In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we've seen our community come together like never before to rebuild and recover from this unprecedented event. But we also know the work is far from over. The City of Asheville is establishing a recovery process that is adaptive and iterative, allowing us to evolve with changing circumstances and insights. Guided by the City’s core values of Integrity, Accountability, Collaboration, and Trustworthiness (IACT), we are working to address immediate needs, develop long-term solutions, and build a stronger, more resilient Asheville.

Our Recovery Strategy

Recovering from Hurricane Helene is a community effort, and Asheville is one piece of a larger recovery picture involving many partners. While we’re working hard to support our community, we’re not leading the charge alone. We’re collaborating closely with other agencies, municipalities, and organizations at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure a strong and coordinated recovery process.

Our approach is designed to be flexible – evolving as we face new challenges and uncover new insights. Here’s how the City is contributing to the overall effort:

• Streamlining Decision-Making: We’re part of a coordinated recovery framework that helps prioritize and streamline decisions for efficient action.

• Collaborating with Partners: By working hand-in-hand with agencies like FEMA, neighboring municipalities, and nonprofit organizations, we’re maximizing resources and expertise.

• 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.

This collaborative effort will result in a Long-Term Recovery Plan that reflects the input and expertise of all involved, helping Asheville and the surrounding region become more resilient for the future. 

Recovery Focus Areas

The City's recovery efforts are focused on addressing critical areas that impact every aspect of our community’s well-being. Each focus area represents a vital piece of the recovery process, ensuring that we rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient for the future. Information about each focus area can be found in the tabs at the top of this website.

Storm Debris 

Storm debris cleanup is a crucial first step toward recovery, allowing our community to return to normalcy as quickly and safely as possible. With an estimated 3 million cubic yards of debris to be removed within the city limits alone, this effort not only eliminates immediate hazards but also restores access to homes, businesses, and public spaces. Working alongside FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, Tetratech, and other partners, the City and County are ensuring debris is handled efficiently and responsibly.

Economic Recovery 

Reviving Asheville’s economy is key to the success of our regional economy in Western NC. Restoring livelihoods, preventing economic displacement of residents, and preserving the unique character of our community are crucial to Asheville's recovery. By stabilizing and supporting businesses, we not only protect jobs but also promote overall community well-being and resilience. Recovery efforts focus on the most flood-impacted areas while addressing citywide needs, ensuring that businesses can reopen and thrive as quickly as possible.

Housing

Safe and comfortable housing is essential for everyone’s well-being and is a cornerstone of our recovery efforts. Hurricane Helene exacerbated existing housing challenges, making it vital to replace lost units and expand affordable and market-rate housing options. This work is not just about rebuilding homes—it’s about giving displaced residents a foundation to rebuild their lives and creating opportunities to implement strategies from Asheville’s Affordable Housing Plan.

Infrastructure

Our community depends on reliable infrastructure to function and thrive. From roads and public transit to communications and public safety systems, rebuilding infrastructure is critical to ensuring a resilient and connected Asheville. This effort not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for future growth and disaster preparedness, prioritizing equitable solutions that benefit everyone, especially marginalized communities.

Natural & Cultural Resources

Asheville’s natural landscapes and cultural assets are at the heart of our identity. Protecting and restoring these resources strengthens our community’s resilience while preserving the unique character that makes Asheville special. From parks and green spaces to historic landmarks and public art, recovery efforts aim to safeguard these treasures and promote social connections across our city.

Water System Recovery

Access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic necessity, and restoring Asheville’s water system is a top priority. Recovery efforts focus on repairing infrastructure, ensuring water quality, and implementing system-wide resilience measures to protect against future disasters. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, we’re ensuring that Asheville’s residents and regional customers have reliable access to potable water now and in the future.

How to Stay Informed

Get Updates 

• Sign Up for Email Updates: Click here or use the form at the top-right of this page to receive weekly updates on all topics related to the recovery effort. If you're only interested in specific topics, use the signup forms on individual pages for periodic updates on those issues.
   
• Follow Social Media: Stay informed through the City of Asheville’s official social media channels for real-time updates, announcements, and event information.

Join the Conversation

• Public Engagement Tools: Use our public engagement tools on this site (including the question boxes below) to share your concerns or provide feedback.
   
• Call the Recovery Hotline: Call our Recovery Hotline at 855-925-2801 and use the code 7538 to leave a message.
   
• Attend Public Meetings: Any upcoming meetings and forums related to the recovery effort will be posted in this hub as well as our Meetings Calendar. 

Access Resources

• City Resource Directory: Use our comprehensive recovery resource directory to find services and support tailored to your needs, from storm debris removal to water system updates.
   
• Data Dashboard: Visit our recovery dashboard to view data visualizations and performance metrics that track Asheville’s recovery efforts in real-time.
   
• Additional Resources: You can also download the Individuals and Families Recovery Guide, the FEMA Recovery Guide, and the Small Business Recovery Guide.