News Summary
The Asheville City Council is focusing on recovery efforts from storm Helene during its annual retreat on February 13-14. The council, gathering at the Buncombe County Government Building, is reviewing past accomplishments, discussing community input, and planning long-term strategies for resilience. A Helene Recovery Priorities Survey is also being conducted to gather feedback from residents, ensuring their needs are prioritized in the recovery process.
Asheville City Council Makes Recovery a Priority at Annual Retreat
Asheville, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is buzzing this week as the City Council has gathered for its annual retreat on February 13 and 14. This year, the spotlight is shining brightly on the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating storm Helene, which has left the community grappling with its aftermath.
Location and Participation
The retreat is taking place at the Buncombe County Government Administration Building, situated at 200 College Street, and it is open for the public to attend. Additionally, for those unable to make it in person, the event is being streamed live on YouTube, ensuring that everyone has the chance to keep up with what’s going on, even from the comfort of their own homes.
A Focus on Recovery Efforts
On the first day of the retreat, the council is dedicating time to review past accomplishments in recovery, discuss future priorities, and clarify the city’s role in the ongoing recovery process. City leaders are focusing on developing long-term strategies to build resilience and adaptability in the face of such natural disasters.
Integral to this process is an ongoing Helene Recovery Priorities Survey that aims to gather valuable community feedback about the recovery operations. This survey is available until February 2, 2025, and takes about ten minutes to complete. It features a list of 24 recovery priorities that respondents can rate from “essential” to “not at all important”, giving residents a chance to voice their thoughts on what matters most as the city works to heal.
Community Involvement is Key
Emphasizing the importance of community involvement, the council is keen to shape their recovery plan based on the feedback received from users of the survey. Mayor Esther Manheimer has expressed the belief that community input is crucial during this phase, as it allows them to align their plans with the needs and desires of the residents.
Achievements and Future Plans
During a recent council work session on February 4, the council discussed several achievements in the recovery efforts, including the vital water distribution services and other support programs that have already been implemented. Future action plans are set to focus on utilizing the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s significant $255 million allocation for recovery efforts.
But the city isn’t stopping there. Plans are in place to collaborate with state leadership on a larger proposal of $1 billion to the General Assembly, aimed at ensuring that Asheville has the resources needed to effectively bounce back and rebuild a better city in the wake of Helene’s destruction.
Facing Hard Realities
As the city grapples with the recovery efforts, the unfortunate reality is that the death toll related to the storm has tragically risen to 105, with some recent casualties reported in Buncombe County. Mayor Manheimer and the city leaders continue to recognize the significant challenges facing the community, pressing on with the hope of creating a strategic plan that will not only restore what was lost but also enhance the city as a whole.
Stay Updated
For those wanting to stay in the loop, a news crew is present at the retreat, providing regular updates as discussions unfold. The event promises to be a crucial part of shaping Asheville’s future as it seeks to recover and create a more resilient community.
In the coming days, let’s hope for a bright path ahead for Asheville as it tackles healing from Helene’s impact and towards a more robust and sustainable city.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville City Council Makes Recovery a Priority
- WLOS: Poll on Asheville Leaders’ Priorities
- ABC45: Recovery Priority Survey After Helene
- Fox Carolina: Asheville Residents Survey on Helene Recovery
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Britannica: Asheville
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.
