Calendar of Events

The application to be a food vendor at our events is now available. We’re seeking vendors for Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Click here to fill out the application. Application deadline is Friday, February 10.

The property listing period for 2023 begins Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, and Buncombe County Property Assessment wants to make sure you have all the information you need. Buncombe property owners who have requested a listing form or filed a listing previously will be mailed listing forms in December. Questions about who should file? Please see the information below.

 Real Estate

Anyone who owns real estate must list any new additions, changes, or deletions that have been made since Jan. 1, 2022. For example, if you have had permitted work done to your home, built additions, or completed renovations to your home, those should all be updated on your property record. You can do that online at tax.buncombecounty.org or contact the Property Assessment office at (828) 250-4940.

Personal Property 

According to the North Carolina General Statutes, all property that is not defined or taxed as “real estate” or “real property” is considered to be “personal property.”  If you own personal property such as un-tagged motor vehicles, permanently tagged trailers, manufactured homes, boats and boat motors, airplanes, rental personal property or farm machinery used for income purposes, you must file a listing form annually. Download a listing form at buncombecounty.org/personallistingform.

Business Personal Property 

Business personal property is taxable whether it is owned, leased, rented, loaned, or otherwise made available to the business. All businesses are required to file a business personal property listing form annually during the listing period.

Business personal property includes:

• machinery and equipment
• furniture and fixtures
• computers
• improvements to leased property
• manufactured homes
• aircraft
• international registration plan (IRP) plated vehicles
• supplies, etc.

Download a listing form at buncombecounty.org/businesslistingform.

Rental Property

Did you know business personal property also includes all furnishings within a dwelling that is used as a long- or short-term rental? Download a Rental Listing form at buncombecounty.org/rentallistingform.

Extensions 

Listing extensions may be granted upon request and for good cause shown. The listing extension request must be filed with Property Assessment no later than Jan. 31, 2023. File an extension online at businessextensions.buncombecounty.org.

Extensions will not be granted beyond March 15, 2023. If you are a new business for 2023, and have not filed a previous listing form, please contact our office for information at (828) 250-4930.

Tax Relief 

Property tax relief may be available for Veterans, anyone 65 and older, or anyone permanently disabled under NCGS 105-277. Call (828) 250-4915 to see if you qualify or download an application at buncombecounty.org/taxrelief. The application period for tax exemptions or exclusions opens Jan. 1 and runs through June 30, 2023.

Don’t let the listing period slip by. Listing forms will be accepted January 3-31, 2023. Property Assessment is located at 155 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, and is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except for holidays. Call (828) 250-4920 for more information.

Instructions and forms are always available at: buncombecounty.org/propertyassessment.

Still have questions? Contact the Property Assessment office at (828) 250-4920.

2023 Rental Listing Form Frequently Asked Questions

If you have received a letter from Buncombe County Property Assessment with a Rental Property Listing Form here’s what you need to know.

Why am I receiving this?

January is the listing period for 2023. The Buncombe County Property Assessor is contacting property owners who may have unlisted business personal property to make sure that we have the most accurate data on all Buncombe County properties. This mailing went to all property owners whose mailing address was different from the property location.

I don’t rent this property what should I do?

Please mark the form indicating primary use of the property and send it back so we can update our files.

Who files a listing and what do I list?

Any individual or business in North Carolina owning or possessing personal property used or connected with a business or other income producing property on Jan. 1, must list the property for taxation. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. Income producing personal property
2. Household Rental Property (homes you rent to others that you the landlord furnishes)
I own rental property that I furnish. What should I do?

If you own property that is used for long- or short-term rentals, you must list the personal property you provide as part of that rental. Business personal property includes anything the renter would use, such as furniture, appliances (oven/stove, washer, dryer, refrigerator), silverware, towels, bedding, etc. The cost, date of purchase and description of the items should be entered on the list sheet.

What if I purchased the property furnished and I don’t have the year purchased or purchase price?

If the personal property was included with the purchase of the real property, please enter a description of the property and your best opinion of market value.

Why is this the first time I am receiving this form?

Our office is committed to improving the data we have on personal property assets to ensure that all accommodation providers are taxed fairly. It is the taxpayer’s responsibility to list property for taxation and our office would like to make sure property owners have all of the information needed to complete the forms correctly.

What happens next?

