ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A new campaign has launched in support of two Buncombe County bond referendums that would provide $70 million for affordable housing and conservation projects.
The Vote Yes on Bonds campaign is backing a $30 million open space bond and a $40 million affordable housing bond that will go before voters on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved the measures for the ballot in June.
The campaign estimates the two bonds would cost the owner of a $450,000 home about $43 a year, or roughly 83 cents a week. The campaign estimates about $18 a year would go toward the open space bond and $25 toward the affordable housing bond.
Buncombe County’s website provides a different estimate based on the county’s current median homeowner, putting the annual cost at $18 for the open space bond and $25 for the housing bond. The county does not present those figures as an estimate for a $450,000 home.
The two bonds would fund different projects but are being promoted by supporters as complementary investments in the county.
The $30 million open space bond would support conservation of farmland and forests, protection of drinking water and the creation of parks, greenways and trails.
The $40 million affordable housing bond would help finance the construction and rehabilitation of affordable homes for people with low or moderate incomes, including seniors, working families and young adults.
The campaign points to Buncombe County’s 2022 bond package, which also included $30 million for open space and $40 million for affordable housing.
According to the campaign, those bonds have helped put more than 900 deeply affordable homes in progress, conserve about 2,000 acres and create 500 acres of parks and greenways.
The county maintains a public dashboard and annual reports tracking the progress of the 2022 bond projects.
“These bonds work hand-in-hand to make investments that provide relief and connection to our residents, especially seniors, longtime locals priced out of the housing market, struggling families, and young adults,” said Leah Wong Ashburn, a co-leader of the campaign and CEO and family owner of Highland Brewing.
Ashburn said the housing shortage also affects local businesses trying to recruit and retain workers.
Brownie Newman, another campaign co-leader and former Buncombe County Board of Commissioners chairman, said the affordable housing bond could leverage federal tax credits to bring additional outside investment into local housing projects.
“This affordable housing bond is the most effective action we can collectively take to keep locals local,” Newman said.
Newman also said the two bonds could work together to support affordable housing while protecting farmland, drinking water and natural resources and creating parks and playgrounds.
Andy Barnett, CEO of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, said affordable housing is important to maintaining a strong local economy and community.
“This bond gives voters an opportunity to make a meaningful investment in housing solutions for our neighbors,” Barnett said.
Supporters also highlighted the oversight built into the county’s bond program. Buncombe County says the program includes annual audits, regular reporting and oversight by a General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee and advisory boards.
Carol Groben of Swannanoa said the oversight makes the program transparent.
“The bonds have independent audits, a citizen oversight committee, and public reporting, including an ongoing dashboard,” Groben said.
The campaign’s endorsers include Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, RiverLink, Eblen Charities, Connect Buncombe, Pisgah Legal Services, Safe Shelter, MountainTrue, Haywood Street Congregation, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Thrive Asheville, Conserving Carolina, the WNC Sierra Club and Asheville on Bikes.
Vote Yes on Bonds is registered as a committee with the Buncombe County Board of Elections.
The campaign is encouraging residents to learn more, volunteer or endorse the effort through Vote Yes for Bonds.
The 2026 general election is Nov. 3. Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 15 through Oct. 31.
The two bond referendums will appear on Buncombe County ballots.