Leslee Kulba
Buncombe County Reappraisal Notices Going Out
Given that any complex rating scale is going to be unfair, Buncombe County's assessor's office is going to great lengths to be as kind as possible to survivors of Helene while upholding state statutes. The 2025 assessment was delayed, and owners will now receive tax bills based on the condition of their property on January 1.
Assessing City’s Revenue Losses: The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Former Asheville Vice Mayor Chris Peterson addressed the city's 2025-2026 budget public hearing, emphasizing the financial impact of Hurricane Helene, revenue losses, and the need for economic diversification, while suggesting potential tax hikes and prioritizing effective budget management for recovery.
Understanding the Risks of Tariffs on Medical Supplies in Asheville
Medical societies and advocacy groups are raising alarms about the financial impact tariffs, and funding cuts could have on the industry. Asheville would not directly be impacted much by NIH funding cuts, but tariffs could drive up costs for doctor visits, prescriptions, and insurance.
The Impact of Zoning Reform on Affordable Housing: Insights from Barry Bialik
Barry Bialik isn't sitting around, holding roundtables to discuss how to increase the local affordable housing stock. He builds the houses. He built a factory so he can build them less expensively and faster. He's also working with state and local legislators to modify ordinances to allow more to be constructed.
Addressing Customer Complaints: FCC’s Response to Trash Collection Issues
Buncombe County's transition to FCC for solid waste collection has faced challenges, including missed pickups and customer complaints. Despite distributing nearly 78,000 carts, issues persist. FCC is increasing staffing and accountability measures, while commissioners emphasize the need for improvement as residents express frustrations about garbage collection.
Why Protecting Hellbenders Matters for Buncombe County’s Ecosystem
A previous attempt to list the eastern hellbender as an endangered species failed. Now that Hurricane Helene has amped up their declining numbers and ruined their habitat for years to come, the Buncombe County Commissioners are hopeful a listing will bring federal funds to the area for stream restoration.
Will Tiny Homes Help Alleviate Asheville’s Longstanding Housing Crisis?
Barry Bialik's attempts to create affordable housing in the City of Asheville have once again been postponed. A majority on council first voted to reject his proposed UDO amendments altogether, but later in the meeting, Councilman Bo Hess pulled a move from Robert's Rules of Order that allowed the amendments to be reconsidered, with conditions, on March 11.
I-26 Connector Project Saves Asheville $125 Million
Asheville’s Assistant Director of Transportation, Jessica Morriss, reported on the I-26 Connector project’s downsizing, maintaining bike lanes while saving $125 million through material reductions, with community input expected at upcoming open houses scheduled for next month.
How Electrify Asheville-Buncombe is Helping Residents Go Electric
Electrify Asheville-Buncombe has introduced an online navigator program to help people identify savings, weigh costs and benefits, and prioritize and pace conversion to personal energy independence.
What Would A Federal Funding Freeze Mean for Asheville’s Recovery Efforts?
Members of Asheville City Council were in a surreal and precarious position January 28. The meeting was held on the only day that the infamous Pause Memo, stating federal funds would would be witrhdrawn from any programs harboring a "woke agenda," had any life.