Buncombe County Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan Amidst Concerns
In a move set to impact Buncombe County’s governance through 2030, a new strategic plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. This guiding document, initially intended for adoption last October, faced delays due to Hurricane Helene, prompting further public consultations and revisions.
Outlined by Rafael Baptista, Buncombe’s director of strategy and innovation, the plan focuses on six community areas: growth, economic development, education, health, energy, and public safety. Each sector aims for specific targets, such as creating 400 low-income housing units and diverting 900 tons of organic waste annually.
Despite these ambitious goals, Commissioner Jennifer Horton voiced concerns over the perceived exclusion of recent public feedback. She noted, “These issues are not peripheral. They are structural, and they deserve to be treated as such. Feedback can’t just be a checkbox. It must shape the work.” During the meeting, no response was given by staff to Horton’s comments.
At a prior briefing, Kathleen Blackney, a management analyst, clarified that the community’s concerns were either integrated into existing goals or fell outside the county’s operational purview.
The strategic plan will commence in 2026, with regular updates provided by staff via biannual presentations and an online strategic plan dashboard.
Additional Developments
- Park improvements are underway following the approval of two contracts. A $3.85 million contract with AstroTurf will enhance Buncombe County Sports Park with new turf, lighting, and a walking path, while a $449,000 contract will support design efforts to rebuild Charles D. Owen Park.
- Two conservation projects safeguarding 663 acres have secured over $1.1 million in county funding, sourced mainly from a $30 million Open Space Bond.
- With the federal shutdown affecting benefits, local leaders have revived the “Feeding Collaborative,” urging those impacted to seek assistance through the county’s Community Engagement website or by contacting the One Buncombe Call Center.
- Buncombe’s financial reserves have decreased below 15% of annual spending, as reported by Finance Director Melissa Moore, potentially affecting future credit ratings.
- A $130,000 allocation from the Forfeitures Fund to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will finance “items related to Property & Evidence.”
Meetings of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners occur bi-monthly at 200 College St., Asheville. The next session is scheduled for Nov. 18. For more details, view the full meeting recording and agenda.
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