Regular Meeting of The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | January 20, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – January 20, 2026

On January 20, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting, addressing a range of topics from economic development to community concerns and advisory board appointments. The meeting began with standard procedural items, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a reminder to board members regarding their ethical responsibilities. A resolution related to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund was swiftly approved as part of a consent agenda, demonstrating the Board's commitment to supporting recreational opportunities within the county.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, where David Greenson and Tiffany Debelow from GAP AVL presented a compelling case for the implementation of a county-wide anti-displacement policy. They highlighted concerning trends of predictable displacement due to rising rents, development pressures, and infrastructure investments, urging the Board to consider this framework when evaluating key initiatives like the Economic Development Coalition's Annual Report, the French Broad River MPO Land Use & Transportation Update, and a proposed Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program. This underscored a growing concern among residents about the impact of growth on affordability and community stability.

The Manager's Report provided a comprehensive overview of Buncombe County’s economic landscape and future planning. Clark Duncan, presenting the Economic Development Coalition's Annual Report, showcased remarkable growth over the past 15 years – a 20% population increase and an impressive 81% wage growth. He highlighted major investments from companies like Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace, as well as the flourishing startup ecosystem supported by Venture Asheville. Tristan Winkler then presented an update from the French Broad River MPO, detailing growth scenario modeling and emphasizing the Board’s adoption of a “consolidated growth” strategy prioritizing density and walkability. The discussion surrounding Thermo Fisher’s departure highlighted the need to focus on workforce support and redevelopment efforts, demonstrating a proactive approach to maintaining economic vitality. The introduction of Shawna Shepard as the new HR Director further signaled a commitment to strengthening county operations.

Following these presentations, the Board took action on several key items. Most notably, they voted to adopt a resolution of intent to participate in the CPACE program, paving the way for a public hearing in February. This program will enable property owners to access financing for energy efficiency and resilience upgrades, potentially benefiting businesses and contributing to a more sustainable community. The Board also made several appointments to various advisory boards, including the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Strategic Partnerships Grant Committee, and others. These appointments ensure that diverse perspectives are represented in addressing critical community issues like juvenile crime prevention, economic development, agriculture, and transportation.

Looking ahead, residents can expect a public hearing in February regarding the formal adoption of the CPACE program. The Board will also be conducting interviews for applicants to the Strategic Partnerships Grant Committee during that month. The discussions surrounding displacement and anti-displacement policies, prompted by GAP AVL’s presentation, are likely to continue as the Board considers future planning decisions. The County's focus on economic development, coupled with a growing awareness of potential displacement challenges, suggests an ongoing dialogue about balancing growth and affordability for all Buncombe County residents. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, emphasizing the Board's commitment to responsible governance.