# Rescheduled: Infrastructure Recovery Board Joint Meeting (In-Person) (Jun 23, 2026) **Body:** City of Asheville — Infrastructure Recovery Board **Date:** June 23, 2026 10:00 AM EDT (2026-06-23T10:00:00-04:00) **Location:** 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - Harrah's Cherokee Center Banquet Hall **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797 ## Summary On June 23, 2026, the City of Asheville’s Infrastructure Recovery Board and People & Environment Recovery Board held a joint meeting to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following recent flooding events, with a particular focus on rebuilding and improving our community. Here's what you need to know: **What Happened? Key Decisions & Funding Shifts:** The biggest news from the meeting was a vote on how to best use disaster recovery funds. After considerable discussion, the Infrastructure Recovery Board ultimately decided *not* to reallocate $10 million from planned infrastructure projects. This decision means those infrastructure projects, including improvements to our water system and the French Broad River Park project, will continue as planned. A separate proposal was made to allocate $100,000 for a five-year strategic plan to guide future recovery efforts; this was approved. **What Was Discussed? Highlights of the Debate:** A significant portion of the meeting centered on the French Broad River Park project. Sasaki consultants presented their framework plan, showcasing proposed features like a pump track, dog play area, floodable terrace lawns, and restored natural habitats. Board members offered valuable feedback, particularly regarding parking solutions (exploring shared DOT parking and on-street options) and ensuring the park is accessible to everyone. Another key discussion revolved around how best to support residents impacted by flooding, particularly those with lower incomes. Concerns were raised about whether online surveys accurately reflected the needs of all community members, and there was a strong emphasis on prioritizing recovery efforts that directly benefit vulnerable populations. The board also discussed the challenges of applying for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding and the need to advocate for expedited review. **What Did Residents Have to Say? Community Input:** The meeting included a 30-minute public comment period, where residents shared their thoughts and concerns. While support was generally expressed for all programs being considered, some voiced worries about the cost of repairs and ensuring adequate housing options. These comments were recorded and will be shared with City Council to inform their decision-making process. **What's Next? Action Items & Future Steps:** Here’s what to expect in the coming months: * **French Broad River Park Design Refinement:** Sasaki consultants will incorporate feedback from the boards and technical teams to finalize their design. * **Parking Solutions Exploration:** City staff will work with Sasaki and the DOT to explore parking management strategies for the park. * **Strategic Planning Development:** City staff will move forward with developing a five-year strategic plan to guide future recovery efforts, utilizing the approved $100,000 in funding. * **HMGP Advocacy:** The city will continue to advocate for a speedy review of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application. * **City Council Vote:** City Council will ultimately make a final decision on the CDBG-DR funding allocation. **Why Does This Matter to You? The Big Picture:** These discussions and decisions are crucial for ensuring that Asheville recovers from recent disasters in a way that is equitable, resilient, and sustainable. By prioritizing community input, strategically allocating resources, and focusing on long-term planning, the city aims to build a stronger, more prepared community for years to come. The ongoing work on projects like the French Broad River Park and improvements to our water system will directly impact residents’ quality of life, while the strategic planning process will help guide future recovery efforts and ensure that our community is better prepared for any challenges ahead. **Where to Learn More:** * City of Asheville Website: [Insert City Website Link Here] * Meeting Minutes and Recordings (available on the city website) ## Agenda - [Welcome and Roll Call](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797/item/13365) - [French Broad River Park Project (10:10 - 10:55 a.m.) - Joint board discussion](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797/item/13366) - [Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-DR) - Disaster Recovery Round Two Planning Allocations (11:00 - 11:15 a.m.) - People and Economy Recovery Board discussion](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797/item/13367) - [Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Substantial Amendment (11:20 - 11:50 a.m.) - Infrastructure Recovery Board discussion](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797/item/13368) - [Call to Action](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797/item/13369) - [Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797/item/13370) ## Votes - Motion to support staff’s recommendation to reallocate $10 million from the Infrastructure Program to the Single Family Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program. — Passed ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://youtube.com/live/8640zFPfJfY?feature=share - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1985/segments ## Documents - [CDBG-DR Planning Round Two - Strategic Plan Presentation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9696) - [agenda_2026-06-23.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9707) - [CDBG-DR Planning Round Two - Strategic Plan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9717) - [Supplemental Materials_June 23, 2026, Joint Recovery Board Meeting.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9713) - [French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Presentation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9694) - [6-23-26 Joint Meeting.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9714) - [FINAL 2026.06 IRB CDBG-DR Infrastructure Substantial Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9716) - [CDBG-DR Round 2 Projects Overview Document.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9698) - [Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) - Substantial Action Plan Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9699) - [Supplemental Materials for June 23, 2026 Joint Meeting.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2797?document=9700) ## Sources - [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/infrastructure-recovery-board-hybrid-jul-7-2026/)