Rescheduled: People and Environment Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Aug 3, 2026)

Meeting Overview The People and Environment Recovery Board held a hybrid meeting on August 3, 2026, chaired by Jack Igleman. The board reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes from previous meetings held on April 13, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Elizabeth Lycus-Whirley and seconded by Karen McNeil, carrying with a 7-0 vote. The primary focus of the meeting was to gather feedback on two major recovery initiatives: the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and the Resilience Hub Mapping project, as well as to prepare for an upcoming joint discussion on the Azalea Park project.

Key Discussions and Board Feedback Mindy Moorman from Urban Canopy Works presented an update on the Urban Forest Master Plan, noting that 80% of the urban forest lies on private property. The board discussed draft strategies, with Karen McNeil emphasizing that conservation must be the baseline strategy and highlighting a potential model from Davidson, NC, where fines are directed to a tree canopy replacement fund rather than a general administration fund. Jack Igleman stressed the need to clearly communicate the private nature of most trees and expressed concern about maintaining trees during drought years. Leah Ferguson noted the importance of maintenance, particularly regarding climate events and extreme heat.

Regarding the Resilience Hub Mapping project, Kiera Bulan and Bridget Herring presented findings and details on $2.125 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) funding. The board discussed eligibility constraints, noting that funds are for physical infrastructure only and must be completed by 2031. David Greenson clarified that programming and operations are not fundable. Dan Leroy suggested that both application tracks (independent and partnership) should be open simultaneously and recommended holding workshops to help organizations form partnerships before the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) deadline. Jack Igleman expressed concern about the viability of "third spaces" (everyday public spaces) as hubs.

Community Input and Public Comments Several community members provided testimony. David Greenson requested disaggregated demographic data from the community engagement phase, noting that renters were underrepresented in the data (19% vs. 50% of the population). Mindy Moorman confirmed the team could look into this data. Michael Fisher emphasized equity and strengthening input from legacy neighborhoods, though he was cut off by time limits.

Allison Ormsby, Co-chair of the Tree Protection Task Force, raised concerns about how mature trees will be protected, whether Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) updates might weaken existing protections, and proposed using CDBGDR funds to create pocket parks by removing pavement. Melanie Chopko, a West Asheville renter, argued for stronger tree ordinances and incentives to preserve mature trees alongside housing density goals, citing a recent example of a builder destroying mature oaks. She also questioned the baseline canopy measurement post-Helene.

Follow-ups and Agreed Actions Specific follow-up actions agreed to during the meeting include:

• Data Review: Mindy Moorman agreed to look into the disaggregated demographic data from the community engagement phase and share it with the board, as requested by David Greenson.
• Azalea Park Data: Jack Igleman agreed to ensure that disaggregated data for the Azalea Park project is provided to David Greenson by the next meeting on August 25.
• Council Submission: Bridget Herring stated that the board’s input will be shared with the Council Committee on August 18 to influence the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFA).

Impact on Residents This meeting advanced the planning for Asheville’s long-term environmental recovery. The Urban Forest Master Plan aims to steward the city’s trees as critical infrastructure to reduce heat island effects and adapt to climate challenges, with a draft plan for public review expected in November or December. The CDBGDR funding initiative offers $2.125 million for physical infrastructure improvements to resilience hubs, with the NOFA expected to be issued in the fall and contracts finalized in the spring. These efforts directly impact how the city manages its green spaces and prepares community centers for future disasters.