News Summary
City leaders in Asheville are conducting public meetings throughout February to gather feedback on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. This initiative aims to address the unmet disaster-related needs following Hurricane Helene. Residents are encouraged to participate and share insights that will shape the draft Action Plan, ensuring community voices are heard in the recovery process.
Asheville Set to Host Public Meetings for Disaster Recovery Feedback
In an exciting opportunity for residents of Asheville, city leaders will be hosting a series of public meetings throughout February that focus on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. This initiative aims to gather vital feedback and insights around addressing the unmet disaster-related needs in the community.
What to Expect from the Meetings
Six public meetings are on the calendar, and each gathering will feature a presentation detailing the CDBG-DR program and its allocation processes. These sessions ensure that all information presented meets the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Following the presentations, the floor will open up for residents to share their thoughts and feedback. This engagement is crucial as it will play a significant role in shaping the draft Action Plan and funding decisions moving forward. The importance of community participation cannot be overstated, and all residents are encouraged to attend and voice their perspectives.
The Focus of the CDBG-DR Program
The CDBG-DR program is all about recovery from disasters and it specifically targets areas like housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure restoration. In light of the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, it aims to provide much-needed support to rebuild homes, repair vital infrastructure, and offer relief to small businesses that suffered during the storm.
Excitingly, western North Carolina has received not one but two significant CDBG-DR awards totaling an impressive $1.65 billion. These funds were recently announced and are set to greatly aid those in the region still recovering from the hurricane’s impacts. The allocation breaks down to $1.4 billion directed to the state of North Carolina and an additional $225 million earmarked specifically for the City of Asheville.
Process and Timeline
The draft Action Plan that will arise from these meetings is due for publication in March. At that point, further public input will be collected before it is finalized and submitted to HUD in April. This well-structured timeline allows ample opportunity for community voices to be heard.
Supporting the Recovery Efforts
The federal disaster recovery funding comes as part of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, a significant law enacted in December 2024. Among the notable plans, the state government is considering purchasing up to 1,000 temporary housing units for those affected by Hurricane Helene. These costs will be reimbursed by FEMA to alleviate the financial strain on state and local resources.
Leadership and Support
In a show of solidarity and support, the Governor of North Carolina has taken steps like issuing an executive order to waive federal limits on the driving time required for transporting essential fuels. This aims to provide crucial assistance to displaced residents still coping with the aftermath of the hurricane and severe weather.
A dedicated recovery team has already been formed, spearheaded by Matthew Calabria, to lead the charge in addressing both the urgent and long-term needs within western North Carolina. The recovery operations are expected to span several years, demonstrating a commitment to restoring the community and ensuring it emerges stronger than before.
Your Voice Matters!
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Set to Host Public Meetings for Disaster Recovery Feedback
- NC Newsline: Western North Carolina to Receive $1.65B in Federal Disaster Grants
- Wikipedia: Community Development Block Grant
- Britannica: Disaster Relief
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
