Buncombe County -- August 15, 2026: Buncombe County voters will head to the polls this November to decide whether to authorize $70 million in new general obligation bonds aimed at expanding local affordable housing and preserving natural land. The two referendums, approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners for the ballot, seek $40 million for housing initiatives and $30 million for open space and conservation projects. If approved, the bonds would be repaid over a 20-year term through local property taxes, costing an estimated $43 annually for a home assessed at the county median value of $446,000.
Two Measures on the Ballot: Voters will consider two separate questions: a $30 million Open Space Bond and a $40 million Affordable Housing Bond.
Estimated Taxpayer Impact: County finance projections estimate the annual debt service will total roughly $43 per year across both measures for a median-value home assessed at $446,000.
Open Space Objectives ($30 Million): Funding is designated for farmland preservation, conservation easements, park improvements, and greenway network expansion, aligning with the county’s goal to protect natural resources and working lands.
Affordable Housing Objectives ($40 Million): Proceeds are targeted toward land acquisition, infrastructure development, and subsidizing the construction and preservation of residential units for low- to moderate-income households, working families, and seniors.
Oversight and Accountability: Project allocations and expenditures are monitored through formal reporting structures, with public records and financial audits accessible through the Buncombe County Government Portal.
Voter Information & Resources: To review voter resources, check registration status, or access regional election information, visit the Buncombe County Election Services Portal and the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Local Reporting: For continued local coverage, civic updates, and ongoing community reporting across Western North Carolina, visit wnctimes.