Buncombe County adopts 2030 strategic plan after extensive public engagement

Buncombe County commissioners voted Nov. 4 to adopt the county’s 2030 strategic plan, which sets focus areas, objectives and measurable goals to guide county operations and budgeting through 2030.

Rafael Baptista of Strategy & Innovation said the plan was developed with input from more than 100 subject-matter experts across county departments, local and state partners, and three rounds of community engagement. The county reported more than 1,000 responses in an initial engagement round in 2024, about 2,600 responses in a spring round tied to Helene recovery planning, and additional fall feedback.

The plan identifies seven focus areas (six community-facing), 17 objectives and 58 goals. Baptista said staff are finalizing departmental business plans, updating the strategic-plan dashboard and website, and will provide biannual briefings beginning in calendar year 2026. He said future budgets will be informed by the plan beginning with FY27.

One commissioner said they would support adoption but asked the record to reflect that dozens of residents had submitted written comments raising urgent concerns about homelessness, mental health, elder care and food access; the commissioner said those comments did not lead to measurable changes in the final plan and pledged to continue advocating for those voices.

The board moved to adopt the focus areas, objectives and goals with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, and thanked staff and community participants for their work.