City of Asheville Reflects on 2024 and Looks Towards 2025

Asheville -- December 19, 2024: Press Release City of Asheville: The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene tested Asheville

in ways no one could have anticipated.

Yet, through adversity, the community’s unwavering dedication and resilience shone brighter than ever. “With every challenge came an opportunity to rise, and rise we did,” said Debra Campbell. “We, as a community, stepped up with extraordinary dedication, creativity, and compassion. We saw it in our City departments, neighborhoods, business districts, partner organizations, and governmental agencies.”

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

Emergency responders conducted 1,000 evacuations, 140 rescues, and searched over 1,000 miles for stranded individuals in the immediate aftermath of the storm. 
Interagency teams and volunteers established five water and food distribution points, two community care stations, and supported 48 focus areas in the city. Thousands of flyers with daily updates were distributed door-to-door to ensure information reached residents despite widespread power and internet outages. 
The City distributed 3.9 million bottles and 1-liter cartons of drinking water, 22,000 gallons of potable water, 260,000 gallons of non-potable water, 252,000 meals ready-to-eat (MREs), and 2,900 blankets to residents in need.

Infrastructure Recovery and Service Restoration

Over 1,000 residential and commercial structures have been assessed for damage, and more than 200,000 cubic yards of storm debris have been collected. Residents are reminded to avoid City parks, greenways, and recreational facilities that remain closed due to damage and remaining storm debris.
Water Resources staff, private contractors, and support from partners achieved a remarkable milestone, restoring non-potable water in 21 days and potable water in 52 days following the storm—a testament to their herculean efforts.
Economic and Community Support

The Asheville City Council approved $4.67 million in funding to support rental assistance, home repair, emergency shelter, and small business grants, administered through community-based assistance programs.
The Asheville Business Inclusion Office partnered with City contractors to promote engagement with minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). To date, five MWBEs have been hired by AshBritt, the storm debris removal contractor, with additional MWBEs contracted for catering and laundry services for frontline workers. The City also hosted an event with AshBritt to help business owners engage with ongoing contracting opportunities.

Neighborhood organizations and local nonprofits played a pivotal role in response and recovery, providing mutual aid and support to residents. Their compassion and resilience exemplified the spirit of Asheville’s community.
The City of Asheville is committed to “Building Back Better” by strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic recovery, and ensuring community values remain at the heart of recovery and growth efforts. The community is encouraged to stay informed and engaged through the
Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub at publicinput.com/ashevillerecovers, where residents can subscribe to a weekly newsletter and submit questions.

For more information on the City’s ongoing recovery efforts and community support initiatives, visit ashevillenc.gov.

A video of the City Manager's year end message is available here.