Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee (Virtual) (Jun 17, 2025)

Planning, Economic Development & Environment Committee Meeting Recap: June 17, 2025

The Planning, Economic Development & Environment (PEDE) Committee held a virtual meeting on June 17, 2025, focusing on crucial topics impacting Asheville’s future: recovering from recent storm damage, updating our development regulations to be more resilient, and addressing noise concerns downtown. This meeting provided valuable updates for residents on these ongoing efforts.

Recovering Together: The Long-Term Recovery Plan

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Unified Long-Term Recovery Plan (ULTRP), a collaborative effort with Buncombe County and other municipalities to coordinate recovery after Tropical Storm Helene. Committee members received an overview of the plan, which aims to identify priority projects, streamline communication between jurisdictions, and serve as a roadmap for our community’s recovery. Importantly, the plan will incorporate feedback gathered from residents through various surveys. A draft is expected in September 2025, with a final adoption vote by the County scheduled for November. This plan is vital as it will guide how our city addresses ongoing recovery needs and aims to make those efforts more efficient, ensuring a coordinated approach across different agencies.

Building Back Better: Updates to Development Regulations & Responding to Storm Damage

The committee also discussed ongoing updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), a set of rules governing how we build and develop in Asheville. These updates are being driven by a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), allowing the city to focus on resilience and incorporate community feedback. Staff highlighted that 218 buildings were identified as unsafe following the storm, with many undergoing demolition or repairs. The committee acknowledged the challenges faced by property owners navigating this process and recognized staff’s efforts to provide support. These UDO updates will affect how new construction and renovations are handled, ultimately aiming to make our city more resilient to future disasters.

Downtown Vibrancy: Addressing Noise Concerns

Finally, the committee addressed a question about potentially easing noise restrictions for downtown venues to support economic recovery. While there was general consensus on the need to support local businesses, committee members agreed that more data and discussion were needed before making any changes. The topic will be revisited in the future, potentially after consulting with other council members and gathering further information.

What's Next? (Action Items & Future Steps)

Several key actions will follow this meeting:

• Noise Ordinance Data: Staff will gather data on the impacts of current noise ordinances and present it to the committee for further discussion.
• ULTRP Development: Staff will continue working on the Unified Long-Term Recovery Plan, with a draft expected in September 2025.
• UDO Updates & Funding: Staff will continue to pursue funding opportunities and incorporate community feedback into the UDO updates.
• HMGP Application: The City Council will consider authorizing staff to submit the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) application in July/August.

Community Voices Mattered

During the public comment period, Rachel Cohen from Sunrise Movement WMC emphasized the importance of incorporating climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability into all recovery efforts, advocating for prioritizing public transit as part of an equitable economic recovery.

Stay Informed & Get Involved:

• For more information on recovery efforts and development regulations, visit the city’s website: [City Website Link - Replace with Actual Link]
• Attend future PEDE Committee meetings (check the city calendar for dates and times).

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to addressing critical challenges facing Asheville, from recovering from storm damage to building a more resilient and vibrant city for all. Your voice matters – stay informed and participate in shaping our community’s future!