Rescheduled: People and Environment Recovery Board Joint Meeting (In-Person) (Jun 23, 2026)

Asheville's Recovery Efforts: A Recap of Recent Board Meetings

This recap summarizes key discussions and decisions made at recent meetings of the People & Environment Recovery Board, Infrastructure Recovery Board, and City Council regarding recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. These meetings focused on how the city is using federal disaster recovery funds (CDBG-DR) and planning for a more resilient future.

Key Decisions & Funding Shifts:

A significant decision was made to reallocate $10 million in CDBG-DR funds from the Infrastructure Program to the Single Family Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program. This means more resources will be available for low-income homeowners struggling to repair damage from Tropical Storm Helene. While this shift means less funding initially for infrastructure projects, the city is actively pursuing additional funding sources like state loans and FEMA grants to address long-term infrastructure needs. A vote on this reallocation took place at the June 23rd City Council meeting, approving the change.

Discussion Highlights: French Broad River Park & Urban Forest Master Plan

Board members engaged in extensive discussions about two major projects: the French Broad River Park and the Urban Forest Master Plan. Regarding the French Broad River Park, conversations centered on ensuring the park design connects seamlessly with surrounding neighborhoods, prioritizes ecological restoration, and addresses potential concerns about displacement. The design team will share a unified concept on June 19th, and further feedback is expected at future meetings.

Regarding the Urban Forest Master Plan, community input gathered through surveys, workshops, and interviews highlighted a strong desire to protect existing trees, plant more native species strategically, and strengthen regulations to prevent future tree loss. The city is using this feedback to shape the final plan, which aims to create a more resilient and equitable urban forest.

Community Input: Voices Heard & Valued

Throughout these discussions, community engagement was a central theme. The city held a 30-day public comment period and a hearing on June 9th to gather input on the CDBG-DR plan amendment. Residents expressed a strong desire for transparency and accountability in how recovery funds are spent, particularly emphasizing the need to support vulnerable homeowners. Regarding the French Broad River Park project, community members voiced strong opinions about desired recreational amenities and ecological considerations.

Action Items: What's Next for Asheville?

Several key action items emerged from these meetings:

• City Council & Policy, Finance and Infrastructure Committee: Will continue to review the CDBG-DR plan amendment.
• French Broad River Park Design: The design team will present a unified concept on June 19th, allowing for further community feedback.
• Urban Forest Master Plan Development: The city will continue incorporating community input into the plan, with a final update expected in August 2026.
• Infrastructure Funding Pursuit: The city will continue pursuing additional funding sources for infrastructure projects, including state loans and FEMA grants.
• Engagement Data Disaggregation: The city will present engagement data in a way that shows how different groups prioritized different aspects of the French Broad River Park.

Why This Matters to You:

These decisions and discussions directly impact Asheville residents by shaping how the city recovers from past storms, invests in community resources, and prepares for future challenges. The focus on supporting homeowners, improving infrastructure resilience, and creating vibrant public spaces demonstrates a commitment to building a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Asheville for all. Staying informed about these processes ensures that your voice is heard as the city navigates its recovery journey.

Where to Find More Information:

• City of Asheville Website: [Insert City of Asheville website link here] - Look for information on the People & Environment Recovery Board, Infrastructure Recovery Board, and CDBG-DR programs.
• Meeting Minutes & Agendas: [Insert link to meeting minutes and agendas here] - Access official records of board meetings.
• Contact City Staff: [Insert contact information for relevant city staff here] - Reach out to city officials with questions or concerns.