After the Property Assessment office receives your listing form, staff will determine the assessed value and mail that back to you. Property owners have 30 days from that mailing to appeal that value.

Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce for the sixteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.

We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website, buncombemastergardener.org, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2023 School Garden Grants Application.

All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 9, 2023, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 3, 2023. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.

We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 52 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.

School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2023.

Click on the link below to review the guidelines for school garden grants:
Guidelines for 2023 School Garden Grants

Purchase a subscription to the Music on the Rock® Winter / Spring Concert Series and receive a 10% Discount!

If you’ve been struggling to complete a septic system repair at your home, Buncombe County may be able to help provide grant funding. The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP) launched in November of 2022, and Permits & Inspections is still accepting applications through Wednesday, Feb. 15 to determine if homeowners may qualify. The SRP provides financial assistance to repair failing septic systems of qualifying homeowners who do not meet the income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income($64,250 for a family of four). There is limited time to apply, and if you think you may qualify, please call 250-5360.

To apply for financial assistance, you must:

1. Be a resident of Buncombe County and own and occupy your home.
2. Obtain a septic system repair permit from Buncombe County Environmental Health. To request a repair permit, you must submit an application to Environmental Health. Once the application is received, an Environmental Health Specialist will make a site visit and evaluate the existing system, determine repair options, and issue a repair permit.
3. Obtain bids from at least three septic system contractors. Once the repair permit has been issued, you are responsible for obtaining bids from at least three contractors. A bid is an estimate of how much the repair will cost. We recommend that you request bids from more than three contractors to ensure that you receive at least three of the bids in a timely manner.
4. Complete a Grant Application form. This form requests specific information needed to determine grant eligibility, including verification of income.
5. Submit the Grant Application and copies of three contractor bids to Buncombe County Permits & Inspections, 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801 or [email protected]

For more information, please see the attached documents. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2023. Funding is limited.

Have you been told you’re not eligible for internet service? Review the FCC’s National Broadband Map and file a formal complaint if you believe your home is incorrectly listed as not eligible for service. Please note: all challenges must be received by Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. If you have questions, click here for assistance from the FCC.

Additional information from the FCC:

What can be challenged?

Service is considered available at a location if the provider has, or previously had, a connection in service to the location, or if the provider could initiate service through a routine installation within 10 business days of a request with no extraordinary monetary charges or delays attributable to the extension of the provider’s network. You can submit a challenge based on the following reasons:

• Provider failed to schedule a service installation within 10 business days of a request.
• Provider did not install the service at the agreed-upon time.
• Provider requested more than the standard installation fee to connect this location.
• Provider denied the request for service.
• Provider does not offer the technology reported to be available at this location.
• Provider does not offer the speeds(s) reported to be available at this location.
• Subscribed Speed Not Achievable (Your internet service is not providing the speeds you expect.) These challenges will be treated by the FCC as a consumer complaint.
• No wireless or satellite signal is available at this location.
• Provider needed to construct new equipment at this location.

How to submit an individual availably challenge

Go to the FCC’s National Broadband Map and type your address in the search bar to begin. Then, determine if you need to first submit a Location Challenge by seeing if your address is displayed on the map at all, is incorrectly shown as a business, has the incorrect address or unit count, or has incorrect geographic coordinates. If so, click “Location Challenge” (upper right) to complete the form. Then, proceed the following steps for the Availability Challenge.

• Select the Fixed Broadband tab and then click the Availability Challenge link (mid-right).
• In the window that opens, click “Select” next to the provider whose service you want to challenge.
• Select either (1) “Send my challenge to the selected provider,” which will initiate a challenge against the provider, or (2) “I’m giving feedback about the information above but not submitting a challenge.”
• Enter your contact information – your name and email are required – and your phone number is optional.
• Select the reason code for your challenge. The remaining fields will update based on the type of challenge you select.
• Enter a description and upload any supporting documents or screenshots.
• Check the certification box.
• Click “Submit.”

If you have questions, click here for FCC assistance.

Attention Buncombe County residents: If you are struggling to pay your rent, mortgage, or utilities, Buncombe County’s Housing Assistance Program may be able to help.

“If you think you may possibly qualify, please call our office at 250-5500 to learn more,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “Financial assistance is available immediately to support our community members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need help with rent, mortgage, or utilities.”

