Recovery Updates: October 29, 2026

Biltmore Village Recovery Moves Toward Construction

The Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery Project has reached a major milestone.

Design plans are now complete, and a construction bid was posted in mid-October. Bids will be opened in November, giving the project team a clearer picture of the final construction scope and cost. City Council must approve the construction contract before work begins.

The project will repair storm-damaged public infrastructure along Biltmore Plaza and Kitchin Place, Boston Way and Swan Street. Planned improvements include:

• Repairing historic brick sidewalks and granite curbs
• Rebuilding accessible pedestrian ramps
• Replacing damaged street trees
• Restoring landscaping throughout the project area

The work is intended to improve pedestrian safety, preserve the historic character of Biltmore Village and support businesses still recovering from Helene. Construction is currently planned for early 2027 through early 2028.

A related project is assessing all 92 City-maintained lighting structures and their electrical components in Biltmore Village. That assessment will determine which fixtures can be repaired and provide cost estimates for restoring street lighting throughout the district.

Public Works Advances Recovery at Nearly 200 Sites

Asheville Public Works is managing Helene recovery projects at nearly 200 locations across the city.

The projects address damage to bridges, culverts, roads, sidewalks, slopes and stormwater systems. Current work includes engineering, design, permitting and coordination with state and federal funding partners. Construction will follow as designs are completed and required permits are secured.

The recovery portfolio includes:

• 21 bridge and culvert sites, supported by a $6.2 million project
• 89 landslide sites, supported by three projects totaling $9.5 million
• 36 road and sidewalk sites, supported by a $2.7 million project
• 52 stormwater sites, supported by three projects totaling $2.2 million

Together, these projects represent more than $20 million in work to repair damaged infrastructure and make vulnerable locations more resilient.

Recovery Boards Help Shape the Next Phase of Funding

Three Helene Recovery Boards met in October to review programs addressing neighborhood resilience, business recovery, housing stability and homelessness.

Investing in Community Resilience Hubs

The People and Environment Recovery Board reviewed plans for a new funding opportunity supporting community facilities that provide services throughout the year and can help residents during emergencies.

The City has reserved $2.125 million in Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for site improvements such as backup power, communications systems, rainwater management and accessibility upgrades.

Staff are preparing the Notice of Funding Opportunity and application process. Organizations interested in applying can subscribe to project updates to receive information about eligibility, technical assistance and application deadlines when they become available.

Supporting Asheville’s Workforce

The Economy Recovery Board discussed the Workforce Development program, including an overview of Asheville’s workforce, employment recovery following Tropical Storm Helene, and ongoing economic challenges. Funded with $5 million in Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, the program aims to connect disaster-impacted residents with job training, employment opportunities, and supportive services.

Board members also discussed the Revitalization of Flooded Commercial Districts program and the ongoing challenges facing businesses in areas such as Biltmore Village and the River Arts District. Staff indicated that the flooded commercial districts program will advance before applications open for workforce development funding.

Preventing Displacement and Homelessness

The Housing Recovery Board reviewed the effect Helene continues to have on housing instability and homelessness in Asheville.

Board members also discussed the City’s planned $2 million Housing and Economic Security Support Services (HESSS) program. The federal disaster-recovery funding can support services such as housing navigation, homelessness prevention and limited emergency assistance paid directly to landlords, utility providers or other vendors.

The discussion focused on how a limited amount of funding can balance immediate assistance for households at risk of displacement with longer-term improvements to the systems that connect people with housing and services.

City Council Supports Streambank Stabilization

At its October 27 meeting, Asheville City Council authorized the City to become a sponsor of the federal Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

The program allows the City to work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to assess storm damage, remove debris, and stabilize streambanks at approved locations.

Council also approved an initial $20,773 budget amendment for streambank stabilization work. The expense will be fully reimbursed through the federal program.

Becoming a program sponsor gives the City another way to pursue outside funding and coordinate recovery work along waterways damaged by Helene.