Survey participants shared their personal experiences and priorities for rebuilding. The top areas of concern included:

  • Infrastructure Resilience: 96% of respondents rated improving infrastructure, especially water systems and roadways, as “Very Important” or “Essential.”
     
  • Housing Stability: Emergency shelter, rent/mortgage assistance, and affordable housing development ranked among the highest priorities, especially for renters and displaced residents.
     
  • Economic Recovery: Small business support, job retention, and financial assistance were highlighted as critical needs.
     
  • Food Security: 77% of respondents supported strengthening systems to ensure access to food during disasters.
     
  • Sustainability & Smart Growth: Strong support (80%) for environmental protection and thoughtful land use planning in storm-damaged areas.

The results of the survey, along with input from community leaders and local stakeholders, are shaping Asheville City Council’s recovery priorities for 2025 and beyond. The findings were discussed at the City Council Retreat on February 13-14, 2025, and will directly influence budgeting and policy decisions moving forward.

A full Helene Recovery Priorities Survey Summary Report is available here, detailing the data, findings, and how the City plans to act on community input. By aligning recovery efforts with community priorities, Asheville is working toward a stronger, more resilient future. Thank you to all who participated and helped shape the path forward.

Question title

* Which of the following best describes how Helene affected you, your household, your business or your personal/commercial property? Select all that apply.

Limited access to essential services (e.g. water, electricity, health care)
72%
Emotional or mental health challenges related to the storm
50%
Damage to home or residential property
41%
Difficulty accessing food, prescriptions or other supplies
33%
Loss of employment or income
29%
Displacement from home (temporary or long-term)
27%
School closures impacting childcare, work or learning
23%
Displacement from business (temporary or long-term)
12%
No significant impact
8%
Damage to business or commercial property that I own
6%
Loss of vehicle or transportation access
5%
Damage to business or commercial property that I rent
5%
Other
4%
Injury or other impact to personal health
4%
Lost a family member or loved one
2%
Closed to responses | 6,742 Responses

Question title

* Please indicate how important, if at all, each of the following investments are for the City of Asheville (Not At All Important, Somewhat Important, Neutral, Very Important, Essential).

Loading question...

Question title

* Do you (either currently or as of September 27, 2024) own or operate a business in the City of Asheville?

No
72%
Yes
25%
Prefer not to say
4%
Closed to responses | 6,367 Responses

Question title

* If you were affected by Helene, what is your most immediate need?

I have no immediate needs.
59%
Financial assistance
17%
Repairs or rebuilding support for property
11%
Emotional or mental health support
6%
Other
4%
Food or meal support
2%
Temporary housing or shelter
1%
Medical or health services
0%
Closed to responses | 6,291 Responses