Planning, Economic Development, & Environment Committee – June 16, 2026

The City of Asheville's Planning, Economic Development, and Environment Committee met on June 16, 2026, to discuss several key topics including the Buncombe County Arts and Culture Plan, small business grant programs, and a proposed moratorium on data center developments. The committee received detailed updates on the small business recovery initiatives funded by HUD's CDBG-DR program, including grant ranges from $5,000 to $75,000 aimed at stabilizing and growing local businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Subrecipients such as Mountain BizWorks and Optimist Ventures presented program details, application timelines, and compliance requirements. Additionally, the committee reviewed the legal framework and necessity for a temporary moratorium on data centers due to the lack of current land use definitions and policies, with a motion to proceed passing unanimously. Public comments highlighted support for the moratorium and raised questions about sustainability staffing changes within the city. Overall, the meeting focused heavily on procurement-related grant programs and regulatory measures affecting future development and economic recovery efforts.