To qualify to receive relief funds earmarked for the Housing Assistance Program, households must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The applicant/household experienced financial hardship during COVID-19
• Income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income- ($64,250 for a family of four)

Buncombe County is now accepting inquiries and applications. Please fill out the attached form and return to Buncombe County Health and Human Services or call (828) 250-5500 to connect with a caseworker to start the application process.

En Espanol

Atención, si viven en el condado de Buncombe.

Si tienes dificultades para pagar el alquiler, la hipoteca o servicios públicos, es posible que el Programa de Asistencia del condado de Buncombe pueda ayudarte. Para calificar para recibir fondos de ayuda asignados para el Programa de Asistencia para la Vivienda, los hogares deben cumplir con los siguientes requisitos de elegibilidad:

• El solicitante/la familia que haya tenido dificultad financiera durante el COVID-19
• Con un ingreso límite del 80% del ingreso promedio del área del Condado de Buncombe ($64,250 para una familia de cuatro)

Llena el formulario adjunto y devuélvelo a los Servicios de Salud y servicios Humanos del Condado de Buncombe o llame al (828) 250-5500 para que te comuniquen con trabajadores sociales y comienza el proceso de solicitud. Si no tienes un número de seguro social, puedes dejar esa sección en blanco.

Si necesitas asistencia con el formulario en español puedes llamar al (828) 250-5500 y recibir asistencia en español.

The Asheville Downtown Association’s (ADA) Wristband Partner Program provides an opportunity for local nonprofits to sell wristbands at ADA events. The selected nonprofit receives a grant of $2,000, as well as the opportunity to share their program of work with the large audiences at these events. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 24, 2023.

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour! April 4-13, 2023 Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation? This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

For the past 30 years, the Organic Growers School Spring Conference has served as a gathering place for growers in Appalachia to connect, learn from one another, and deepen connections to land and community. The Spring Conference began as an entirely volunteer-run and free event and has expanded to support an organization of ten staff with year-round programming. As we have grown, we have experimented with different approaches to keeping the event affordable and accessible while also working on compensation for our speakers and supporting our growing staff. We encourage you to check out our recent blog post exploring this in more depth. This year, we are excited to be experimenting with sliding scale ticket pricing for the first time, and we wanted to take some time to explain how this works and why we decided to implement it this year.

Looking beyond scholarships

Over the past several years, we have started implementing different scholarship options. We have set aside around $3000 in our internal budget for scholarships, and we have increased our outreach to other groups in the area who have funding to support individuals to attend conferences. We also offer work-trade opportunities for people who are interested in helping out with our event in exchange for attendance. We have around 100 work-traders access the conference each year through these opportunities, but we have never used up our entire scholarship fund for the event. We know that there are many individuals in our community that we are not reaching through our scholarship opportunities. We began to wonder if scholarship applications were creating a barrier to participation and started researching other options, landing eventually on sliding scale as our preferred model.

How alternative pricing models address accessibility

The sliding scale model, which offers the opportunity for participants to select a price to pay for their ticket, meets several of the parameters we were looking for in an accessible pricing model. Most importantly, it is a seamless way for attendees to access the price that meets their needs. So many things are means-tested in our society, and it can be exhausting to justify why one needs a more affordable price point. While many of our community members need financial support, there are also members of this community who have more than enough to share and are excited about supporting their fellow co-learners. These attendees can select the higher end of the sliding scale, which will be set at a price to offset the lower price paid by other attendees. We trust our attendees to select the option that best works for them while also considering how their selection would affect the ability of other participants to access a lower price point.

Accessibility is a priority for OGS, and implementing it is a risk for us as a small non-profit, given that we rely on our large events like the Spring Conference to support our year-round programming and staff salaries. This will certainly be an experimental year, and if we are not able to secure enough income through sliding-scale registrations, we will have to rethink our approach to pricing. We trust that our community will be thoughtful in thinking about the value that this conference has to them and about what they are able to pay for at this time. Thank you for being on this journey of discovery with us!

The application to be a food vendor at our events is now available. We’re seeking vendors for Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Click here to fill out the application. Application deadline is Friday, February 10.

The property listing period for 2023 begins Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, and Buncombe County Property Assessment wants to make sure you have all the information you need. Buncombe property owners who have requested a listing form or filed a listing previously will be mailed listing forms in December. Questions about who should file? Please see the information below.

