Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14 is Civic Learning Week, iCivics’ annual celebration of the knowledge and skills that provide a foundation for an informed population. Well, we’re all about getting to know your local government, so we gathered a few resources on engaging with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County.
Time for a study sesh
- City and County services | Find out where to go for services like getting a marriage license or applying for a code permit.
- The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority | Get to know the ins and outs of the BCTDA and Explore Asheville — what they mean for locals and how to connect.
- Homeowner assistance programs | Explore resources like energy efficiency upgrades and weatherization services.
- Community feedback | Get involved with engagement hubs and community workshops.
- City or County boards | Improve the community by joining a board or commission.
Keeping up and speaking out
Between surveys, projects, meetings, and committees, it can feel overwhelming trying to keep your finger on the pulse. To stay up to date with civic happenings, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County both have online engagement portals. Comment on studies and plans, submit remote comments for public meetings, and learn about all the functions of each board and committee.
Speaking of speaking out, there are some especially timely opportunities for you to share feedback on the city’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBR-DR) Draft Action Plan. Get a breakdown on how the city plans to spend the $225 million grant before the final plan is presented to city council on Tuesday, April 8 for approval before being sent to HUD. Attend one of the followign sessions or submit a comment through the public input portal:
- Housing | Wednesday, March 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, Banquet Hall
- Economic Revitalization | Monday, March 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Golden Hour
- Infrastructure | Wednesday, March 26 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | A-B Tech, Ferguson Auditorium
