Asheville, August 2, 2025

News Summary

Asheville will hold a public forum to discuss recovery strategies after Hurricane Helene. Featuring national experts, the event aims to gather community input on economic sustainability and disaster preparedness. Residents are encouraged to attend both in-person and via livestream.

Asheville Hosts Public Forum for Recovery Strategies Following Hurricane Helene

Asheville will host a public forum on Friday, August 1, where national experts will present strategic recommendations aimed at helping the city recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The forum will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center.

The event, organized by the city of Asheville, will feature a presentation from the nine-member panel of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Advisory Services Program, which has been analyzing the city’s data and meeting with stakeholders over the past week. The forum is free to the public and will also be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel.

Focus Areas of Discussion

Discussions at the forum will concentrate on essential topics such as enhancing economic sustainability, improving disaster preparedness, and building resilience post-Hurricane Helene. Some of the key recommendations presented may include:

• Strengthening the local workforce to ensure stability and growth.
• Reducing flood risks in commercial areas to minimize damage during severe weather conditions.
• Re-evaluating land use in floodplains to ensure better resource management and safety.

The insights from the ULI engagement are informed by both local and national experiences and are nonpartisan, aimed at guiding Asheville effectively. The ULI’s involvement is supported by the ULI Foundation and its participating members, who bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.

ULI’s Expertise

The ULI Advisory Services Program is celebrating its 75th year, having offered assistance to over 700 communities nationwide. The program applies expert analysis to a variety of urban issues, including land use and economic development, which are critical to Asheville’s rebuilding efforts.

A written report detailing the panel’s recommendations is expected to be published later this year. Residents can anticipate finding the document on ashevillerecovers.org, which will serve as a resource for ongoing recovery efforts.

Community Involvement Encouraged

City officials are urging residents, business owners, and community leaders to participate in the forum. Their feedback will play a vital role in shaping the comprehensive recovery strategy, ensuring that the community’s needs and desires are addressed in the final recommendations.

As the city continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, this forum represents a critical step in engaging the community and utilizing expert knowledge to develop effective solutions. This collaboration aims to not only restore Asheville but to create a more sustainable and resilient city for the future.

Key Forum Details

• Date: Friday, August 1
• Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
• Location: Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Asheville
• Access: Free to the public and livestreamed on YouTube

Conclusion

This forum serves as an opportunity for Asheville to come together, learn from experts, and collaboratively contribute to the city’s recovery strategies following Hurricane Helene. Engagement from the community will be essential as Asheville looks to build a sustainable and prepared future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• 828 News Now: Strategies for Asheville’s Flood-Prone Business Districts
• Architectural Digest: Building a More Resilient Future in North Carolina
• Fox Carolina: Pete Buttigieg Assesses Reconstruction in Western NC
• Travel and Tour World: North Carolina Welcomes Travelers Post-Hurricane Helene
• Wikipedia: 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.