People and Environment Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Dec 1, 2025)

People and Environment Recovery Board Meeting Recap – December 1, 2025

The People and Environment Recovery Board (P&E), one of Asheville City Council’s four recovery boards, convened on December 1, 2025, in a hybrid format (City Hall and YouTube livestream) to address organizational matters and key environmental initiatives. The meeting, lasting from 10:30 a.m. to approximately noon, was attended by board members and city staff, with opportunities for public comment provided.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to establishing board leadership and formalizing operational procedures. Following nominations, Jack Engelman was elected as Chair and Leah Ferguson as Vice-Chair, solidifying the board’s leadership structure. The board also formally approved the People and Environment Recovery Board Rules of Procedure, outlining guidelines for meetings, voting, subcommittee formation, and conflict-of-interest management. This adoption ensures a consistent and transparent process for the board’s future deliberations, aligning with the City's broader regulations for boards and commissions.

Beyond organizational matters, the meeting featured presentations on two critical projects: the Urban Forest Master Plan and the Resilience Hubs Organizational Work Plan. Keith Aiken presented an overview of the Urban Forest Master Plan, detailing its goals for long-term tree management and community engagement. The plan aims to address current challenges like climate change impacts and Hurricane Helene damage, while striving for a 30% minimum tree canopy coverage in all neighborhoods. Board members were strongly encouraged to participate in public engagement opportunities, including online surveys and community events. Similarly, Dawa Hitch and Kira Bulan presented on the Community Space Upfit Project (CSUP), a key component of the Resilience Hubs initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The board engaged in a facilitated discussion and voted on research questions related to the CSUP project, focusing on accountability, equity in distribution and measuring impact.

During public comment, Sharon Somral emphasized the importance of integrating the Urban Forestry Master Plan with existing regulations and collaborating closely with the Urban Forestry Commission. The board acknowledged this feedback, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts across city departments and advisory bodies.

Looking ahead, the P&E board will continue to support the development of both the Urban Forest Master Plan and a network of Resilience Hubs. Board members are encouraged to actively participate in ongoing engagement opportunities, including the French Broad & Azalea Parks recovery projects. The next scheduled meeting is February 2, 2026, at Asheville City Hall and via YouTube livestream. The board's work will be instrumental in guiding the city’s environmental resilience and recovery efforts, ensuring a focus on community needs and equitable outcomes.