The built environment consists of all man-made constructs outside of earth’s natural environment. This study is an analysis of the methods used by the North Carolina Department of Transportation in comparison with community based non-profit organizations when communicating the impact Asheville’s built environment and increasing construction has on local communities. This study will seek to find what information local Asheville communities are being given, if this information is beneficial or harmful to the overall livability of the community and if there is any middle ground or balance that can be reached. Methods used are interviews with members of the Burton Street Community, those participating in the I-26 ConnectUs Project at Mountain True and the Executive Director of the Asheville Design Center. These interviews were analyzed for the best practices and outcomes within the city of Asheville and its local environment. This study allows an in depth look at Asheville’s local communities, their environments and how certain organizations communicate change.
