Tapped In with Buncombe County

Joining us today are two guests Buncombe County Age-Friendly Coordinator, Billie Breedan and Buncombe County Social Worker Supervisor, Laurie Dotson.  They are here to discuss the Age Friendly Conference, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Older Americans Month.

Nancy Williams, a Program Manager in the expanded Community Development Division of the Planning Department.  My role is to work on accessing and creating expanded opportunities with ‘external’ funds and partnerships to support the Commissioner’s affordable housing goals in Buncombe County.

We are diving into the important topics of Public Safety Telecommunicator Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Today, we have Alex McKnight, Buncombe County Public Safety Communications (911) Business Manager, and Rita Sneider-Cotter, Executive Director of Our Voice , joining us to shed light on these initiatives. Learn more of the role of 911 dispatchers and the services of Our Voice.

Joining us today are two guests from Buncombe County Justice Services Director, Tiffany Iheanacho, and Justice Services staff member Brent Bailey. They are here to discuss programs and services provided by Buncombe County Justice Services. Learn about the Re-Entry programs and diversion services.

Joining us today are two guests from Buncombe County Parks and Recreation. Thomas Gull, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s Principal Planner and Catalina Otero, the Information & Communications specialist for Buncombe County and Parks & Recreation. Currently, the county is in the process of creating a Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan and we would like to inform the listeners on upcoming events and how community can participate.  

We would like to introduce our special Guests Whitney Meadows, Buncombe County Property Appraiser and Keith Miller, Buncombe County Tax Assessor. They are here to inform community around property tax Relief/ Property tax Exemptions and Present Use Value Program. 

Joining us today is Corinne Duncan, Buncombe County Director of Elections. I hope everyone knows that 2024 is a election year and we want to empower our listeners with the most accurate and current information around this year elections, from registering to vote to actually voting and/or participating in the upcoming primaries and general election.

Today we will highlight how the Buncombe County Safety & Justice Challenge is looking at ways to reduce the number of occurrences of individuals missing court appearances. Joining us today is Nicholas Bolet from Justice Services and Eric Jackson from the City of Asheville, who will share more about this initiative and how community can participate. 

Explore the current challenges facing the Black community in achieving economic freedom. From disparities in access to capital to systemic issues, we address the hurdles that still need to be overcome. In this episode Lleyton interviews Barfuo Boakye-Boaten. Barfuo provides an explanation on why economic development and education are detrimental to the growth and liberation of the black community.  

STM Multimedia Production Team: 

Producer: Lleyton A Thomas-Johnson

Interview features: Barfuo Boakye-Boaten

Intro & Outro: Antonio Stinson & Imani Bellamy 

In a world where change is constant, the youth are not just the future – they are shaping the present.“The youth are the future & the voice of today, but are we truly listening to what the youth are trying to say? In this episode Eden explores the boundless potential of the next generation, discusses the barriers of systems created by adults, and a range of topics from education, health and wellness, and activism. Our guest, Zion Mosely shares her thoughts on the future of reparations. 

STM Multimedia Production Team: 

Producer: E Mosley 

Interview features: Zion Mosley

Intro & Outro: Antonio Stinson & Imani Bellamy 

The Declaration of Independence stated “ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. In this episode we discuss historical perspectives shedding light on current health trends, we explore the impact of socio-economic factors, systemic issues, and the role of community in shaping health outcomes. Our guest, Daijah Elliott will share personal stories, insights, and practical advice for cultivating a healthier lifestyle, both individually and collectively.

STM Multimedia Production Team: 

Producer: Lleyton A Thomas-Johnson

Interview features: Dajah Elliott 

Intro & Outro: Antonio Stinson & Imani Bellamy 

Today we will highlight Buncombe County Procurement Department new vendor/supplier portal.  Joining us today is Ron Venturella, Buncombe County Procurement manager, who will share more about this resource and how the community can participate.  

Today episode we talk with Steve Allinger, Vivian Bryd, and Stephanie Gash from Buncombe County Child Support Services. Learn of the services they provide for residence of Buncombe County.

