Helene Recovery Updates - MAY 7, 2025 - County Briefing

Helene Recovery Update: A Look at Progress and What's Next for Asheville

On May 7, 2025, the City of Asheville held a briefing to update residents on progress related to recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, which impacted the city 224 days prior. City Manager Deborah Campbell led the presentation, providing a comprehensive overview of ongoing work across multiple areas critical to Asheville’s recovery. This recap highlights the key takeaways from that meeting, outlining what was decided, discussed, and what residents can expect in the coming weeks.

A major milestone announced at the meeting was the partial reopening of Riverside Cemetery on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Following a collaborative effort that included an archaeological assessment conducted by Western Carolina University students, the cemetery will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing residents to visit loved ones’ resting places. While some areas will remain fenced off for ongoing stump removal, the reopening signifies a significant step forward in restoring normalcy to the community.

Beyond Riverside Cemetery, substantial progress was detailed regarding storm debris removal. Nearly 70% of the estimated 1 million cubic yards of debris have been collected, with contractors expected to complete remaining right-of-way cleanup soon. Residents who placed debris before the March deadline will see it removed in the coming weeks, ensuring a cleaner and safer city. The briefing also highlighted the ongoing management of over 30 capital projects, including improvements to Burton Street Community Center Park, sidewalks on Newhall Creek Road, and renovations at McCormick Field. These projects, crucial for rebuilding city-owned infrastructure, rely heavily on funding from the FEMA Public Assistance Program.

The meeting also addressed the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, a vital source of funding for long-term recovery efforts. The city is working closely with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for review of their action plan, a necessary step before funds can be released. Residents interested in staying informed about the CDBG-DR program and other recovery initiatives are encouraged to visit AshevilleRecovers.org for updates.

To improve transparency and efficiency, the City Council will be launching four new committees in June: Policy, Housing & Community Development, Planning, Economic Development & Environment, and Public Safety. These committees will focus on key areas impacting residents’ lives, from budgeting and affordable housing to economic recovery and public safety. Finally, the meeting highlighted a series of upcoming community events designed to foster connection and celebrate resilience, including "Brews and Bears" at the WNC Nature Center, “Movies in the Park,” and the "Festival of the Arts" at Pack Square Park.

While no formal votes were taken during this briefing, several key action items emerged: contractors will finalize debris removal; HUD is expected to review the CDBG-DR plan soon; and the new City Council committees will begin meeting this month. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the city’s recovery newsletter at AshevilleRecovers.org and participate in upcoming community events, demonstrating a collective commitment to rebuilding and thriving after Tropical Storm Helene. The City Manager emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with county, state, and federal partners, as well as private and nonprofit organizations, highlighting a unified approach to ensuring a complete and sustainable recovery for Asheville.