Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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.
Do you work in downtown Asheville? If so, Buncombe County’s new affordable parking program could save you hundreds of your hard-earned dollars. The program will offer 150 spots at the Coxe Ave. parking deck (located at 11 Sears Alley) for $40 per month. This new initiative, focused on service industry and retail workers, is now taking applications for people who meet some basic eligibility requirements.
The application window will remain open for three weeks and closes on Friday, Jan. 13. After applying, a lottery system will determine who gets the 150 reduced-cost parking spots. Everyone else will be put on a waitlist with a chance to get spots based on attrition.
Eligibility requirements
- You must work in the downtown Asheville area (within one mile of Pack Square)
- You must earn less than 80% area median income (see application for income limits)
- Have a valid driver license
- Have a credit card or bank account to link for payment
- Applicants must be age 18 or older
If you think you meet the following requirements, please fill out an application here. The deadline to apply for the lottery is Friday, Jan. 13. If you are not able to submit an application online or need assistance completing the application, call (828) 250-5060.
Apply here
Fine print
This is a pilot program and it might be expanded in the future as the County evaluates data from this initial offering. Buncombe County is administering the application and lottery process. Preferred Parking (the County’s parking vendor) will be responsible for selling the tickets and contacting those on the waitlist.
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:
- Be a resident of Buncombe County and own and occupy your home.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete a Grant Application form. This form requests specific information needed to determine grant eligibility, including verification of income.
- 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.
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.
Do you work in downtown Asheville? If so, Buncombe County’s new affordable parking program could save you hundreds of your hard-earned dollars. The program will offer 150 spots at the Coxe Ave. parking deck (located at 11 Sears Alley) for $40 per month. This new initiative, focused on service industry and retail workers, is now taking applications for people who meet some basic eligibility requirements.
The application window will remain open for three weeks and closes on Friday, Jan. 13. After applying, a lottery system will determine who gets the 150 reduced-cost parking spots. Everyone else will be put on a waitlist with a chance to get spots based on attrition.
Eligibility requirements
- You must work in the downtown Asheville area (within one mile of Pack Square)
- You must earn less than 80% area median income (see application for income limits)
- Have a valid driver license
- Have a credit card or bank account to link for payment
- Applicants must be age 18 or older
If you think you meet the following requirements, please fill out an application here. The deadline to apply for the lottery is Friday, Jan. 13. If you are not able to submit an application online or need assistance completing the application, call (828) 250-5060.
Apply here
Fine print
This is a pilot program and it might be expanded in the future as the County evaluates data from this initial offering. Buncombe County is administering the application and lottery process. Preferred Parking (the County’s parking vendor) will be responsible for selling the tickets and contacting those on the waitlist.
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:
- Be a resident of Buncombe County and own and occupy your home.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete a Grant Application form. This form requests specific information needed to determine grant eligibility, including verification of income.
- 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.
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.
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 City of Asheville’s Community and Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for CDBG and HOME grant funds, and for the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) for fiscal year 2023-24.
The Community and Economic Development Department manages and administers programs for Asheville and for a four-county consortium, consisting of Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania and Madison Counties, that provide affordable housing, economic opportunities and other benefits for low-income residents.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) are federal grant programs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which provide grant funds for eligible projects to create affordable housing for low-income households and support community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities.
The City of Asheville’s Housing Trust Fund was created in 2000 to provide a source of local funding to assist in the development of affordable housing in Asheville. Assistance is available in the form of repayable loans at a low rate of interest.
How to Apply:
To download the CDBG/HOME application documents and instructions visit the Community Development Funding Programs page. The deadline to submit an online application for CDBG/HOME funds is February 3, 2023 at 12:00 noon.
To download the Housing Trust Fund documents, view the HTF policy and access the application, visit the Housing Trust Fund webpage. The deadline to submit an application for the Housing Trust Fund is February 10, 2023 at 12:00 noon.
Questions about the CDBG/HOME application process can be sent to the Community Development team via email: [email protected].
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
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- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
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- Dawn – Dusk
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
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- Library open hours
- Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
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- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
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Right now, a team of doctors is scrubbing in for a surgery while a patient waits for a procedure that they hope will save their life; blood bags are prepared and ready. In a different hospital, a team of nurses is giving a trauma victim a lifesaving blood transfusion. Several floors away, a cancer patient is receiving a platelet transfusion after chemotherapy. Those patients, and thousands of others, can hope and plan for the new year because blood products were available.
As we enter 2023, many are looking at a piece of paper, writing down their new year’s resolutions and goals: ‘read ten books…get outside more often…go to the gym.’ The Blood Connection (TBC), the non-profit community blood center, is encouraging people to add one more thing to that list: save a life with TBC. It may sound daunting. It may sound unachievable. But with just one hour and one blood donation, three lives can be saved in this community. The difference between a joyous and tragic new year for many local families is community blood donors.
TBC is urging community members to make blood donation a priority in 2023 – because, simply put: lives depend on it.
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations Holidays call for hours
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center
85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
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- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
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- Dawn – Dusk
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
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- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
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- Library open hours
Join us each month to stay updated on business in Mills River.