Joining us today is the department that has been working on the 20 year land use plan, know as the 2043 Buncombe County Comprehensive Plan. We have had several conversations over the past couple of years about this plan, but we want keep the community up to date and informed about what residence can expect since this plan have been adopted by the County. We have Gillian Phillips who is the Planner  for Buncombe County to share information.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, more than 600,000 people in North Carolina will be able to apply for health coverage through NC Medicaid expansion. It's estimated 15,000 eligible Buncombe County individuals who may qualify for expansion. Medicaid expansion will cover people ages 19 through 64 years with higher income guidelines, closing the coverage gap for North Carolinians. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health and more — at little or no cost to participants.

Buncombe County Special Collections manager, Katherine Cutshall, African American Heritage Commission members, Aaron Griffin and Tiffany Debellott joined us today to discussed the importance on collecting family and local history.  We understand the holidays are quickly approaching and families are beginning to gather and discuss the good old days.  We at Buncombe County would like to share resources that could assist in capturing not only your family history, but also Asheville and Buncombe county history.

Buncombe County Recreation Services, Mac Stanley, Program Coordinator and Matt Dixon Park Ranger Supervisor. We understand the holidays are quickly approaching and we are at the end of the fall leaf season, However we want to inform community about some exciting upcoming events and various things about Buncombe County Recreation Services. Learn about Festival of Lights at Lake Julian.

Our guest today is Jake Ekberg, Buncombe County Community Development Grants Manager. He will discuss with us about affordable housing and the resources available.

Our guests today are Paulina Mendez, Buncombe County Family Justice program manager, Caitrin Doyle, outreach coordinator of Helpmate, and Kevin Long of Helpmate. They will discuss with us about Domestic Violence and the resources available for those experiencing such violence.

Joining us today is Buncombe County Recreation Services program coordinator, Mack Stanley. We understand the holidays are quickly approaching and we are at the beginning of the fall leaf season. However, we want to inform the community about some exciting upcoming fall events and various things about Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Our guest Keith Miller, Buncombe County Tax Assessor, is here to discuss Reappraisal 2025.   The Assessor’s responsibility includes listing, appraising and assessing all taxable property within Buncombe County. Learn more about the upcoming assessment and how residents can review your property record for accuracy. We discuss resources available for residents to prepared and educate themselves on their own property and their neighborhood assessment.

Joining us today is Corinne Duncan, Buncombe County Director of Elections. Learn about the new voter ID requirements and resources available. We want to empower our listeners with the most accurate and current information around this elections, from registering to vote to actually voting and/or participating in the upcoming primaries and next years’ general election.

The 5th of a 5 part series that we will be doing about the Community Reparations Commission that is taking place here in Buncombe and the City of Asheville. Our special guests are Dionne Greenlee-Jones, Renata Conyers, and Norma Baynes. They here to discuss the work and progress of the Health and Wellness Impact Focus Area, a workgroup of the Commission. Learn more about this workgroup and some of the documented harms and draft recommendations to address those harms. Most importantly how community can support the commission and engage in the process.

The 4th of a 5 part series that we will be doing about the Community Reparations Commission that is taking place here in Buncombe and the City of Asheville. Our special guests Tara Brown and Dwayne Richardson. They here to discuss the work and progress of the Economic Development Impact Focus Area, a workgroup of the Commission. Learn more about this workgroup and some of the documented harms and draft recommendations to address those harms. Most importantly how community can support the commission and engage in the process.

The 3rd of a 5 part series that discuss work of the Community Reparations Commission that is taking place in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville. Our special guests Tiffany DeBellot, Chris Gordon, and Osondu Mcpeters are here to discuss the work and progress of the Education Impact Focus Area, a workgroup of the Commission. Learn more about this workgroup and some of the documented harms and draft recommendations to address those harms. Most importantly how community can support the commission and engage in the process.

The 2nd of a 5 part series that discuss the work of the Community Reparations Commission that is taking place in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville. Our special guests Sala Merritt, Dewayne McAfee, and Shekiki Jiles-Baten are here to discuss the work and progress of the Criminal Justice Impact Focus Area, a workgroup of the Commission. Learn more about this workgroup and some of the documented harms and draft recommendations to address those harms. Most importantly how community can support the commission and engage in the process.

