In North Carolina and nationally, emergency allotments for COVID-19 in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program will end in March 2023. This means that in March 2023, households will see a reduction in their FNS benefits because of a federal change that ends emergency allotments for all states.  Joining us today is Trish Wallin, Deputy Director for Buncombe County Economic Services Division and JeWana McEachin, Executive Director of Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement better known as ABIPA.   They are here today to make residents aware of the changes, but also to provide information on some resources to assist residents during this transition, like the Healthy Opportunity Pilot. 

We invite our community to learn more about additional food and nutrition resources at ncdhhs.gov/foodresources. Buncombe County residents can apply for FNS benefits online with epass.nc.gov or by filling out a paper application.

FNS applications can submitted by mail, phone, email, or in person.

Today guest is Angelica Tyler from the Communication and Public Engagement Department discussing the County's citizen engagement software.  Learn more about engage.buncombecounty.gov better know as Public Input and how community can engage with this platform.  Buncombe County’s engagement portal is the home for outreach and listening efforts for projects shaping the future of our community. Here you will find project updates, upcoming events, public feedback opportunities, and other information about ongoing projects.

Happy 2023!!! Today's guest is Rasheeda Hall, Buncombe County Public Engagement Supervisor.  She will share the evolution of the County's Engagement team and the work this team will continue do in 2023 to serve Buncombe County.  Also, learn of a lot of upcoming programs and initiatives for community.   

Keith Miller, Buncombe County Property Assessor, and Jonathan Hunter, Land of the Sky Association of Realtors (LOTSAR), joins us today to discuss the upcoming property value appeal clinics.  LOTSAR is providing free community clinics on understanding property value and how to appeal if necessary; dates begin in January and offer both in-person and call-in options across the county.

Halyee Madfis from Buncombe County planning department joined us today to discuss the next phase of engagement around the 20-year land use plan, called the 2043 Buncombe County comprehensive plan. Learn about what we heard from earlier community input sessions and where and how you can engage this draft plan in this next phase of engagement. 

Hannah Egan, Outreach and Resource Coordinator with Green Built Alliance, discuss the services her organization provide for residents of Buncombe County on weatherization and energy efficiency tips for the home.  We also share some emergency assistance resources for family in need of heating support. 

Joining us today are two guests from Buncombe County Recreation Services, Mac Stanley, Program Coordinator and Matt Dixon Park Ranger Supervisor. We understand the holidays are quickly approaching and we are at the end of the fall leaf season, However we want to inform community about some exciting upcoming events and various things about Buncombe County Recreation Services.  A holiday tradition for many mountain families returns to Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd. in Arden) in December. Festival of Lights continues with all its illuminated magic and more.

November is caregiver month and we are having a discussion around caregiving and the support / resources for caregivers in our community.  Heather Bauer, Executive Director at Council on Aging of Buncombe County and Edward Jones, Family Caregiver Specialist with Land of Sky are our guests today. Support caregiver well-being is a goal in the Buncombe County Age Friendly Action Plan. 

Joining us today is Buncombe County Assistant County Manager Sybil Tate and the director of Communication and Public Engagement Lillian Govus.  Sharing information about two bond referendums that will be on the 2022 election ballot. If approved, the two bonds will support conservation of open space, greenways, and increase the number of housing units for people of low to moderate income in Buncombe County.

Everything you need to know about voting in the 2022 Midterm Elections with Elections Services Director Corinne Duncan.