January 9, 2025

Upcoming City Council actions on storm recovery

As we continue our recovery from Hurricane Helene, the Asheville City Council is taking important steps to address rebuilding and future planning. Here's a look at the key upcoming actions:

• The regular Council meeting on January 14 will include several recovery-related items, including repairs to the North Fork water treatment facility and a rental assistance program in partnership with Buncombe County. The Council will hear presentations on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and an update on the Capital Improvement Plan, and consider amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to align with state building codes.

• The Council agenda briefing on January 23 will include a critical presentation on the FEMA Public Assistance Process, outlining the steps for rebuilding city-owned property damaged by the storm. This briefing will cover how FEMA funding is secured, how projects are prioritized, and the federal compliance required for successful recovery.

• The Council’s regular meeting on January 28 will focus on additional recovery efforts, including budget amendments to address Helene-related expenses as well as support for recovery management services. Council will also review updates to the Affordable Housing Plan, focusing on how recovery efforts can be leveraged to address housing needs and rebuilding through a recovery-oriented approach.

• On February 13-14, the Council will hold its annual retreat to set priorities for the next year’s budget, with a major focus on hurricane recovery efforts. Key discussions will include long-term recovery milestones, floodplain redevelopment, climate resilience planning, and strategies to allocate resources effectively for rebuilding efforts. Council will also review bond-funded recovery projects and other infrastructure improvements, aligning on plans to build a more resilient Asheville. 

We invite community members to stay engaged and follow these discussions. Your input is valuable as we shape the future of Asheville and work together to recover and rebuild. For updates and details on these and other City Council meetings, visit ashevillenc.gov/government.

HUD announces more federal disaster funding for Asheville

Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Manager Debra Campbell joined Governor Josh Stein and U.S. HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman in downtown Asheville on Tuesday to announce $225 million in federal disaster relief funding for the City. Provided through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), these funds will address critical unmet needs in housing, infrastructure, economic revitalization, and hazard mitigation.

Mayor Manheimer called the funding a “vital boost” to Asheville’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. City staff will now develop an action plan detailing how the funds will be used, with public engagement playing a key role before the plan is submitted to HUD by summer 2025. City Council will review and adopt the plan prior to submission.

Click here to watch a video of the announcement, and stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to share your input on how these funds can best support Asheville’s recovery and future resilience.

Get in-person assistance from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Representatives from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will be available at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in the Asheville Mall to help Buncombe County residents learn how to make their homes more resilient to natural disasters. They will be on site on weekdays through January 17, on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The HMGP offers funding for home projects like elevating homes, reconstruction, and property acquisition to reduce the long-term risks of floods, wildfires, and storms. FEMA funds 75% of the costs, while the state covers the remaining 25%, making these projects free for homeowners.

Participation is voluntary, and there is no income requirement. Learn more about how you can apply for this program by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center during the dates listed above. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your home and prepare for the future.

Click here for more details on the program and application steps.