projects, detailed further below, represent a significant investment in the city’s long-term recovery and resilience.

Key Discussions & Debates:

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, with several key areas receiving considerable discussion. The board received updates on the Urban Forest Master Plan, which is gathering extensive public feedback through a survey of over 1400 responses. Discussions centered on ensuring transparency and equitable distribution of funds generated by the associated fee-in-lieu policy. A presentation on the Resilience Hub Mapping Project highlighted a survey of 86 organizations providing critical support during emergencies and the use of social network analysis to understand information flow. Board members emphasized the importance of ensuring that these hubs are accessible and responsive to the needs of all residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing four proposed projects seeking CDBG-DR funding. These include:

• Economic Development Strategic Plan: To define the city’s role in economic recovery and ensure effective resource allocation.
• Deaverview Master Plan: A collaborative effort to redevelop city-owned and Housing Authority land into a purpose-built community with diverse housing options, educational facilities, and recreational spaces.
• How We Build, Where We Build Update: A review of city development regulations to ensure alignment with recovery goals.
• Emergency Shelter Development Plan: To create a year-round low-barrier shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Board members engaged in thoughtful discussion about the potential benefits and burdens of each project, raising concerns about equitable outcomes and ensuring community voices are heard throughout the planning process. David Greenson emphasized the need for community engagement and ensuring that plans reflect the needs of all residents.

Community Input & Participation:

While no public comments were received during the meeting itself, board members strongly encouraged residents to participate in ongoing engagement opportunities. A key opportunity is a Community Conversation event on April 18th, featuring discussions and interactive activities related to resilience planning. Residents are also encouraged to complete the Resilience Hub Mapping survey (available on the city website) to share their experiences and identify service gaps.

Action Items & What's Next:

Several key actions were identified following the meeting:

• Public Survey Completion: Residents are encouraged to complete the Resilience Hub Mapping survey.
• Community Conversation Participation: Attend the April 18th Community Conversation event to share your thoughts and ideas.
• City Council Presentation: The board’s feedback on the CDBG-DR planning projects will be shared with the City Council's Policy, Finance and Infrastructure Committee on April 28th.
• Future Board Meeting: The next People and Environment Recovery Board meeting is scheduled for June 1st, 2026.

Why This Matters to You:

The discussions and decisions made by the People and Environment Recovery Board directly impact Asheville’s ability to recover from past disasters, build resilience against future challenges, and create a more equitable community for all residents. By participating in public engagement opportunities and staying informed about these initiatives, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of our city.

This recap aims to provide a clear overview of the meeting's key discussions and outcomes for those interested in learning more about Asheville’s recovery efforts.