Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (Dec 16, 2025)

Planning, Economic Development & Environment Committee Meeting Recap: December 16, 2025

The City of Asheville’s Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee met virtually on December 16, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives shaping our city's future. This meeting provided updates on ongoing projects and laid the groundwork for upcoming discussions that will directly impact residents, businesses, and our environment.

Moving Forward on Key Projects: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on three major projects. First, the committee received an update on the Transit Center & ArtPlace Project, a collaborative effort to expand our transit center, incorporate affordable housing, and foster economic development on land between Ashland and Cox Avenues. The committee is anticipating a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to be released soon, seeking qualified firms to help plan this exciting project. Secondly, the committee heard about progress on the Urban Forest Master Plan, currently in its public engagement phase. Residents can learn more and participate at publicinput.com/avltrees. Finally, the committee received an update on Boosting The Block, a project aimed at revitalizing South Market Street and enhancing its cultural vibrancy. The city will soon be seeking a creative strategist to translate community input into design elements, with a contract for a design and engineering firm expected in early 2026.

Discussion & Prioritization: Beyond project updates, the committee engaged in discussions about broader priorities. Councilwoman Sage Turner emphasized the importance of incorporating input from advisory boards like the Urban Forestry Commission early in the decision-making process. The committee also agreed to prioritize discussions around missing middle housing, exploring options for accelerating its implementation, a topic of great interest to many residents seeking diverse and affordable housing choices. A review of the city's green building incentives was also deemed necessary to ensure they remain relevant and effective in encouraging sustainable development.

Community Voices Heard: During the public comment period, Rachel Cohen from Sunrise Movement WNC raised important concerns about data availability regarding solar energy generation and the long-term funding for our transit system. Her suggestions to review green building incentives resonated with committee members, highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable practices and equitable access.

What’s Next? Several key action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents and businesses alike:

• Transit Center/ArtPlace Project: Expect an RFQ to be released soon, kicking off the planning phase.
• Urban Forest Master Plan: Ongoing public engagement efforts will continue into early 2026.
• Boosting The Block Project: Hiring a creative strategist is underway, with design and engineering contracts expected in early 2026.
• Green Building Incentives: City staff will investigate updating these incentives to reflect current market conditions.
• Economic Recovery Funding: An update on the status of economic recovery funding will be presented in January or February 2026.
• CPACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy): A proposal related to this financing mechanism for renewable energy and efficiency upgrades will be brought before the committee in the future.

Why This Matters to You: The decisions and discussions from this meeting demonstrate a commitment to creating a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable Asheville. The Transit Center/ArtPlace project promises increased housing options and improved transit access. The Urban Forest Master Plan aims to enhance our city's natural beauty and resilience, while Boosting The Block will contribute to a thriving downtown cultural scene. By actively participating in public engagement opportunities and staying informed about these initiatives, residents can play a vital role in shaping the future of our city.