In the 2024 General Election, Buncombe County had ~74% voter turnout, slightly above the state average turnout but slightly less than during the 2020 General Election.
Here are some of the local takeaways.
Note: These are unofficial results, sourced from the NC State Board of Elections with 100% of precincts reported.
Bo Hess joins Asheville City Council
Asheville City Council incumbents Sage Turner and Kim Roney, as well as newcomer Roberto (Bo) Hess, won the three open seats on the six-person council. Turner led all candidates — with Roney and Hess securing second and third place, respectively. Hess takes the seat of Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore’s seat, who did not run for reelection.
Hess says his priorities for City Council include economic security, mental health and addiction care, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and solutions for crime and safety.
GO bonds passed
Voters approved all four general obligation bond referendums, totaling $80 million. The $20 million bonds fall into different categories and were voted on separately. The approval of the bond package means a 2.6-cent increase in Asheville property taxes for every $100 in valuation — however, due to the storm, that tax increase will now be considered in June of 2026.
Here are some of the priority projects outlined for each general obligation bond:
Parks and Recreation Improvements
- Upgrades to Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center and Tempie Avery Montford Community Center
- Upgrades to Recreation, Azalea, Murray Hill, and Walton Street Parks
- Renovation of Malvern Hills Park Pool and Recreation Park Pool
- Dedicated pickleball courts
- Improvements to outdoor courts, playgrounds, field lighting, landscaping, and other park infrastructure
Housing Affordability
Bond funds will supplement the city’s Housing Trust Fund, which offers low or no-interest loans to partners to:
- Make investments in affordable housing
- Support homeownership through down payment assistance
- Purchase land and existing homes for future affordable housing
- $10 million for street resurfacing
- $4.5 million for sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements
- $5.5 million for greenways and multi-use paths
- New East Asheville Oakley Fire and Police Station
- Planning and land acquisition for North Asheville Fire Station 7
- Planning for South Asheville Fire Station 14
- West Asheville Haywood Road police substation renovations
More local results
These weren’t the only local races on the ballot. Check out more results, including for Asheville City Schools Board of Education and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
