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Buncombe County 2022 Bonds

In November 2022, Buncombe County voters will have the opportunity to vote on two bonds: open space and housing.

If approved, the two bonds will support conservation of open space, greenways, and increase the number of housing units for people of low to moderate income in Buncombe County.

If approved by voters this November, a $30 million bond would cost typical households a maximum of $14 a year for 20 years, and a $40 million bond would cost typical households a maximum of $18 a year for 20 years.

Open Space Bond - $30 Million

Conservation

Goals: Protect farmland and natural resources while also contributing to Buncombe County’s goal of conserving 20% of the County’s land by 2030

Proposed Project Selection Process:

  1. Ag Advisory Board reviews applications based on the following potential criteria:
    • Soil classification
    • Farmland potential
    • Clustering potential
    • Regional prioritization mapping
    • Stewardship
  2. Land Conservation Advisory Board reviews applications based on the following potential criteria:
    • Scenic quality/viewshed
    • Natural areas
    • Farmland preservation
    • Public benefit/recreation
    • Leveraged funding/track record
  3. A site visit occurs
  4. Advisory Boards review and make recommendations. Board of Commissioners approves final projects.

Open Space

Goal: Increase access to recreational activities like hiking that have minimal environmental impacts on sites and protect natural resources

Proposed Project Selection Process:

  1. Land Conservation Advisory Board and Recreation Advisory Board review applications based on the following potential criteria:
    • Provides recreation
    • Aligns with existing County plans
    • Other public benefit
  2. A site visit occurs
  3. Advisory Boards review and make recommendations. Board of Commissioners approves final projects.

Greenways

Goals: Support greenway infrastructure

Proposed Project Selection Process:

  1. Application review for projects based on the following criteria:
    • Feasibility study
    • Design status
    • Project's inclusion on the N.C. Department of Transportation State Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Open Space Bond Oversight and Transparency Measures:

  1. Advisory Boards receive regular reports
  2. Board of Commissioners receives regular reports
  3. Annual independent audit conducted, presented to the Board of Commissioners
  4. Transparency webpage dedicated to bond Investments

Housing Bond - $40 Million

Goal: Increase construction of housing for people of low to moderate incomes

Proposed Project Selection Process:

  1. Staff reviews applications prioritizing those that include construction
  2. Buncombe County Affordable Housing Committee reviews and makes recommendation
  3. Board of Commissioners reviews and approves final projects

Proposed Oversight and Transparency Measures:

  1. Buncombe County Affordable Housing Committee receives regular reports
  2. Board of Commissioners receives regular reports
  3. Annual independent audit conducted; presented to the Board of Commissioners
  4. Transparency webpage dedicated to bond investments

Leverage

All programs will continue to aggressively seek outside funding from Federal, State, and other sources, leveraging bond funds to their maximum potential

Learn more:

News

Locate & Contact

Communications

Contact

Lillian M. Govus, APR
Director of Communications and Public Engagement
P: (828) 250-4140

199 College Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.