In September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, causing flooding and damage across Asheville and Buncombe County. In the wake of this disaster, something remarkable emerged: neighbors helped neighbors, community spaces transformed into distribution centers, and trusted local organizations rapidly mobilized to provide critical services. These spontaneous resilience hubs became lifelines for thousands of residents when traditional systems were unavailable or overwhelmed.
As Helene recovery continues to unfold, strengthening our ability to withstand and bounce back from future disruptions, our community continues to reflect on the ways that we came together as neighbors. As part of the reflection, city staff spent time interviewing community members to understand what happened in the aftermath of Helene and how people responded.
Do you have items cluttering your home that are still in good condition? Or are you looking for some free items ahead of the holidays? If so, come to the City’s Holiday Free Store on Dec 13 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center.
The Sustainability Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Report has been published along with annual updates to the Municipal Climate Action Plan (MCAP) webpage and performance measures. Tropical Storm Helene impacted our City, region, lives, and work in significant and lasting ways, including work reorganization to address emerging recovery needs alongside ongoing sustainability work.
In Phase 2 of the Elevate AVL project, Engagement Agents supported the distribution of Climate Action Toolkits in neighborhoods throughout the city and they designed and implemented individual community impact projects.
In this episode of What’s Up, AVL!, take a close look at the Community Space Upfit Project — an exciting initiative helping to transform community spaces around Asheville into flexible, accessible, and tech-ready community hubs.
When emergencies strike, every second counts. Having a well-stocked emergency kit readily available can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.
On this Hurricane Helene milestone episode, host Sam Parada is joined by Trey Irby, Neighborhood Services Specialist; Kiera Bulan, Sustainability Director; and Pastor Charles Martin to discuss resiliency within the community during Helene and programs for neighborhood resiliency.
During the month of May 2025, the City of Asheville conducted a successful biochar pilot project with the help of the US Forest Service (USFS) at the Southern Research Station.
Is your organization looking to help out with post Helene recovery? TAP into a new program designed to streamline the authorization of quick-action, community-led recovery initiatives on public properties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
