Asheville Panel Unveils Strategies for Recovery Following Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville, NC – A panel from the Urban Land Institute has provided a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at rebuilding Asheville after the damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The forum took place at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, where national land use and economic development experts shared their insights after assessing the city’s recovery needs over the course of a week.

The panel proposed a series of strategies focusing on enhancing physical infrastructure, diversifying the local economy, and reforming organizational structures. Key recommendations included the adoption of a “one water” approach to regional planning aimed at improving water quality and establishing more efficient flood warning systems. To enhance organizational collaboration, the panel suggested forming a unified council comprising city and county officials.

Civil engineer Ronnie Dietz emphasized the necessity for Asheville to begin planning for a fourth water treatment plant and to secure land for future redundancy measures. This planning is critical, considering the extreme weather events that have plagued the area.

Stormwater management standards were also a central topic, with a recommendation to require developers to capture the first 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall on-site to mitigate flooding risks. Additionally, Mayor Esther Manheimer pointed out the significant federal funding available for recovery efforts, which includes FEMA rebuilding funds and Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery funds.

The panel highlighted the need for infrastructure investment to ensure Asheville’s long-term resilience. In terms of tourism, they recommended reframing the focus around “destination stewardship,” which incorporates input from local residents into tourism management practices.

A proposal for a “RAD 2.0” initiative was made to relocate the River Arts District, which is currently at high risk of flooding, to safer ground. Harvard finance professor John Macomber underscored the importance of protecting the artistic community through these relocation efforts. The panel discussed potential land swaps necessary to maintain the district’s character while providing artists with affordable spaces.

Real estate economist Richard Green reported that Asheville has constructed housing at 2.5 times the national average, which has, to some extent, alleviated housing cost burdens. However, he noted that current mortgage rates are presenting challenges for new constructions. Immediate actions recommended include prohibiting polluting industries from operating in flood zones and requiring green infrastructure for new developments.

Urban designer Andre Brumfield stressed the importance of ensuring that Asheville’s historically Black neighborhoods receive equitable benefits from recovery investments, spotlighting the need for inclusivity in development plans.

The panel identified six priority actions for prompt implementation in the recovery process and signaled an urgency in acting quickly to maintain momentum and secure funding. An in-depth implementation report is expected within the next four to five months, laying out actionable steps for the city.

Samia Byrd, Arlington County’s director of housing and community development, pointed out that resilience must be actively constructed through strategic planning and community engagement, rather than passively anticipated.

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Key Features of the Post-Hurricane Strategy Panel