 Real Estate

Anyone who owns real estate must list any new additions, changes, or deletions that have been made since Jan. 1, 2022. For example, if you have had permitted work done to your home, built additions, or completed renovations to your home, those should all be updated on your property record. You can do that online at tax.buncombecounty.org or contact the Property Assessment office at (828) 250-4940.

Personal Property 

According to the North Carolina General Statutes, all property that is not defined or taxed as “real estate” or “real property” is considered to be “personal property.”  If you own personal property such as un-tagged motor vehicles, permanently tagged trailers, manufactured homes, boats and boat motors, airplanes, rental personal property or farm machinery used for income purposes, you must file a listing form annually. Download a listing form at buncombecounty.org/personallistingform.

Business Personal Property 

Business personal property is taxable whether it is owned, leased, rented, loaned, or otherwise made available to the business. All businesses are required to file a business personal property listing form annually during the listing period.

Business personal property includes:

• machinery and equipment
• furniture and fixtures
• computers
• improvements to leased property
• manufactured homes
• aircraft
• international registration plan (IRP) plated vehicles
• supplies, etc.

Download a listing form at buncombecounty.org/businesslistingform.

Rental Property

Did you know business personal property also includes all furnishings within a dwelling that is used as a long- or short-term rental? Download a Rental Listing form at buncombecounty.org/rentallistingform.

Extensions 

Listing extensions may be granted upon request and for good cause shown. The listing extension request must be filed with Property Assessment no later than Jan. 31, 2023. File an extension online at businessextensions.buncombecounty.org.

Extensions will not be granted beyond March 15, 2023. If you are a new business for 2023, and have not filed a previous listing form, please contact our office for information at (828) 250-4930.

Tax Relief 

Property tax relief may be available for Veterans, anyone 65 and older, or anyone permanently disabled under NCGS 105-277. Call (828) 250-4915 to see if you qualify or download an application at buncombecounty.org/taxrelief. The application period for tax exemptions or exclusions opens Jan. 1 and runs through June 30, 2023.

Don’t let the listing period slip by. Listing forms will be accepted January 3-31, 2023. Property Assessment is located at 155 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, and is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except for holidays. Call (828) 250-4920 for more information.

Instructions and forms are always available at: buncombecounty.org/propertyassessment.

Still have questions? Contact the Property Assessment office at (828) 250-4920.

2023 Rental Listing Form Frequently Asked Questions

If you have received a letter from Buncombe County Property Assessment with a Rental Property Listing Form here’s what you need to know.

Why am I receiving this?

January is the listing period for 2023. The Buncombe County Property Assessor is contacting property owners who may have unlisted business personal property to make sure that we have the most accurate data on all Buncombe County properties. This mailing went to all property owners whose mailing address was different from the property location.

I don’t rent this property what should I do?

Please mark the form indicating primary use of the property and send it back so we can update our files.

Who files a listing and what do I list?

Any individual or business in North Carolina owning or possessing personal property used or connected with a business or other income producing property on Jan. 1, must list the property for taxation. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. Income producing personal property
2. Household Rental Property (homes you rent to others that you the landlord furnishes)
I own rental property that I furnish. What should I do?

If you own property that is used for long- or short-term rentals, you must list the personal property you provide as part of that rental. Business personal property includes anything the renter would use, such as furniture, appliances (oven/stove, washer, dryer, refrigerator), silverware, towels, bedding, etc. The cost, date of purchase and description of the items should be entered on the list sheet.

What if I purchased the property furnished and I don’t have the year purchased or purchase price?

If the personal property was included with the purchase of the real property, please enter a description of the property and your best opinion of market value.

Why is this the first time I am receiving this form?

Our office is committed to improving the data we have on personal property assets to ensure that all accommodation providers are taxed fairly. It is the taxpayer’s responsibility to list property for taxation and our office would like to make sure property owners have all of the information needed to complete the forms correctly.

What happens next?

After the Property Assessment office receives your listing form, staff will determine the assessed value and mail that back to you. Property owners have 30 days from that mailing to appeal that value.

Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce for the sixteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.

We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website, buncombemastergardener.org, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2023 School Garden Grants Application.

All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 9, 2023, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 3, 2023. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.

We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 52 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.

School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2023.

