Buncombe County Planning Department

Buyer seeks qualified planning consultants to develop the Swannanoa Small Area & Recovery Plan following significant impacts from Tropical Storm Helene in 2024. The project includes conducting an existing conditions study, hazard vulnerability assessment, and recovery planning recommendations. The plan will guide future growth, development, conservation, disaster recovery, and resilience in the Swannanoa area through robust public engagement. The final plan will serve as both a physical plan and policy guide for officials making decisions about the area's future.

• 5/15/2025 - Proposal Due Date
• 5/29/2025 - Contract Award
• 7/1/2025 - Contract Effective Date
• 7/1/2025 - Completion of Draft Existing Conditions Study
• 7/1/2025 - Project Kickoff Week
• 5/1/2026 - Draft Plan Document Complete
• 9/1/2026 - Commissioner Adoption of Plan

• Provide trauma-informed community engagement recommendations
• Develop resiliency planning best practices
• Create flood mitigation strategies
• Design recovery recommendations following Tropical Storm Helene
• Incorporate nature-based solutions for hazard mitigation
• Develop hazard vulnerability assessment
• Update goals/policies after public input phases
• Identify recovery and resilience goals based on data
• Evaluate options for overall vision themes from public input
• Provide feedback on draft plan document