ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County is inviting residents to help shape its first Pedestrian Plan, an effort aimed at improving walking and pedestrian travel in unincorporated areas outside municipal limits.

County officials say the plan will provide a long-term vision for sidewalks, crosswalks and other pedestrian infrastructure designed to better connect neighborhoods with schools, job centers and other key destinations. The goal is to make walking safer, more comfortable and more convenient for residents.

Community input is a central part of the planning process. A drop-in public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Enka-Candler Public Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road in Candler. Residents are encouraged to stop by to share their experiences, ask questions and offer feedback early in the process.

Additional community meetings at other locations, along with an online survey, are expected to be announced later this winter.

The Pedestrian Plan project began in summer 2025 and is expected to take about a year to complete. County staff and a steering committee will use community feedback gathered through meetings and surveys to guide the plan before it is presented to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.

The project is funded through federal aid administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Residents interested in staying informed about meetings, steering committee opportunities and other ways to provide input can sign up for project updates through the county.