The 1st of a 5 part series that discuss work of the Community Reparations Commission that is taking place in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville. Our special guests Sala Merritt and Bobbette Mays are here to discuss the work and progress of the Housing Impact Focus Area, a workgroup of the Commission. Learn more about this workgroup and some of the documented harms and draft recommendations to address those harms. Most importantly how community can support the commission and engage in the process.

Two licenced therapists, Dr. Noreal Armstrong, Buncombe County Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer and Tiffany Iheanacho, Justice Service Director will discuss the current opioid crisis within our community and the increase of overdoses in the black populations. Learn about what is an opioid and how it impacts the body. Learn about risk factors, mental health, as well as signs of addiction. We also discuss how to access some resources for family and individuals dealing with substance abuse.

Guest Will Baxter, Buncombe County Community Safety and Violence Prevention Coordinator, which is housed in Justice Services.  Who will discuss with us today the county’s community based public health response to violence. The purpose of the Buncombe County Community Based Public Health Response to Violence (CPrV) project is to prevent and reduce violent crime in Asheville, NC by implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based, community-led, data-driven and trauma informed violence intervention and prevention program.     

Our special guests Billie Breeden Buncombe County Age-Friendly Coordinator and Laurie Dotson, Social Work Supervisors, will discuss services available for our aging population and their caregivers. We tackle issues around ageism. We highlights ways that the aging population can be engage in community and social events. Also, how to report abuse or neglect of this vulnerable population.

Today we will highlight Nurse-Family Partnership with Buncombe County Health and Human Services. Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based community health program with 45 years of research showing significant improvements in the health and lives of first-time moms and their children affected by social and economic inequality. April Baur and Claire Fontana are joining us today, Buncombe County Public Health Nurses, and Veronica Watts, NFP administrative support.

Buncombe’s Board of Commissioners have prioritized pursuing affordable housing on County-owned sites, and they would like to hear from our community as the site selection process moves forward. Joining us today is Matt Cable, Buncombe County Community Development Division manager, who will share more about this initiative and how community can participate.   In March 2023, following the results of an initial evaluation of multiple County-owned properties, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners prioritized three sites for the development of affordable housing: 30-80 Valley Street, 50-52 Coxe Avenue, 180 Erwin Hills Road (portion).

Joining us today is Deanna LaMotte Buncombe County Partnership for Children NC Pre K expansion director and staff member Cindy Knox.  They will discuss Pre K and Head Start enrollment. Learn about where to apply for programs, eligibility requirement, and the benefits.

Joining us today is Arteria Collective Executive Director, Sekou Coleman and project manager, Liz Garland.  Artéria Collective will convene a team of youth media makers, and that group will use written features, podcasts, videos, photo galleries, and more to document the Commission’s work over the next two years.

Joining us today is Aaron Griffin, Chairman of the African American Heritage Commission. Today we would like to get the community acquainted with the African American Heritage Commission. What is its mission, who is a part of the commission, and how community can collaborate.  The City-County African American Heritage Commission consists of nine members. Three of those members are appointed by the Asheville City Council, three are appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and three are appointed by the six appointed members.

The Commission is to advise the City Council and County Commissioners about the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of African American arts, history, and culture.

In North Carolina and nationally, emergency allotments for COVID-19 in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program will end in March 2023. This means that in March 2023, households will see a reduction in their FNS benefits because of a federal change that ends emergency allotments for all states.  Joining us today is Trish Wallin, Deputy Director for Buncombe County Economic Services Division and JeWana McEachin, Executive Director of Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement better known as ABIPA.   They are here today to make residents aware of the changes, but also to provide information on some resources to assist residents during this transition, like the Healthy Opportunity Pilot. 

We invite our community to learn more about additional food and nutrition resources at ncdhhs.gov/foodresources. Buncombe County residents can apply for FNS benefits online with epass.nc.gov or by filling out a paper application.

FNS applications can submitted by mail, phone, email, or in person.

