February 2025: Setting Recovery Priorities

February 1: City begins public engagement for CDBG-DR Action Plan

February 13-14: At their February 13-14 retreat, City Council established key Helene recovery priorities for the next 18 months, guided by a vision of resilience, unity, and long-term preparedness.

• Day 1 recording
• Day 2 recording

February 19: Communications & Public Engagement Department launches AshevilleRecovers.org

February 25: City Council holds public comment for FY 2025-26 budget and recovery priorities

January 2025: Recovery Funding, Community Engagement

January 7: Mayor Esther Manheimer joins Gov. Josh Stein, U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development Secretary to announce $225 million in additional funds for Asheville families affected by Helene. Funds are designated for infrastructure repair, small business support, and housing development. 

January 16: Communications & Public Engagement Department launches Helene Recovery Priorities Survey

December 2024: Ongoing Recovery Efforts

December 5: Communications & Public Engagement Department launches Recovery Dashboard

December 11: Communications & Public Engagement Department launches Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub, including weekly newsletter with recovery updates 

December 13: City officials announce partnerships with mutual aid organizations to ensure sustained community support during winter months, including a contract with Grace Covenant for $450,000 in rental assistance.

December 18: City of Asheville Business Inclusion Office hosts Minority/Women Business Enterprise Debris Removal Contracting Opportunities Event

November 2024: Initial Recovery Efforts

November 1: City launches 90-day strategy for short-term recovery goals based on the following approach:

• Streamlining Decision-Making: We’re part of a coordinated recovery framework that helps prioritize and streamline decisions for efficient action that can bring relief to our area sooner.

• Collaborating with Partners: By working hand-in-hand with agencies like FEMA, neighboring municipalities, and nonprofit organizations, we’re maximizing resources and expertise that will support survivors of this storm.

• Setting Clear Goals: Together with our partners, we’re focusing on short-, medium-, and long-term objectives to address immediate needs and plan for the future.

• Keeping You Informed: Transparency is key. We’re committed to providing regular updates on progress and keeping the community engaged every step of the way.

November 3: City staff begins Substantial Damage Assessments in the Flood Hazard Area.

November 13: City issues $700,000 in Small Business Recovery Grants to be distributed by Mountain BizWorks.

November 18: After 53 days without potable tap water, Water Resources Department lifts the boil water advisory for Asheville residents. Testing for lead and other chemicals continues as the water system stabilizes. 

November 26: City executes contract with Eblen Charities for $500,000.

October 2024: Restoring Essential Services

October 1: A local state of emergency is declared, allowing Asheville to access federal and state disaster relief funds. City begins initial recovery assessments. City opens additional food and water distribution points around Asheville, distributing over 3.9 million bottles of drinking water, 280,000 gallons of bulk potable and non-potable water, 250,000 meals ready-to-eat, and 2,900 blankets.

October 11: Water Resources Department begins filling the water distribution system, restoring non-potable water access for many residents. Public Works Department begins collecting storm debris from roadways. 

October 12: Due to widespread cell outages, Communications & Public Engagement Department launches simplified AshevilleNC.gov homepage with recovery resources.

October 14: Public Works Department restores trash pickup service in accessible locations.

October 16: City opens additional Community Care Stations around the city, offering access to hot showers, laundry, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and charging stations as well as food and water distribution.

October 18: City begins second phase of Building Safety Assessments. Parks & Recreation reopens undamaged parks, continues clearing debris from City facilities

October 21: Transportation Department expands bus service for residents, including access to early voting sites.

October 22: At its first meeting since the storm,City Council authorizes re-allocation of existing City resources to support business stabilization grants, rental assistance and home repair programs, to be distributed by experienced local non-profits

September 2024: Crisis Response

September 25: The City activates the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate disaster response, including 24/7 staffing.

September 27: Hurricane Helene brings historic flooding, widespread power outages, and infrastructure damage across the region. Asheville Fire and Police Departments lead rescue and safety operations, conducting over 1,000 evacuations, 140 rescues, and searching more than 1,000 square miles for storm victims. Bus and trash services are suspended until further notice.

September 28: Major damage to the North Fork and William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plants leads to widespread water outages. Public Works and Water Resources departments begin infrastructure damage assessments, debris clearing, and emergency repairs.

September 29: FEMA begins sending search-and-rescue teams, as well as delivering 6.5 million liters of water and 7.1 million meals to assist local residents, agencies, and nonprofits. City begins distributing potable and nonpotable water to residents at locations around the city, as well as providing cellular satellite trailers around the city to assist with communication.

September 30: City Manager begins holding regular briefings for media and public. Over 380 Fire, Emergency Search & Rescue, and Law Enforcement officers from agencies around the country assist with recovery efforts.