Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (Aug 19, 2025)

Planning, Economic Development & Environment Committee Meeting Recap – August 19, 2025

On August 19, 2025, the Planning, Economic Development & Environment Committee convened virtually to discuss strategies for revitalizing downtown Asheville and review progress on key city initiatives. The meeting, open to the public via livestream and phone-in options, focused on finding ways to support local businesses, enhance community spaces, and address challenges facing downtown. All committee members and relevant staff were present for the proceedings.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring potential downtown activation strategies, encompassing five key areas. These included establishing "Social Districts" (allowing patrons to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in designated public areas), streamlining permitting for outdoor events, reviewing parking fees and accessibility, expanding opportunities for food trucks, and considering adjustments to the noise ordinance. Committee members engaged in a robust discussion about each strategy, weighing potential benefits against concerns raised by residents and businesses. For example, discussions around Social Districts considered experiences from other North Carolina cities, while concerns about the impact on Wall Street were voiced regarding potential noise and congestion. The committee also discussed “Open Streets” initiatives, exploring the possibility of temporarily closing streets to create pedestrian-friendly zones for community events.

Beyond downtown activation, the committee received an update from James Shelton regarding the city's $225 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) grant from HUD. Shelton highlighted the recent achievement of financial management and grant compliance certification, a crucial step towards implementing the Small Business Support Program later this year. This program aims to provide vital assistance to local businesses recovering from recent challenges and fostering economic growth within the community.

Following extensive discussion, the committee unanimously approved the minutes from their July 15th meeting and reached a consensus to recommend sending a package of downtown activation ideas to the full City Council for consideration. The focus will be on exploring pilot programs, particularly those related to Social Districts and food trucks, while prioritizing initiatives that address barriers faced by small businesses.

Public comments were actively solicited and received throughout the meeting, demonstrating strong citizen engagement. Residents expressed concerns about potential impacts of Social Districts on Wall Street and emphasized the need for prioritizing Open Streets initiatives. Several participants highlighted the importance of supporting workers, addressing parking challenges, and streamlining regulations for food trucks to ensure equitable access and a thriving downtown experience.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified: city staff will continue gathering data and refining proposals for downtown activation strategies, coordinating with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and Go Local to gather further input on small business needs. Staff will also investigate options for improving parking affordability and accessibility, including potentially adjusting fees on Sundays. Finally, the Noise Advisory Board will be consulted to gain insights into community concerns and inform any potential adjustments to the noise ordinance. The rollout of the Small Business Support Program, funded by the CDBGDR grant, is expected later this year.

This meeting underscored a shared commitment among committee members to revitalize downtown Asheville, supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The focus on pilot programs and community input demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing challenges and creating a vibrant, accessible downtown for the future.