With updates from the Town of Mills River and networking with neighboring businesses, let’s work to GROW your business in Mills River.
January’s Presenter – Chief Rick Livingston with Mills River Fire and Rescue
Chief Rick Livingston is a native to WNC, a graduate of the Henderson County Public Schools and NC State University. He began his fire department days at the young age of 7, as his father was a founding member of the department! He has been with the Mills River Fire Department since 2013, becoming the first full time career Fire Chief. He welcomes any comments and suggestions at [email protected].
ESOL tutors commit to working with their students for at least one year. Learn more about this program. Sign up to volunteer.
ESOL Tutor Training Dates:
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
Library open hours
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
-
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
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- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
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Online: Zoom
No cost due to sponsor support
Have you been thinking about building an online store to sell your physical or digital products? Building a Website that can handle Ecommerce, taking payments, calculating shipping and tax, and managing subscriptions is easier than you might think. In this class we’ll walk through the basics of Ecommerce as well as answer some more advanced questions pertaining to taking an online store to the next level. Don’t lock yourself to Etsy or Shopify and put up with their built-in fees. Build it yourself on WordPress and WooCommerce which has now become the leader in online Ecommerce platforms.
Speaker(s): Boomer Sassman
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar information will be emailed after registration.
Online: Zoom
No cost due to sponsor support
**(You do not need to have attended Part 1 to attend Part 2)** Instagram is one of the fastest growing and biggest trending social media for business these days. And it’s always evolving! Join us for this session as we continue our dive into Instagram. We will continue to touch on: – The difference between Instagram and Instagram for Business – Visual tour of Instagram for business – Best Practices for posting – Explore the different sub channels of Instagram In part 2 we will also: – Learn how to use video to maximize your Instagram presence – Explore using hashtags as a powerful and free way to grow visibility for your business – What is tagging a user or business? – Live Q&A
Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar information will be emailed after registration.
The Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS (LOTSAR) will host a series of clinics to help residents of Buncombe County understand their property values. Volunteer realtors will be available to show residents their property cards, look at comparable properties, and provide information about the property value appeal process and available tax relief programs.
- Thursday, Jan. 12 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC
- Saturday, Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call-in event (use either phone line) 828-767-5398 or 828-712-3748
- Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Skyland Public Library, 260 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC
- Thursday, Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Ingles (Leicester Highway), 575 New Leicester Highway, Asheville, NC
- Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Ingles (Black Mountain), 550 NC9 Highway, Black Mountain, NC
If you can’t make a clinic in person, you can call in during these times to be connected directly to an expert for help with your questions: 828-767-5398 or 828-712-3748.
More information about these events can be found here.
The appeal clinics coincide with the property listing period for Buncombe County. Volunteers from LOTSAR can help residents understand how the market has affected their property value and connect them to programs for filing extensions, accessing payment plans, and accessing property tax relief programs for veterans, anyone age 65 and older, or anyone permanently disabled under NCGS 105-277.
Legal assistance will be available for those who qualify from Pisgah Legal Services, and staff at these events can connect eligible residents with an application for support in filing an appeal.
All residents can always access their property card, forms, and information for appeals, and listing forms here.
Property assessment staff are also available for questions by phone at 828-250-4940, for in-person visits at the Assessment office at 155 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; or by email at [email protected].
Jonathan Hunter, LOTSAR volunteer, recently appeared on the “Tapped In” radio program on WRES to talk about LOTSAR’s participation in this program. View that interview here.
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The Western North Carolina Scale Model Club is a non-profit group for stati (non-RC) model builders to present their models and share tips and tricks in a laid back atmosphere. Bring your latest finished piece or your work in progress. All skill levels are welcome! This program is designed for Ages 12 and up due to the fragile nature of these models. From January through March, the WNC scale model club will be meeting at the North Asheville Branch. |
Join us virtually for the 4th annual gathering of the Asheville area’s pollinator conservationists, advocates, and enthusiasts! Participants will be invited to celebrate their 2022 successes, share pollinator projects they’ve engaged in this year, plans for 2023, and opportunities for collaboration. Together, we can make the greatest impact for pollinators!
Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you have exciting projects to share or would just like to listen and learn.
Join Ventures Birding Tours owner, Simon Thompson, for an introduction into the winter birds around Western North Carolina. From waterfowl on the open lakes and rivers to sparrows and finches feeding on seeds in overgrown fields, a winter birding trip around our area of the mountains can be very productive.
If we are lucky we get more birds of prey moving south, such as Red-tailed, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks and Bald Eagles. Merlins, American Kestrels and Peregrine Falcons can also be seen in open country.
Originally from Suffolk, England, Simon has lived in North Carolina for over 20 years. In addition to traveling extensively in the United States, Simon spent six months in China studying the crane and bird of
prey migration as a member of the British “China Crane Watch” expedition. He is on the board of the Audubon Society in Asheville, NC and has led many birding trips all over the world.
This program is presented with financial support from the Friends of Fairview Library.
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.