Regular Meeting of The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | February 3, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap: February 3, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on February 3, 2026, addressing a range of topics from winter storm preparedness to concerns surrounding the University of North Carolina Asheville’s (UNCA) proposed Millennium Campus development. The meeting included a significant period for public comment, highlighting community engagement and diverse perspectives on key issues facing the county.

A primary focus of the meeting was a detailed report from County Emergency Management Director Ryan Cole and Code Purple Coordinator Lacey Hoyle regarding the county’s response to recent severe winter storms, Fern and Gianna. The report detailed how the County's Code Purple program sheltered approximately 45 individuals each night during the storms, utilizing overflow capacity at various locations. While acknowledging the tireless efforts of staff and partner organizations in ensuring safety and warmth for those experiencing homelessness, Hoyle emphasized the need to expand services given increasing demand. The Board discussed funding structures for Code Purple and recognized areas for improvement, including the establishment of a dedicated county shelter facility, investment in generators at schools, and improved weather monitoring systems. County staff will continue working on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) projects, including plans for weather stations and generator installations at schools, and the Board will receive ongoing updates from the Code Purple workgroup.

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, dominated by concerns surrounding UNCA’s proposed Millennium Campus development. Professor David Clark from UNC Asheville and Friends of the Woods delivered a passionate critique, arguing that the university’s plan to build a soccer stadium on 45 acres of wooded land demonstrates a lack of transparency and disregards staff morale. He referenced a 1960 bond issue that originally purchased the land for university use, emphasizing its importance as open space. Ann Walsh and Sandy Nips echoed these concerns, reiterating the need for greater community engagement in the decision-making process. Micah Sun offered a metaphorical perspective, drawing parallels between UNCA’s actions and historical narratives of unchecked ambition. While the Board adhered to protocol by not commenting directly on public comments, these remarks clearly signaled significant community opposition to the development plan. The Board will continue to monitor the situation surrounding UNCA's Millennium Campus development and engage in discussions about potential community impacts.

Beyond the significant discussion around UNCA, the Board approved a Consent Agenda without objection, streamlining pre-approved items.

What This Means for You: The discussions surrounding UNCA’s development highlight the ongoing tension between growth and preservation within Buncombe County. The Board's commitment to monitoring this situation suggests a willingness to consider community concerns as the project progresses. The focus on Code Purple and winter storm preparedness demonstrates the county’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations during extreme weather events, with ongoing efforts aimed at improving response capabilities and expanding resources. Residents can expect to see continued progress on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects, which will enhance the county’s resilience to future weather-related challenges.

This meeting underscored a commitment from the Board of Commissioners to address both immediate needs, like winter storm preparedness, and long-term concerns regarding development and community engagement.