Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (Oct 21, 2025)

Recap of Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Meeting (October 21, 2025)

The Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee convened virtually on October 21, 2025, primarily for information sharing and updates related to economic development, neighborhood planning, climate action, and recovery efforts within the City of Asheville. Chaired by Council Member Maggie Ullman, with participation from Council Members Sage Turner and Kim Roney, the meeting largely focused on providing context and outlining ongoing initiatives rather than formal decisions or votes.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing recovery efforts following a storm event, likely "Helene." Updates were provided on the Economy and People & Environment Recovery Boards, both operating under a temporary structure until June 2027. The Economy Board is focused on rebuilding and revitalizing the local economy, while the People & Environment Recovery Board concentrates on climate-related disaster preparedness and neighborhood resilience. A key element of the economic recovery plan involves a CDBG-DR Small Business Support Program, designed to provide grants and technical assistance rather than forgivable loans. The program will utilize a competitive Request for Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process, with award recommendations expected in January 2026.

The committee also received a quarterly economic data update, revealing that while Asheville’s economy is showing signs of recovery, challenges remain. Construction remains the only sector experiencing employment growth, while leisure and hospitality continues to struggle. A presentation on the Burton Street Neighborhood Plan highlighted ongoing implementation efforts involving the City, NCDOT, and the Burton Street Community Association. Progress is being made on several strategies outlined in the plan, with a dedicated team and implementation coordinator facilitating these efforts.

Further updates were provided on progress toward the city’s sustainability goals, as outlined in the Municipal Climate Action Plan (MCAP). The presentation emphasized that recovery funding sources inherently include mitigation activities, and the city is actively working to integrate sustainability principles into its efforts. Finally, a brief presentation on the AVL 5x5 2030 Strategic Plan was heard, providing context for future economic development considerations.

Next Steps & Future Considerations: The committee discussed a range of potential topics for future meetings, including transportation planning (Envision Buncombe LTRP), support for arts and culture, streetscape improvements, workforce development, updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), resilience hubs, and urban forestry. The committee approved the minutes from a previous meeting held on August 19th, 2025.