Asheville Reporter

The City of Asheville has reflected on the challenges and achievements of 2024, particularly in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. The storm tested the community's resilience, but city officials noted a strong response from residents and organizations.

“With every challenge came an opportunity to rise, and rise we did,” said Debra Campbell. “We, as a community, stepped up with extraordinary dedication, creativity, and compassion. We saw it in our City departments, neighborhoods, business districts, partner organizations, and governmental agencies.”

Emergency responders carried out 1,000 evacuations and 140 rescues while searching over 1,000 miles for stranded individuals after the storm. Interagency teams set up five distribution points for water and food and supported 48 focus areas across the city. To keep residents informed despite power outages, thousands of flyers were distributed door-to-door.

In terms of resources provided to residents in need: the city distributed millions of bottles of drinking water along with meals ready-to-eat (MREs) and blankets.

Efforts to restore infrastructure have been significant. Over 1,000 structures were assessed for damage with more than 200,000 cubic yards of debris collected. Water Resources staff worked alongside private contractors to restore non-potable water within three weeks and potable water within just under two months post-storm.

To support economic recovery efforts: $4.67 million was approved by Asheville City Council for rental assistance programs among other initiatives like home repair or small business grants administered through local assistance programs.

The Business Inclusion Office collaborated with contractors promoting minority- or women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). Five MWBEs have already been hired by AshBritt—the company responsible for debris removal—with others contracted out catering services too frontline workers during this time period as well!

Local nonprofits also played key roles providing mutual aid throughout these events which exemplified Asheville’s community spirit according city officials' statements about ongoing recovery work ahead towards future growth plans that aim "Building Back Better."

Residents are encouraged stay engaged via publicinput.com/ashevillerecovers where they can subscribe weekly newsletters submit questions regarding current initiatives underway aimed at strengthening infrastructure supporting overall economic development goals moving forward into next year beyond what happened here recently due largely because how well everyone came together when needed most importantly so!

For more information on ongoing recovery efforts visit ashevillenc.gov