MPO Governing Board (Oct 16, 2025)

French Broad River MPO Governing Board Meeting Recap: October 16, 2025

The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Governing Board held a comprehensive meeting on October 16, 2025, addressing key transportation planning and funding decisions for our region. The meeting included a mix of routine approvals, significant discussions about future projects, and impactful public input centered on road safety.

Key Decisions & Approvals: The Board approved several important items, including updated plans to ensure equitable transportation access for all (Title VI Plan), a timeline for securing federal funding for transit and human services programs (5310/JARC Call for Projects), and a call for planning project proposals to identify future transportation improvements. Notably, the Board voted to dissolve the Citizens Advisory Committee, a decision stemming from concerns about limited participation and effectiveness. Staff will now explore alternative ways to incorporate citizen input, potentially focusing on bicycle/pedestrian safety and accessibility. Finally, the Board approved amendments to the 2024-2033 and 2026-2035 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), laying the groundwork for ongoing transportation projects.

Discussion Highlights: Road Safety Takes Center Stage: A significant portion of the meeting revolved around a powerful presentation from Maddie Barondoau, who shared her heartbreaking story following a cycling accident on NC 251 that claimed the lives of her partner and another individual. Her impassioned plea for improved road safety, coupled with a five-point plan focused on accountability, prioritized design reviews, funding reevaluation, addressing project completion barriers, and investment in safer cycling infrastructure, resonated deeply with the Board. Adam Smith followed up with a proposal for “Bicycle Safety Zones,” using signage similar to school zones to alert drivers and enforce stricter speed limits. This discussion highlighted the challenges of balancing funding priorities while addressing critical safety concerns, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians. The Board also continued discussions about the potential implementation of managed lanes (toll lanes) on I-40 between Asheville and Waynesville, weighing the financial feasibility against potential impacts.

Community Input: Voices Heard & Recognized: The meeting demonstrated a strong commitment to citizen engagement, with Maddie Barondoau’s testimony being the most impactful moment. Her detailed plan and emotional delivery prompted a thoughtful discussion among Board members, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement with residents beyond formal committee meetings. The Board acknowledged the importance of finding meaningful ways to incorporate public feedback into transportation planning decisions, and will explore options for incorporating non-voting citizens on the Prioritization Subcommittee.

Action Items & Next Steps: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, ensuring ongoing progress and responsiveness to community concerns. Staff will investigate potential language changes in the Title VI Plan, prioritize design reviews for NC-251 and Swannanoa River Road (both sites of recent tragedies), explore options for establishing a bike/pedestrian committee, and continue gathering data on the feasibility of I-40 managed lanes. The Board will also revisit the decision to dissolve the Citizen Advisory Committee and discuss a timeline for doing so. Finally, staff will review feedback regarding tools used to evaluate pedestrian facilities and ensure ADA compliance.

Why This Matters: The decisions made at this meeting will directly impact how our region develops its transportation infrastructure. Addressing road safety concerns, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians, is a priority. The ongoing evaluation of I-40 managed lanes will shape future traffic flow and potential tolling strategies. And the exploration of alternative citizen engagement methods demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that transportation planning reflects the needs and voices of our community. The next MPO Board meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2025, where these discussions and action items will continue to be addressed.