# Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (Jul 21, 2026)

**Body:** City of Asheville — Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee
**Date:** July 21, 2026 1:00 PM EDT (2026-07-21T13:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee convened virtually on July 21, 2026, to address two primary agenda items: a revision to the city’s Solid Waste Management Ordinance regarding nuisance vehicles, and the review of the final draft for the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA). Committee Chair Maggie Ullman and Councilmembers Sage Turner and Kim Roney were present. The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on June 16, 2026, before proceeding to substantive discussions on the two main topics.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The committee took two unanimous roll call votes to forward recommendations to City Council. First, Councilwoman Kim Roney moved to recommend that City Council repeal and replace Section 15-1 of Chapter 15 of the City Code. This motion aims to redefine "litter" and add specific definitions for "motor vehicle" and "nuisance motor vehicle" to streamline enforcement. The motion passed unanimously, and the item is scheduled to go before City Council on July 28, 2026.

Second, Councilwoman Maggie Ullman moved to request that staff present the ART Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) to City Council for deliberation. The motion included a recommendation that Council direct staff to pursue a long-term funding strategy for transit operations. This motion also passed unanimously. Staff will present both the draft network plan and a funding strategy recommendation to City Council in the future.

**Discussion Highlights**
Regarding the Nuisance Vehicle Ordinance, Sanitation Division Manager Jess Foster explained that the current system is inefficient, often involving multiple departments and leaving cases unresolved for years, such as a file dating back to 2009. The proposed ordinance classifies vehicles as "nuisance" if they are dismantled, non-self-propelled, worth less than $100, leak fluids, or pose physical hazards. Foster emphasized that the goal is compliance, not immediate removal; the process involves a notice of violation with a 30-60 day cure period, with towing reserved as a final step after unpaid citations and a court order. Council members clarified that boats are included in the definitions and that owners of sentimental vehicles have ample opportunity to cure violations before removal.

For the ART COA, transportation staff and consultant Jarrett Walker presented a draft network prioritizing ridership over pure coverage. The plan proposes 15-minute frequency on key corridors (Hillcrest, River Arts District, Biltmore Avenue, Patton Avenue, Hendersonville Road) and 30-minute frequency elsewhere. To achieve this within current resources, the draft proposes cutting service to the Outlet Mall, Transformation Village, Mayhack, and parts of West Haywood Road. This trade-off results in a slight increase in the population not within a half-mile of service (from 39% to 42%), but increases access to frequent service (from 28% to 37%).

Council members engaged in significant debate regarding transit funding. Councilwoman Ullman stated, "I formally want to propose now to you two as my peers that we make a recommendation to council that we pursue a long-term funding source and we give that directive to the city manager's office... We need long-term dedicated funding, period." Councilwoman Sage Turner agreed, suggesting, "Let's give exacta directive. Let's give concise vote on directive. Go find alternative funding." Councilwoman Roney supported the motion only if it included a comprehensive strategy for dedicated sales tax revenue, noting she could not support it if it included the proposed route cuts without addressing funding.

**Community Input**
During the public comment period, several community members provided testimony. Jack Igleman, Chair of the Multimodal Transportation Commission, stated that the MMTC unanimously supports the draft transit network and encouraged the City Council to seek non-fixed route services and actively promote ridership. Stephen Reblett, an avid transit user, supported the shift toward ridership, arguing that increased frequency reduces transfer times and encourages usage, creating a positive cycle for environmental and economic goals.

Adam Charnak, CEO of High Wire Brewing, presented a letter signed by approximately 30 local businesses supporting the draft network. He emphasized that the city has a "once in 10 years" opportunity to create transit-accessible, walkable corridors and supported the call for new funding mechanisms. Rachel from the Sunrise Movement WN strongly supported the push for a real resource strategy for dedicated funding, arguing that the city cannot maintain a great system with current resources and that prioritizing funding is key to ensuring adequate coverage.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**
Staff members agreed to several specific follow-up actions resulting from the meeting:
*   Sanitation Division Manager Jess Foster and Carly Gillingham confirmed that the nuisance vehicle ordinance recommendation will go to City Council on July 28, 2026, and will be discussed in the City Manager’s briefing on Thursday prior to that date.
*   Staff members Ashley Hare and Jessica Morris agreed to provide the raw data of survey comments to Councilwoman Roney upon request.
*   Staff member Ashley Hare agreed to provide information on the Grove Park Inn’s contribution to the Passport Program and details from a recent meeting with the Housing Authority (HACA) regarding concerns about the Mayhack route cut.
*   Staff member Ashley Hare agreed to provide daily ridership metrics for the system, as requested by Councilwoman Ullman.
*   Assistant City Manager Ben Woody confirmed that the mobile app payment initiative is on the PEDE work plan and that he will meet with the committee chair to determine when it can be placed on a future agenda.

**Impact on Residents**
These decisions directly affect how the city manages public safety and sanitation issues, particularly regarding abandoned or hazardous vehicles on private property. The new ordinance aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and clarify enforcement responsibilities for sanitation workers. Regarding transit, the proposed network changes aim to improve service frequency for a larger portion of the population, though some specific routes will see reduced service. The committee’s recommendation to pursue long-term funding strategies highlights the city’s recognition that current resources are insufficient to maintain the proposed service levels, potentially leading to future tax or revenue discussions for residents.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://youtube.com/live/6X1eZLQqAkY?feature=share
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2032/segments

## Documents

- [June 16, 2026 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=11050)
- [minutes_2026-07-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=13299)
- [agenda_2026-07-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=11053)
- [3 - 2026 Copy of Environment & Safety - Nuisance Motor Vehicle Code Change.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=11056)
- [1 - PEDE Agenda July 21, 2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=11054)
- [4 - Committee - Accessible Staff Report - Nuisance vehicles.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=11055)
- [Staff Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=11052)
- [Presentation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2824?document=11051)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/planning-economic-development-and-environment-committee-virtual-jul-21-2026/)