Buncombe County is taking a step toward a more walkable future. A draft of the county's first Pedestrian Plan has been released, proposing a new network to better connect neighborhoods to sidewalks, schools, job centers, parks, and more — particularly in unincorporated areas of the county.

Ten priority projects have been identified in the plan. The largest is a 3.5-mile stretch of sidewalk along Smokey Park Highway, from Old Haywood Road to Old US 19/23. This corridor comes with the highest price tag at just under $12 million.

Much shorter connections are on the table as well, like a 0.25-mile sidewalk guiding pedestrians along the heavily trafficked corridor from North Louisiana Avenue to Emma Road.

Review the full plan and drop by one of the two upcoming forums to share your feedback:

Wednesday, Aug. 26 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Enka-Candler Library
Thursday, Aug. 27 | 5-7 p.m. | ArtSpace Charter School, Swannanoa

If you can't make it in person, an online survey will be available here later this month.