Buncombe County Pedestrian Plan Invites Community to Connect

Buncombe County is creating its first Pedestrian Plan to make walking and pedestrian travel easier in unincorporated areas.

The plan will outline a big-picture vision for sidewalks and crosswalks to guide future infrastructure improvements that connect neighborhoods to key places like schools, job centers, and other important spots so people can walk more safely, comfortably, and conveniently.

Public Input Requested

Community feedback is a central part of creating a comprehensive Pedestrian Plan, and residents are invited to a drop-in style community meeting on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Enka-Candler Library (1404 Sand Hill Rd.) from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Share your experiences about walkability, ask questions, and help shape the direction of this plan from the very beginning. Additional community meetings in other locations and an online survey will be announced soon.

Timeline

The project began in the summer of 2025 and is expected to wrap up within about 12 months. Initial community engagement events and outreach will include community meetings, focus groups, online surveys, and targeted outreach. Surveys and feedback opportunities will gather important data along the way to guide and direct the plan before it goes before the Board of Commissioners.

The committee will offer input on the planning process, community needs, vision for the plan and its goals, policies, and actions; review public input data; and provide feedback and guidance on drafting a final plan.

The Buncombe County Pedestrian plan is funded by federal aid through the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

For more details, please visit engage.buncombecounty.org.