GROWTH, PROTECTION, & CONSERVATION GOAL:
This goal will result in sustainable development patterns that expand affordable housing options for residents and job opportunities for the local workforce, protect historically disadvantaged neighborhoods and businesses from displacement and gentrification, and create centers for shopping, dining, and recreating. New development will maximize developable lands through mixed-use and clustered development designs that lessen climate impacts and are more resilient to hazards. Growth will be directed away from priority conservation areas using a variety of public and private tools.

TRANSPORTATION & CONNECTIVITY GOAL:
Sustainable growth patterns will be supported through expansion of equitable and affordable transportation choices (walking, biking, taking transit, and driving) that prioritize safety for users, reduce climate impacts, and provide greater access to travel between live, work and play destinations, especially for those with limited vehicle access and have historically been underserved by the transportation network. Buncombe County will leverage regional partnerships to improve the transportation system through enhanced transit service, provide greater connectivity between current and future destinations, and expand infrastructure for renewable fuel vehicles.

FARMS, FORESTS, & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GOAL:
A minimum of 20% of the County's open lands will be protected from development. Priority natural environments that support clean water, provide habitat for wildlife, offer nature-based recreation, and provide picturesque rural views will be conserved. Priority farms, forests and other working lands will be maintained for the benefit of future generations.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION, & JOBS GOAL:
Buncombe County will be home to a diverse economy of industries that employ local workers, support equitable access to employment, and help meet quality of life needs of residents. It will strive to address inequities within the local workforce through collaborations with economic development partners to build capacity for entrepreneurship and business development in historically disadvantaged communities, including addressing any land use policy and regulatory barriers to business development. The County will partner with Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools to support more sustainable and resilient school campuses. The County will also coordinate and support the school districts in efforts to enhance academic achievement and reduce the achievement gap between BIPOC and white students with a broad spectrum of abilities through new programs, such as vocational or living skills courses.

HEALTH & RECREATION GOAL:
Residents living within the County's growth areas will have proximate access to natural recreation lands, greenways, trails, or parks, and will prioritize access to historically disadvantaged communities. Residents will have equitable access to mental health, substance abuse, and general healthcare services that support improved health outcomes across the County.

HAZARDS & RESILIENCY GOAL:
In partnership with private landowners, Buncombe will protect important resources and assets (food, housing, businesses, energy systems) from the impacts of natural and manmade hazards. The County will manage existing and future environmental impacts by implementing green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Development will be limited in high hazard areas prone to floods, wildfires, and landslides. The County will be ready to respond to future events through enhanced emergency preparedness efforts and reduced response times of first responders.

INFRASTRUCTURE & ENERGY GOAL:
The County will achieve carbon neutrality by converting Buncombe County's operations (by 2030) and energy use of the larger Buncombe community (by 2042) to 100% renewable energy. Infrastructure will be expanded across the County to support renewable fuel vehicles, broadband access, and renewable energy use. Rebuilding of aging infrastructure to support these renewable energy targets will be prioritized. The County will coordinate with partner utilities to encourage development in growth areas and away from priority conservation areas and important water resources. Long range public facilities and services planning will ensure appropriate levels of service to support future growth.

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