Board of Commissioners Meeting

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap - October 6, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on October 6, 2026, presided over by Chair Amanda Edwards. The agenda included public comments, several public hearings, and new business items focusing on economic development, housing, and recycling initiatives. All nine members of the Board were present: Brownie Newman (Chairman), Jasmine Beach Ferrara, Jennifer Horton, Drew Ball, Martin Moore (Vice-Chair), Parker Sloan, Amanda Edwards (Chair), Al Whitesides, and Terri Wells.

Key Decisions: The Board took several unanimous votes throughout the meeting. They first removed Agenda Item 5, a budget amendment, from the new business section. Following public hearings and presentations, they approved an economic development agreement with East Fork Pottery, authorizing a $21,000 incentive for the creation of 40 jobs and a $2.5 million capital investment. The Board also approved a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant modification for the Swannanoa sidewalk project, allocating an additional $400,000 (totaling $719,400 with other funds) for right-of-way assessment and acquisition. They authorized the County Manager to coordinate with Appalachian Mountain Health regarding a $480,000 state grant for a renovation project in Black Mountain. The Board approved revisions to the Affordable Housing Services Program (AHSP) guidelines, accepted a $71,500 grant for a multi-family recycling pilot program, and approved two Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program awards totaling $979,000 and $786,000 for sidewalk construction in Swannanoa. Finally, the Board voted to appoint four new members to the Health and Human Services Board: Dr. Jennifer Farmer, Dr. Carmen Robinson, Katrin Doyle, and Chief Thomas Kelly.

Discussion Highlights: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public hearings and presentations. East Fork Pottery’s expansion was a focal point, with Alex Matisse highlighting their commitment to fair chance hiring and the company's role as a reflection of Asheville. Discussions surrounding the Affordable Housing Services Program (AHSP) revisions revealed concerns from Commissioner Ball regarding “cash flow waterfall” provisions, though the motion to approve was ultimately carried. The Multi-Family Recycling Pilot Program received support from Commissioner Horton, who noted the opportunity to accept “free money.” The Board also heard a presentation on an application for a North Carolina Building and Use Program grant to support a new medical facility in Black Mountain.

Community Input: Several residents addressed the Board during public comment. Jerry Nugent and Natalie Dorsey urged the Board to adopt a resolution opposing three proposed North Carolina constitutional amendments, citing concerns about their impact on local funding and voting rights. Marissa Pack and Jackie Orther advocated for the Fairview Christmas Parade, emphasizing its importance to community morale and economic visibility. Sarah Kent raised concerns about the use of surveillance technology by law enforcement, highlighting potential Fourth Amendment implications. Gino Perez criticized the county’s “RIDE” transportation program, arguing it has failed to deliver on its promises. An unidentified speaker made unsubstantiated claims about voting fraud, prompting a reminder from the Chair to adhere to meeting protocols.

Follow-ups: Several items resulted in commitments for follow-up actions. Rachel Sawyer and Kevin Madsen confirmed that NCDOT will lead the right-of-way acquisition for the Swannanoa sidewalk project. The County Manager was authorized to coordinate with Appalachian Mountain Health regarding the Building and Use Grant Program, with a public hearing scheduled for the next Board meeting. Staff will incorporate the approved AHSP revisions into the next application cycle, with recommendations expected in April. The multi-family recycling pilot program will run from November 2026 to November 2027, with pre- and post-implementation waste audits planned.

This meeting addressed a range of issues impacting Buncombe County residents, from economic development and housing affordability to recycling infrastructure and public safety. The decisions made will directly affect local businesses, residents seeking affordable housing options, and the overall sustainability of the county’s recycling programs.