This presentation gave an update on the current greenway projects and the ones Buncombe County is hoping to move forward soon. Also covered was the grant received to create a new Buncombe County Pedestrian Master Plan and what that plan will look like. Karla also included some park updates to inform us what is going on with all of our green/open spaces.

BIO: Karla Furnari, a South Florida Native, moved to Western NC in 2009 to pursue her degree at Western Carolina University. She loved school so much that she decided to stay and get her Master’s Degree in Public Administration. During her time in her grad program, she found her passion for pedestrian infrastructure. She realized the many benefits for the communities and overall human health with good pedestrian infrastructure. After she graduated from grad school, she applied to jobs all over the country. She was surprised and excited when she was offered the Greenway Planner job with Buncombe County because it meant she did not have to leave the area she fell in love with. Karla also runs the local Special Olympics program in her free time. Karla enjoys time with her dogs (and cat), friends, and playing soccer. She loves anything to do with being outside and in nature.