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Buncombe commissioners approve CPACE participation after brief public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with local business support, the board voted to adopt a resolution to participate in the state CPACE program, which county staff said can help energy upgrades and recovery for storm-damaged historic buildings.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 3 to adopt a resolution authorizing the county to participate in the state-run Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (CPACE) program.
Jeremiah Leroy explained the program at a public hearing, saying CPACE enables private-property owners to finance energy-efficiency and renewable upgrades through a state-administered program and that county staff plan community outreach and an educational event with the city and economic-development partners.
Amy Kelly, a downtown property owner whose businesses include the Radical Hotel and other venues, told the board CPACE is not an abstract policy for her company but a practical recovery tool: two of her buildings sustained significant damage from storm Helene and she has identified projects that could use CPACE financing. Kelly also said CPACE can assist in rehabilitating historic buildings.
Commissioners praised the enabling legislation and the program’s potential to reduce energy bills, lower pollution and help storm recovery. A commissioner moved to adopt the resolution and the board approved it by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The board directed staff to proceed with outreach and public education if the resolution is adopted and to coordinate with city and state partners on next steps.
