Buncombe County is transitioning to a new mass notification system to improve the speed and reliability of emergency alerts. This upgrade follows a cyber‑attack that affected our previous provider, and the new system allows us to deliver critical information to residents more securely.
Because we have moved to a new system, previous CodeRED accounts are no longer active, and all residents must sign up again to continue receiving BC Alerts.
Sign up today:
Text BCReady to 67283 or visit buncombeNC.gov/bcalerts
Stay informed. Stay safe.
This week on Tapped In, we’re joined by Billie Breeden and Laura McCracken for a conversation about growing older in Buncombe County and the many resources that support active aging in our community. The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, and WRES 100.7. To listen now, find the link in our bio or visit: buncombenc.gov/communityengagement
Today is the One Book, One Buncombe Community Read event!
Meet author Dolen Perkins‑Valdez and hear her speak about her novel Happy Land.
Event Details:
• Today at 2 p.m.
• Ferguson Auditorium at A‑B Tech
• Free and open to everyone (no registration required)
• First‑come, first‑served seating
• ASL interpretation provided
• Livestream at facebook.com/buncombegov
• Guests are invited to wear floral prints
• Remember to bring your copy of the book!
Image: Buncombe County commissioners stand in a row holding copies of the book Happy Land.
Have your say, Swannanoa!
Join the 165 neighbors who have already taken the online poll to help shape the Swannanoa Small Area & Resilience Plan.
🌄 The poll asks for your feedback on:
• The Future Land Use map
• Transportation priorities
• Policy & action recommendations
Buncombe County Government has been working closely with community members across Swannanoa, Riceville, Lytle Cove, Lake Eden, and more—through markets, local businesses, neighborhood gatherings, and local events to understand what matters most to you. Input from previous surveys and events has already guided the creation of proposed policies and actions. Now we need your help to confirm we’re on the right track.
🗓️ Poll open through May 18, 2026
🌐 Available in English and Spanish
Your input matters—and it’s making a real impact. Add your voice today and help shape the future of the Swannanoa Valley!
✨ GLOW UP ✨
Finished just in time to welcome warmer weather, this new mural gives the Moving Box Exchange at the @buncombecounty Transfer Station quite the glow up!
And the best part? Buncombe County residents were able to participate in its creation during April’s Spring into Composting event. They his mural serves as a reminder to residents as to “why” safe disposal, waste diversion, and litter prevention are so important— we want to keep our County green!
Special thanks to @sketchonic for design, painting and coordination, and to multiple departments within the County who played roles in seeing this project come to fruition.
Have you seen the new mural? What do you think?!
May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is Champion Your Health. This theme encourages older adults (and all of us) to take an active role in managing our health by staying active, connected, and engaged in our community.
From hiking, gardening, pickleball, and painting through Parks & Recreation 55+ Clubs, to chair yoga, book clubs, technology help, and crafting programs at our public libraries, there are countless opportunities to learn, move, and connect in Buncombe County. See all upcoming library and parks events at the link in our bio, or visit our website at BuncombeNC.gov.
Need transportation? Some residents may qualify for Mountain Mobility services to help access programs, appointments, shopping, and more. Learn more about Mountain Mobility eligibility: 828‑250‑6750, Option 5.
Wildfire danger is real in Buncombe County, and now is the perfect time to take action to protect your home and your loved ones.
Even simple steps can make a big difference:
1.) Check for local burn bans and find more information about wildfire preparedness at buncombeready.org
2.) Move flammable items 25–50 feet away from your home
3.) Clear vegetation around oil and propane tanks
4.) Clean leaves and debris from your gutters
Don’t wait, be prepared.
Stay informed: Buncombe County has a new emergency alerts system, and previous sign-ups do not carry over.
Stay informed during severe weather like wildfires, road closures, emergencies, and more.
Text BCREADY to 67283 to sign up now, or visit the link in our bio to register online. If you register online, you can add your address to receive targeted alerts based on events in your specific area.
🪧 NO SCAVENGING 🪧
Look, we get it. We’re all trying to increase our diversion. But scavenging or salvaging on site at our @buncombecounty solid waste facilities just ain’t it.
In addition to it being illegal, it’s also extremely dangerous. Part of our mission is to ensure the safety of the environment and residents, so help us out by adhering to all rules and signs when at our facilities!
We’re thrilled to welcome author Dolen Perkins-Valdez to Buncombe County this Saturday for this year’s One Book, One Buncombe community read!
Her novel Happy Land has been selected as the 2026 community read, and we hope you’ll join neighbors, friends, and book clubs across the county in reading and discussing this powerful story together.
Join us for a community conversation with the author herself:
Location: A-B Tech Ferguson Auditorium
Date: This Saturday, May 16
Time: 2 p.m.
There will also be a book signing, so be sure to bring your copy!
ASL interpretation will be available.
Happy reading, Buncombe!
The painting has begun!
A new statewide public art initiative Paint NC strives to create 100 Murals in 100 Counties led by North Carolina artist Max Dowdle. More than 2000 people chimed in to choose their favorite design. Stay tuned for information about community paint days coming up next week as Max brings historic postcards to life on the interior walls.
Note: Project funding comes from the Federal Local Assistance & Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) designated for public art projects.
The mural project is developed in partnership with Larry Wheeler, Director Emeritus of the North Carolina Museum of Art, along with NC Main Street, and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
One Book One Buncombe has taken off across the community! Copies have been flying off the shelves at Buncombe County Public Libraries and local bookstores, and it’s been so special seeing how much this year’s book is connecting people across Buncombe County. The smiles, conversations, and shared excitement we’ve seen already (just like in this video) are exactly what this program is all about.
Free copies are still available while supplies last at all Buncombe County Public Libraries, so grab one while you can! And when you finish, pass the book along to a neighbor, friend, or loved one so the story can keep traveling through our community.
Join us on May 16 to hear what author Dolen Perkins-Valdez has to say. We can’t wait to see you there!
Coordinated by Buncombe County’s environmental educators, Buncombe County teams had a great showing at the NC State Envirothon Competition! Nesbitt Discovery Academy students earned top scores in Wildlife, Current Environmental Issues, and the Oral Presentation.
Flower Power placed 5th overall, The Hellgramites Too! placed 7th, and Drippy Druids earned the top score in Current Environmental Issues. These teams also swept the top three spots at the regional competition to qualify for this Soil and Water conservation science Olympiad.
A big congratulations to our Buncombe teams and their coaches, Nesbitt science teachers Greg Tucker and Danielle Parker. Local support for Envirothon is provided by Buncombe County Soil and Water with help from the Pigeon River Fund.
Hear what some of our Envirothoners have to say about their experience!
