Asheville Reporter

The City of Asheville is set to host a series of public meetings throughout February to gather community input on the allocation of Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. The meetings aim to engage residents in discussions about their unmet needs following the Helene disaster and will help shape the Action Plan Draft for the $225 million in allocated funds.

The meetings will include a presentation detailing CDBG-DR funds, the procedures for receiving and distributing these funds, and requirements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback on their community's disaster-related needs. This input will be used to draft the Action Plan, which outlines potential programs and activities for funding. The draft plan will be available for public comment in March, followed by additional public meetings before its submission to HUD in April.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

- February 10, 2025: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Virtual

- February 12, 2025: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at West Asheville Library

- February 18, 2025: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Virtual

- February 19, 2025: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Skyland/South Buncombe Library

- February 24, 2025: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Grant Southside Community Center

- February 26, 2025: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at East Asheville Library

Residents can find more information and register for meetings at publicinput.com/cdbg-dr.

CDBG-DR is a federal program providing financial aid to communities impacted by major disasters. Unlike regular Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, CDBG-DR requires congressional approval for specific events and focuses on addressing unmet needs in housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure restoration.

The City emphasizes that public participation is crucial in this process and encourages residents to attend a meeting to learn more about CDBG-DR and contribute their perspectives on recovery needs.