The trip, supported by the American Flood Coalition, brought together key figures from the Western North Carolina Recovery and Resilience Partnership (WNC Partnership), a coalition formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to bolster flood preparedness across the region.
The delegation included Lake Lure Mayor Susan Pritchett, Marshall Mayor Aaron Haynie, Avery County Commission Vice Chairman Dennis Aldridge, and Asheville City Councilmember Maggie Ullman. Representing the collective experience of the WNC Partnership, these leaders aimed to share the challenges and solutions their communities faced while rebuilding from the significant flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024.
The American Flood Coalition highlighted the purpose of the visit in a press release issued on August 15, 2025, stating the delegation’s intent to offer support, solidarity, and expertise on both immediate disaster recovery and long-term flood resilience strategies.
Asheville City Councilmember Maggie Ullman emphasized the significance of the inter-state collaboration. “This was a somber and deeply reflective meeting, rooted in the shared devastation of lives lost to floods in both our communities,” Ullman said in a statement released by the American Flood Coalition. “It reinforced that the best recovery starts long before the next storm. It’s about building relationships, planning together and investing in resilience now. When communities share what works — and what doesn’t — we all get stronger for the future.”
The WNC Partnership was established to create a unified voice for Western North Carolina in advocating for financial support, resources, and policy improvements essential for effective disaster recovery and enhanced preparedness for future flooding events. The trip to Kerr County provided a vital opportunity for these leaders to share their firsthand experiences in navigating the complex process of rebuilding communities after a major flood event like Hurricane Helene.
The lessons learned and relationships forged during this trip are expected to further strengthen both Western North Carolina’s ongoing recovery efforts and inform Kerr County’s path forward in the challenging months and years ahead. The collaborative spirit championed by the WNC Partnership and the American Flood Coalition highlights the critical role of shared experience in building more resilient communities nationwide.
About the American Flood Coalition
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that brings together cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups to drive adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding.
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