Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (Apr 21, 2026)

Planning, Economic Development & Environment Committee Meeting Recap: April 21, 2026

On April 21, 2026, the Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee held a virtual meeting focused on transportation performance, parking services, and supporting local businesses. This recap summarizes the key outcomes of the meeting for Asheville residents.

What Happened & What Was Decided:

The committee approved the minutes from their previous meeting on March 17th. A significant portion of the meeting centered around a review of Asheville Regional Transit (ART) and parking services data. While no major policy changes were approved, the committee engaged in a thorough discussion about current performance and future improvements. A key topic of debate was the proposed contract with RATP Dev for operating and maintaining ART, but a motion to recommend approval failed. This means the contract will need further consideration by the committee and City Council.

Discussion Highlights: Transit & Parking Performance

Committee members delved into the details of ART’s performance, noting improvements in on-time arrival rates compared to previous years. However, challenges remain due to weather events like Helene and ongoing staffing shortages. Ridership is slightly below pre-pandemic levels, though showing signs of recovery. A new ART website (writetheart.com) was launched to provide riders with improved tools and information, a development welcomed by the committee.

Regarding parking services, the presentation highlighted increased revenue compared to previous years, largely driven by garage usage. A discussion arose about the need to increase funding for capital maintenance of parking garages, avoiding reliance on borrowing in the future. Committee members also compared Asheville's parking rates and enforcement practices to those of Buncombe County, seeking opportunities for alignment.

Supporting Local Businesses: Small Business Grant Programs

The committee received updates on the Small Business Support Program (CDBG-DR), a program designed to help businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Presentations from Mountain BizWorks, Venture Asheville, and Arts AVL outlined their roles in providing assistance to small businesses. The program aims to stabilize, recover, and grow local businesses, with a focus on creating and retaining jobs for low-to-moderate income residents.

What’s Next: Action Items & Future Focus

Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• RATP Dev Contract: The committee will revisit the proposed contract with RATP Dev, a crucial decision impacting the future of Asheville’s public transit system.
• Year-End Data Review: Councilwoman Kim Roney requested the Planning, Economic Development and Environment department provide year-end data for review.
• Benchmarking Data: Councilwoman Sage Turner encouraged future reports to include benchmarking data comparing the city’s performance with industry standards.
• Mobile Fare Payment System: Staff confirmed that the development of a mobile fare payment system remains a priority.
• Capital Maintenance Fund: The committee will continue to discuss strategies for increasing funding for parking garage maintenance.
• Dashboard Development: IT and CAPE are collaborating on a dashboard to improve data accessibility.

Why This Matters to You:

The PEDE Committee’s work directly impacts the quality of life for Asheville residents. Decisions about transportation, parking, and economic development shape how we get around our city, support local businesses, and build a thriving community. The ongoing discussions about the RATP Dev contract will significantly impact the reliability and accessibility of public transit, while investments in parking infrastructure will affect convenience and affordability. The Small Business Support Program aims to strengthen our local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for all residents. Stay informed about future meetings and decisions by visiting the PEDE Committee webpage on the City of Asheville website.