Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee Meeting | April 22, 2026

Buncombe County Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee Meeting Recap – April 22, 2026

On April 22, 2026, the Buncombe County Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee convened to continue developing a comprehensive plan aimed at improving pedestrian infrastructure in areas outside of incorporated municipalities within Buncombe County. This initiative, launched last December, seeks to address the growing need for safe and accessible walking routes in rapidly developing areas where sidewalks are currently lacking. The meeting provided a significant update on the plan's progress and outlined next steps for community engagement.

A central focus of the meeting was reviewing preliminary projects identified for potential pedestrian improvements and discussing how they were prioritized based on feedback received from the community. Extensive outreach efforts, including an online survey attracting nearly 1500 visitors, public meetings, and targeted outreach events, revealed key concerns among residents. These included a lack of sidewalks connecting to essential destinations like schools, grocery stores, libraries, and parks; feelings of unsafety when crossing major roads or walking in general (often described as "playing frogger"); and a strong desire to connect pedestrian routes with greenways and multi-use paths. A consistent emphasis was placed on ensuring equity, accessibility, and resource allocation for all Buncombe County residents.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the proposed pedestrian network, which integrates community feedback, existing municipal plans, and the county's comprehensive plan. Projects are being categorized into three tiers: “Core” projects, considered essential for forming the backbone of the network; "Supporting" projects that connect to core areas and enable broader access; and “Additional” projects for consideration in future funding opportunities. The committee reached consensus on this categorization system, recognizing its importance in guiding project prioritization and resource allocation. Data analysis, including heatmaps visualizing community feedback, highlighted areas of greatest need in Swannanoa, Inca-Candler, and along Brevard Road.

While no formal votes were taken during this particular meeting, the committee heavily emphasized the importance of community input throughout the planning process. Recurring themes from public comments underscored concerns about pedestrian safety, connectivity gaps, and a desire for tangible improvements to walking conditions. A suggestion was made to proactively reach out to underrepresented communities before the upcoming July engagement push, a proposal that received strong support from committee members. County officials underscored the plan’s value as a crucial policy tool for securing resources and establishing mechanisms to improve pedestrian infrastructure in unincorporated areas, acknowledging the need for collaboration with municipalities and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) to navigate jurisdictional challenges.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. The committee is launching a two-week public feedback period where residents can provide comments on the proposed project rankings and network through an online mapping tool (a link to this tool will be provided in meeting materials). Focus group meetings with key stakeholders, including the DOT, are planned to further refine project proposals. The committee will also develop detailed "cut sheets" outlining the scope and potential funding requirements for core projects. A major community engagement push is scheduled for July, featuring a survey and presentations to the public and county commissioners. The ultimate goal remains finalizing the Pedestrian Plan by October 2026, creating a guiding document for pedestrian expansion and safety improvements throughout Buncombe County.

What This Means For You: This plan aims to make walking safer and more convenient throughout Buncombe County, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth. Your voice matters! Residents are encouraged to contribute by visiting the online mapping tool, participating in future engagement events, and sharing their thoughts with committee members or county officials.