Local Resources Last updated or reviewed on May 6, 2025 The City of Asheville works to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change in City planning and operations and encourages community members and business owners to also take action. Below are some resources to become more sustainable and more resilient to extreme weather. Reduce Energy Bills The City supports Electrify Asheville Buncombe, a resource and online marketplace to help residents develop an electrification plan, connect with trusted and knowledgeable contractors, and understand and access rebates and financing to support adoption of clean, energy-efficient home upgrades. If you are interested in personalized help, sign up for a free Home Energy Navigator Session. If you would like more ways to save, these simple home energy saving tips can help anyone reduce their home energy consumption. Rebates UPDATE: This rebate program has been suspended until further notice. The City offers residential fee rebates for permits through the Department of Development Services pertaining to: Solar Energy Installations Energy Efficient Homes Shade Trees Local Food The City has adopted a food policy action plan to support increased access to locally grown, healthy foods for community members. The resources and programs below support residents to learn more about where our food comes from, connect with local farmers, learn food production and preparation skills, and build a strong, resilient local food system. Some of the resources include access to community food production or pollinator gardening space. Community Gardening and Food Education AVL Edibles Map Community Gardens Community Garden Network food production and preservation events Connect with local food producers and participate in our local food system Community Supported Agriculture Farms in our region EBT/SNAP benefits to purchase local food Farmer’s Markets (Tailgate Markets) NC 10% Campaign WNC Food Systems Coalition Support Pollinators and Biodiversity Did you know that in 2012 the City of Asheville earned its Bee City, USA designation? Learn more and prepare your pollinator habitat at home or on City-owned property! Reduce Waste Did you know the City has a goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2050? Learn more about composting at home or at City & County Food Scraps Drop-Off programs on this webpage Get tips and tricks to reduce food waste at home and in our community from Food Waste Solutions WNC Click Here to visit the Sanitation Division to find details about waste collection For more information on recycling correctly visit the City’s recycling webpage Use the Waste Wizard Tool on AVL Collects to see what you can recycle! If you are planning an event, here’s a green events guide to help reduce waste and make it more sustainable. Improve Resilience The City created the Climate Resilience Resource Guide for property owners to identify best management strategies from threats identified through the climate resilience assessment. Elevate AVL provides resources and information in support of community-led climate justice and resilience work. Use SimpliCity.ashevillenc.gov to access personal property information including climate threats and vulnerabilities alongside actions you can take to increase your household and neighborhood resilience. Contact Kiera Bulan, Sustainability Manager (828) 620-0664
