Government Accountability Project of Asheville

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• Appeal deadline for property tax reappraisals is too early (new)
• Buncombe County needs to adopt an anti-displacement policy

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New Item: Buncombe County’s May 5 deadline for filing formal appeals of the recent property tax reappraisals is too early

With many property values increasing substantially, a large number of homeowners may need to challenge their assessments. However, the current timeline provides limited time for residents to understand the process, gather comparable sales, and prepare documentation. This is particularly concerning from an anti-displacement perspective, as homeowners with fewer resources — including seniors, long-time residents, and those navigating the appeals process for the first time — may be less able to act quickly. Following the lead of the Buncombe Asheville Housing Network, we’re calling for this deadline to be postponed to provide a more equitable opportunity for residents to participate. We are adding the additional recommendation that the County extend the appeal deadline to May 20.

Updated item: We met with Buncombe County Access and Human Affairs staff to discuss our proposal for a County anti-displacement policy

The conversation helped clarify how staff are currently approaching displacement-related issues and the departments that may need to be involved in developing a broader policy framework. We followed up with additional questions after the meeting, and we are currently waiting for responses. We hope to receive more information soon and will share updates as they become available.

Volunteer Opportunity: Our friends at the Center for Participatory Change (CPC) are seeking volunteers for Community Voices in Action, a collaborative, one-day community listening event designed to center lived experience in housing and recovery planning

The event, which will take place on Saturday, April 18,  brings together community members, grassroots organizations, and institutional partners in a welcoming, people-centered environment that supports meaningful participation, honest storytelling, and collective learning. This gathering is intentionally designed as a community listening day party, combining music, food, care, and structured listening opportunities to create conditions where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives. CPC is responsible for creating the container and designing the day-of experience, ensuring the event is culturally responsive, accessible, and grounded in community trust. Thrive AVL and the City of Asheville are collaborative listening partners in this structure. You can sign up to volunteer here, and to attend the event here.

Take action with us:
Here are all active email templates:

• Email the Buncombe County Commission about the need to postpone the property appraisal appeal deadline
• Email the Buncombe County Commission about the need for an overarching anti-displacement policy

Resources:

Click here to read our full proposed anti-displacement policy proposal.

We prepared a three-part Special Report on the history of the proposed performing arts center called “Before Parkside: An Active Eagle Street Community.”

• Click here to read our introduction
• Click here for Part 1
• Click here for Part 2
• Click here for Part 3