Click on the link below to review the guidelines for school garden grants:
Guidelines for 2023 School Garden Grants

Purchase a subscription to the Music on the Rock® Winter / Spring Concert Series and receive a 10% Discount!

If you’ve been struggling to complete a septic system repair at your home, Buncombe County may be able to help provide grant funding. The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP) launched in November of 2022, and Permits & Inspections is still accepting applications through Wednesday, Feb. 15 to determine if homeowners may qualify. The SRP provides financial assistance to repair failing septic systems of qualifying homeowners who do not meet the income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income($64,250 for a family of four). There is limited time to apply, and if you think you may qualify, please call 250-5360.

To apply for financial assistance, you must:

1. Be a resident of Buncombe County and own and occupy your home.
2. Obtain a septic system repair permit from Buncombe County Environmental Health. To request a repair permit, you must submit an application to Environmental Health. Once the application is received, an Environmental Health Specialist will make a site visit and evaluate the existing system, determine repair options, and issue a repair permit.
3. Obtain bids from at least three septic system contractors. Once the repair permit has been issued, you are responsible for obtaining bids from at least three contractors. A bid is an estimate of how much the repair will cost. We recommend that you request bids from more than three contractors to ensure that you receive at least three of the bids in a timely manner.
4. Complete a Grant Application form. This form requests specific information needed to determine grant eligibility, including verification of income.
5. Submit the Grant Application and copies of three contractor bids to Buncombe County Permits & Inspections, 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801 or [email protected]

For more information, please see the attached documents. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2023. Funding is limited.

Have you been told you’re not eligible for internet service? Review the FCC’s National Broadband Map and file a formal complaint if you believe your home is incorrectly listed as not eligible for service. Please note: all challenges must be received by Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. If you have questions, click here for assistance from the FCC.

Additional information from the FCC:

What can be challenged?

Service is considered available at a location if the provider has, or previously had, a connection in service to the location, or if the provider could initiate service through a routine installation within 10 business days of a request with no extraordinary monetary charges or delays attributable to the extension of the provider’s network. You can submit a challenge based on the following reasons:

• Provider failed to schedule a service installation within 10 business days of a request.
• Provider did not install the service at the agreed-upon time.
• Provider requested more than the standard installation fee to connect this location.
• Provider denied the request for service.
• Provider does not offer the technology reported to be available at this location.
• Provider does not offer the speeds(s) reported to be available at this location.
• Subscribed Speed Not Achievable (Your internet service is not providing the speeds you expect.) These challenges will be treated by the FCC as a consumer complaint.
• No wireless or satellite signal is available at this location.
• Provider needed to construct new equipment at this location.

How to submit an individual availably challenge

Go to the FCC’s National Broadband Map and type your address in the search bar to begin. Then, determine if you need to first submit a Location Challenge by seeing if your address is displayed on the map at all, is incorrectly shown as a business, has the incorrect address or unit count, or has incorrect geographic coordinates. If so, click “Location Challenge” (upper right) to complete the form. Then, proceed the following steps for the Availability Challenge.

• Select the Fixed Broadband tab and then click the Availability Challenge link (mid-right).
• In the window that opens, click “Select” next to the provider whose service you want to challenge.
• Select either (1) “Send my challenge to the selected provider,” which will initiate a challenge against the provider, or (2) “I’m giving feedback about the information above but not submitting a challenge.”
• Enter your contact information – your name and email are required – and your phone number is optional.
• Select the reason code for your challenge. The remaining fields will update based on the type of challenge you select.
• Enter a description and upload any supporting documents or screenshots.
• Check the certification box.
• Click “Submit.”

If you have questions, click here for FCC assistance.

Attention Buncombe County residents: If you are struggling to pay your rent, mortgage, or utilities, Buncombe County’s Housing Assistance Program may be able to help.

“If you think you may possibly qualify, please call our office at 250-5500 to learn more,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “Financial assistance is available immediately to support our community members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need help with rent, mortgage, or utilities.”

To qualify to receive relief funds earmarked for the Housing Assistance Program, households must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The applicant/household experienced financial hardship during COVID-19
• Income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income- ($64,250 for a family of four)

Buncombe County is now accepting inquiries and applications. Please fill out the attached form and return to Buncombe County Health and Human Services or call (828) 250-5500 to connect with a caseworker to start the application process.

