Regular Meeting of The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | January 6, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap: January 6, 2026

On January 6, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting, addressing a range of critical issues impacting residents. The meeting provided updates on public health concerns, celebrated local achievements, and heard directly from community members about their challenges. This recap highlights the key discussions, decisions, and next steps emerging from this important meeting.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns raised during public comment. Barbara Booty, a concerned resident, powerfully described ongoing issues with drug activity and harassment at a neighboring property, emphasizing the impact on her family's safety. Chris Fink, representing the Community Advisory Committee, brought to light the precarious financial situation of local residential health facilities (nursing homes and assisted living centers) due to Medicaid cuts and inflation. These concerns resonated with the Board, who committed to exploring solutions for both housing affordability and supporting vulnerable residents facing potential disruptions in healthcare services. The County Manager will specifically follow up with Ms. Booty regarding her reported issues, demonstrating a commitment to addressing immediate concerns.

Beyond these pressing matters, the Board recognized several significant achievements. Holly Jordan, Director of Cooperative Extension, received well-deserved recognition for her Governor’s Excellence Award, acknowledging the vital role of Cooperative Extension in supporting Buncombe County communities, particularly during and after Hurricane Helene. The meeting also featured a compelling presentation from Vic Isley of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA), showcasing tourism’s continued positive impact on the local economy. The TDA reported record bookings for conferences and events, increased national recognition for county attractions like the Thomas Dambo troll exhibit and PGA Tour events, and awarded grants to support community projects. Finally, Dr. Maggie Furman provided an update on Asheville City Schools, highlighting improved student achievement and innovative programs focused on equity and career readiness.

Public health was another major focus of the meeting, with Dr. Alison Matheson presenting a concerning update on several outbreaks within the county. Cases of Varicella (chickenpox), Pertussis (whooping cough), and Measles are currently circulating, prompting public health alerts. Dr. Matheson strongly urged residents to ensure they and their families are vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures in protecting community health.

While no formal votes were taken beyond approving the consent agenda, several key commitments emerged from the discussions. The Board affirmed its support for addressing housing affordability challenges and finding solutions to stabilize residential health facilities, recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues. They also expressed appreciation for the TDA’s efforts in driving economic growth through tourism. A vote on approving the FY25 external audit will be scheduled for a future meeting.

What's Next? Residents can expect the following actions to follow from this meeting:

• The County Manager will investigate Ms. Booty’s concerns regarding neighborhood safety and drug activity.
• The Board will continue exploring strategies to address housing affordability, a critical issue for many Buncombe County residents.
• The Board will actively participate in efforts to find solutions for the financial challenges facing residential health facilities, ensuring access to quality care for vulnerable populations.
• Public health officials will continue their efforts to address the measles outbreak, urging vaccination and providing information to concerned residents.

This meeting underscored the Board’s commitment to addressing community concerns, celebrating local successes, and prioritizing public health. Stay informed about future meetings and initiatives by visiting the Buncombe County Government website.