Buncombe County drafts recovery plan with 31 projects addressing storm Helene impacts

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened on August 19, 2025, to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene and to outline a strategic plan for future resilience. The meeting focused on the development of a recovery plan that reflects community feedback and prioritizes projects aimed at rebuilding and enhancing the county's infrastructure and services.

The session began with a reminder of the Envision Buncombe survey conducted earlier in the year, which gathered over 2,600 responses from residents across 13 ZIP codes. This input was crucial in identifying the community's top priorities, which include investing in infrastructure, enhancing disaster preparedness, and addressing food insecurity. The commissioners emphasized that while the plan outlines specific projects, it is not a definitive funding or implementation plan, acknowledging that circumstances may evolve over time.

The recovery plan is set to be shared with the public for feedback in September, with the goal of adoption in November. The commissioners highlighted that the plan is a living document, designed to adapt as federal and state funding sources change and as community needs evolve.

A total of 31 projects were proposed, developed through collaboration with county staff and subject matter experts. These projects were evaluated based on their alignment with community needs, organizational capacity, and strategic goals outlined in the county's 2030 strategic plan. Key areas of focus include affordable housing development, economic recovery initiatives, and public safety enhancements.

Specific projects discussed include:
- **Affordable Housing Development**: Initiatives to support both rental and ownership units on county-owned properties.
- **Public Art Installations**: To symbolize recovery in storm-affected areas.
- **Food Security Initiatives**: Efforts to assess and improve access to food resources for impacted residents.
- **Emergency Operations Center**: Plans for a resilient facility to coordinate disaster response effectively.

The commissioners also addressed the importance of disaster preparedness, with projects aimed at improving community awareness and enhancing the county's emergency response capabilities. This includes the construction of a new emergency shelter and the implementation of a comprehensive preparedness action plan.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to rebuilding and enhancing resilience in the face of future disasters. The strategic plan aims to ensure that Buncombe County not only recovers from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene but also emerges stronger and better prepared for future challenges. The next steps involve public engagement on the draft plan, with a focus on refining the projects based on community feedback.