WNC -- January 20. 2026: Six Western North Carolina counties have shifted to higher distress tiers due to the economic fallout from Hurricane Helene, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Buncombe, Burke, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and Yancey counties will be eligible for increased state funding for business recruitment and expansion as a result of the redesignation.
The tier changes reflect weakened metrics like unemployment rates and median household income, which are directly tied to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Buncombe County saw a decline of 70 positions in its unemployment rate. The economic drag caused by the hurricane has persisted into early 2026, hindering rebuilding efforts for households and businesses. The statewide unemployment rate is projected to rise to 4.1% by the end of the year, even as North Carolina anticipates 80,800 net new jobs overall.
The redesignations are expected to impact daily lives by unlocking more generous incentives for job creation and infrastructure. In Buncombe County, tourism leaders are implementing 2026 revival plans, including PGA Tour events and $12.4 million in community projects funded by tourism dollars. An additional $2.2 million has already been awarded to small businesses through the Always Asheville fund. These efforts aim to bolster buying power and employment amid broader state pressures like rising housing costs and policy uncertainties from tariffs.
WNCTimes