Asheville Activists Seek to Protect UNC Woods

Campaign organizers presented thousands of petition signatures to the city council to halt proposed campus development.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Asheville Activists Seek to Protect UNC Woods

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Should your city council pass resolutions to oppose university development projects in your community?

Activists with the Save the Woods campaign rallied at a recent city council meeting to urge officials to protect a forested area on the UNC Asheville campus. The group delivered 18,500 signatures to the council, advocating for the preservation of the land.

Why it matters

The campaign aims to stop development plans on the university campus, suggesting instead that the city relocate commercial projects to the former Health Adventure site on Broadway.

The Save the Woods campaign collected 18,500 signatures from the public to support their cause. It remains unknown if the city council will formally vote on the resolution to redirect development to the Broadway site.

The players

Esther Manheimer

She serves as the Mayor of Asheville and is coordinating discussions with university leadership regarding the development.

Bo Hess

He is an Asheville City Councilmember who intends to sponsor the resolution aimed at preserving the campus woods.

UNC Asheville

This is a public university currently conducting environmental and planning analysis for the development of its Millennial Campus properties.

The details

Councilmember Bo Hess plans to introduce a resolution calling for the preservation of the woods, while Mayor Esther Manheimer intends to meet with the university chancellor to discuss the project. UNC Asheville is currently undergoing environmental and planning analysis for its Millennial Campus properties.

October 27, 2026: Campaign organizers held a rally at the city council meeting.

Political Context

Opponents of the preservation effort, including some university stakeholders, argue that the development of Millennial Campus properties is essential for the institution's economic growth. They emphasize that the university must balance its infrastructure goals with its academic and financial obligations.

Residents may see changes to local development project locations if the council successfully influences the university's building plans. The outcome of the proposed resolution could also dictate future public access to the forested areas on the campus.

The takeaway

Public advocacy remains a critical lever for influencing land use decisions in growing urban areas like Asheville. Residents interested in similar preservation efforts can track city council agendas to see when the resolution will be up for formal discussion.