Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (May 11, 2026)

Planning, Economic Development, and Environment Committee Meeting Recap – May 11, 2026

On May 11th, the Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss strategies for economic recovery, addressing homelessness, and planning for the future. The committee, comprised of Councilmembers Sage Turner and Kim Roney, along with key city staff including Assistant City Manager Ben Woody, Community and Economic Development Director Nikki Reed, and Homeless Strategies Division Manager Emily Ball, convened to review proposals related to Disaster Recovery (DR) funding.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan. Rachel Taylor, Economic Development Division Manager, presented a plan designed to leverage DR funding and move beyond traditional planning methods. The committee discussed the need for Asheville to "define its lane" in economic development, focusing on proactive initiatives and complementing regional efforts. While Councilwoman Roney raised concerns about the plan's immediate actionability, Councilwoman Turner emphasized its importance in strategically redeveloping the city. The committee agreed to engage in phased discussions with staff, including a facilitated work session, to ensure alignment and feedback throughout the plan's development, with a final version expected in Fall 2027. This plan aims to build long-term resilience and support private sector investments, addressing significant economic losses from past disasters.

The committee also addressed the pressing issue of homelessness following Hurricane Helene, which led to a 50% increase in unsheltered individuals. Emily Ball presented a proposal to secure funding for a contracted project manager to develop a comprehensive Emergency Shelter Development Plan. This plan will build on existing planning efforts and aims to create a "shovel-ready" project by the end of 2027. Committee members expressed strong support for addressing this critical need, suggesting integration of day services and other support into potential shelter designs. The committee will review the grant request, and if approved, a project manager will be onboarded to lead the plan’s development. The Continuum of Care's (CoC) Emergency Shelter Development Work Group will also be invited to present their findings to the committee.

While no public comment was received during this meeting, discussions highlighted a commitment to addressing economic challenges and supporting vulnerable populations. Looking ahead, the PEDE Committee plans to address topics such as the Transit Comprehensive Operations Analysis, the Buncombe County Arts and Culture Plan, Resilience Hubs, and Downtown Activation efforts in future meetings.

What’s Next & Why It Matters:

• Economic Development Plan: Residents can expect ongoing engagement opportunities as the committee works to refine the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, ensuring it aligns with community needs and priorities.
• Emergency Shelter Capacity: The approval of the grant will be crucial in developing a concrete plan to expand emergency shelter capacity, providing much-needed support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Future Discussions: The committee’s focus on transit, arts and culture, resilience, and downtown revitalization demonstrates a commitment to addressing key community priorities.

For more detailed information about the PEDE Committee and its initiatives, please visit [link to city website/PEDE committee page] or contact Stephanie Gilliam at [email protected].