Today guest is Angelica Tyler from the Communication and Public Engagement Department discussing the County's citizen engagement software.  Learn more about engage.buncombecounty.gov better know as Public Input and how community can engage with this platform.  Buncombe County’s engagement portal is the home for outreach and listening efforts for projects shaping the future of our community. Here you will find project updates, upcoming events, public feedback opportunities, and other information about ongoing projects.

Happy 2023!!! Today's guest is Rasheeda Hall, Buncombe County Public Engagement Supervisor.  She will share the evolution of the County's Engagement team and the work this team will continue do in 2023 to serve Buncombe County.  Also, learn of a lot of upcoming programs and initiatives for community.   

Keith Miller, Buncombe County Property Assessor, and Jonathan Hunter, Land of the Sky Association of Realtors (LOTSAR), joins us today to discuss the upcoming property value appeal clinics.  LOTSAR is providing free community clinics on understanding property value and how to appeal if necessary; dates begin in January and offer both in-person and call-in options across the county.

Halyee Madfis from Buncombe County planning department joined us today to discuss the next phase of engagement around the 20-year land use plan, called the 2043 Buncombe County comprehensive plan. Learn about what we heard from earlier community input sessions and where and how you can engage this draft plan in this next phase of engagement. 

Hannah Egan, Outreach and Resource Coordinator with Green Built Alliance, discuss the services her organization provide for residents of Buncombe County on weatherization and energy efficiency tips for the home.  We also share some emergency assistance resources for family in need of heating support. 

Joining us today are two guests from Buncombe County Recreation Services, Mac Stanley, Program Coordinator and Matt Dixon Park Ranger Supervisor. We understand the holidays are quickly approaching and we are at the end of the fall leaf season, However we want to inform community about some exciting upcoming events and various things about Buncombe County Recreation Services.  A holiday tradition for many mountain families returns to Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd. in Arden) in December. Festival of Lights continues with all its illuminated magic and more.

November is caregiver month and we are having a discussion around caregiving and the support / resources for caregivers in our community.  Heather Bauer, Executive Director at Council on Aging of Buncombe County and Edward Jones, Family Caregiver Specialist with Land of Sky are our guests today. Support caregiver well-being is a goal in the Buncombe County Age Friendly Action Plan. 

Joining us today is Buncombe County Assistant County Manager Sybil Tate and the director of Communication and Public Engagement Lillian Govus.  Sharing information about two bond referendums that will be on the 2022 election ballot. If approved, the two bonds will support conservation of open space, greenways, and increase the number of housing units for people of low to moderate income in Buncombe County.

Everything you need to know about voting in the 2022 Midterm Elections with Elections Services Director Corinne Duncan. 

North Carolina will celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Week September 18-24, 2022.  Billie Breeden, Buncombe County’s Age-Friendly Coordinator and Brea Kuykendall, Aging Program Specialist, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention with Land of Sky joined us for today's episode. Learn about the various services available for our aging populations.  We also share tips around preventing falls in your home and how to safely age in place.  

Shannon Capezzali a planner for Buncombe County gives an update on the 2043 Comprehensive Plan. Learn about some of the take aways and themes that came out the first two phases of engagement.  A comprehensive plan is used by local governments as a broad, long-range planning tool for the community.
Buncombe's plan will focus on the next 20-year period and will look at the relationships between land uses, infrastructure, and key community needs.

Today our special Guest Khadiya Ross and Erin Bee, Buncombe County Program Manager with Health Promotions to discuss 2020 the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Learn about the One Question campaign around the CHIP "What is the most important thing you need for you & your family's health and wellbeing?" 

Buncombe County Commissioners recently approved a new initiative aimed at helping qualified homeowners.  If eligible, grantees may, at their option, choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill, any city municipality taxes, and/or applied to other housing related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or insurance. Buncombe County Economic Services Director, Phillip Hardin shares details and eligibility requirements.  

As we all know disasters can happen any time, any place and to anyone. Therefore, we want to educate our listeners on how to be ready for the unexpected. So let’s talk about preparedness with Fletcher Tove, Buncombe County Safety, Preparedness, and Security Officer.