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 focusing on key updates related to transportation, parking, and small business support within Asheville. The committee also approved minutes from a previous meeting and heard introductions of guest speakers who will present on small business grant programs later. This recap provides a clear overview of what was discussed and decided, so you can understand how these decisions impact our community.

Transportation & Parking: Data-Driven Insights and Future Directions

A significant portion of the meeting centered around a detailed review of Asheville Regional Transit (ART) performance and parking services. Chris Whitlock, Transit Division Manager, presented data showing improvements in ART's on-time performance since 2024, currently at 73%, despite challenges from weather events and staffing shortages. Ridership is showing signs of recovery, though still below pre-pandemic levels. A new website, writetheart.com, was launched to improve rider information and tools. Sabrina Tolle, Parking Services Division Manager, reported that parking revenue is exceeding previous years, with garages generating the most income. A key discussion revolved around increasing funding for capital maintenance of parking garages to avoid future borrowing needs – a point emphasized by several committee members.

Supporting Small Businesses: A Collaborative Approach to Recovery

The committee received an update on the CDBG-DR Small Business Support Program, a vital initiative aimed at assisting businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Mountain BizWorks, along with other partners like Arts AVL and Venture Asheville, are working together to distribute $15.5 million in federal disaster recovery funds. The program prioritizes businesses that support job creation and benefit low-to-moderate income residents. The committee was informed about the upcoming timeline for applications, with a focus on preparing businesses to apply when the program officially launches.

Key Decisions & What's Next

• March 17th Minutes Approved: The committee formally approved the minutes from their March meeting.
• RATP Dev Contract Recommendation Failed: A motion to recommend the City Council authorize a contract with RATP Dev for Asheville Rides Transit operations and maintenance did not pass. This means the city will need to revisit this critical decision regarding transit services.
• Future Data Requests: Committee members requested more detailed data for future reports, including benchmarking against industry standards and a comprehensive analysis of transit operations.
• Capital Maintenance Funding: The committee discussed the need to increase funding for parking garage maintenance, a topic expected to be revisited in future budget discussions.

Community Voices & Citizen Engagement

While no direct public comments were taken during the main portion of the meeting, a system is in place for citizens to provide live comments via phone (855-925-2801, code 8187).

Why This Matters to You

The decisions made and discussions held during this PEDE Committee meeting directly impact the quality of life for Asheville residents. Improved transit services, accessible parking options, and thriving small businesses are essential components of a vibrant and resilient community. The committee's focus on data-driven decision-making, coupled with their commitment to supporting local businesses and addressing infrastructure needs, demonstrates a dedication to building a stronger Asheville for all. Keep an eye out for future updates on the RATP Dev contract and the launch of the Small Business Support Program, as these developments will significantly shape our city's future.

For more information and to view the full meeting recording, please visit the PEDE Committee webpage at [link to city website].