En Espanol

Atención, si viven en el condado de Buncombe.

Si tienes dificultades para pagar el alquiler, la hipoteca o servicios públicos, es posible que el Programa de Asistencia del condado de Buncombe pueda ayudarte. Para calificar para recibir fondos de ayuda asignados para el Programa de Asistencia para la Vivienda, los hogares deben cumplir con los siguientes requisitos de elegibilidad:

• El solicitante/la familia que haya tenido dificultad financiera durante el COVID-19
• Con un ingreso límite del 80% del ingreso promedio del área del Condado de Buncombe ($64,250 para una familia de cuatro)

Llena el formulario adjunto y devuélvelo a los Servicios de Salud y servicios Humanos del Condado de Buncombe o llame al (828) 250-5500 para que te comuniquen con trabajadores sociales y comienza el proceso de solicitud. Si no tienes un número de seguro social, puedes dejar esa sección en blanco.

Si necesitas asistencia con el formulario en español puedes llamar al (828) 250-5500 y recibir asistencia en español.

The upcoming Journeyperson course is now available AT NO COST! Due to some timely grant funding, we can offer this in-depth farmer training for farmers in years 3-7 with no associated tuition fee! The course consists of monthly cohort meet-ups and 2-3 in-depth workshops, plus mentorship!

In addition, a select number of participants will also receive matched FUNDS for your farm savings account (Savings Incentive Program) and money to spend on a professional development opportunity of your choosing! Want to attend a workshop on livestock management? OGS will contribute towards that fee! Are you saving money for a farm asset? OGS will contribute up to a certain amount to that investment.

The Journeyperson Program is for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.

If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.

The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.

Eligibility requirements

Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.

For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.

The Asheville Downtown Association’s (ADA) Wristband Partner Program provides an opportunity for local nonprofits to sell wristbands at ADA events. The selected nonprofit receives a grant of $2,000, as well as the opportunity to share their program of work with the large audiences at these events. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 24, 2023.

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour! April 4-13, 2023 Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation? This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

For the past 30 years, the Organic Growers School Spring Conference has served as a gathering place for growers in Appalachia to connect, learn from one another, and deepen connections to land and community. The Spring Conference began as an entirely volunteer-run and free event and has expanded to support an organization of ten staff with year-round programming. As we have grown, we have experimented with different approaches to keeping the event affordable and accessible while also working on compensation for our speakers and supporting our growing staff. We encourage you to check out our recent blog post exploring this in more depth. This year, we are excited to be experimenting with sliding scale ticket pricing for the first time, and we wanted to take some time to explain how this works and why we decided to implement it this year.

Looking beyond scholarships

Over the past several years, we have started implementing different scholarship options. We have set aside around $3000 in our internal budget for scholarships, and we have increased our outreach to other groups in the area who have funding to support individuals to attend conferences. We also offer work-trade opportunities for people who are interested in helping out with our event in exchange for attendance. We have around 100 work-traders access the conference each year through these opportunities, but we have never used up our entire scholarship fund for the event. We know that there are many individuals in our community that we are not reaching through our scholarship opportunities. We began to wonder if scholarship applications were creating a barrier to participation and started researching other options, landing eventually on sliding scale as our preferred model.

How alternative pricing models address accessibility

The sliding scale model, which offers the opportunity for participants to select a price to pay for their ticket, meets several of the parameters we were looking for in an accessible pricing model. Most importantly, it is a seamless way for attendees to access the price that meets their needs. So many things are means-tested in our society, and it can be exhausting to justify why one needs a more affordable price point. While many of our community members need financial support, there are also members of this community who have more than enough to share and are excited about supporting their fellow co-learners. These attendees can select the higher end of the sliding scale, which will be set at a price to offset the lower price paid by other attendees. We trust our attendees to select the option that best works for them while also considering how their selection would affect the ability of other participants to access a lower price point.

Accessibility is a priority for OGS, and implementing it is a risk for us as a small non-profit, given that we rely on our large events like the Spring Conference to support our year-round programming and staff salaries. This will certainly be an experimental year, and if we are not able to secure enough income through sliding-scale registrations, we will have to rethink our approach to pricing. We trust that our community will be thoughtful in thinking about the value that this conference has to them and about what they are able to pay for at this time. Thank you for being on this journey of discovery with us!