Asheville Hosts National Panel on Post-Disaster Recovery, Resiliency

The City of Asheville is collaborating with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to host an Advisory Services Panel aimed at developing strategies for post-disaster economic recovery and long-term resiliency following Tropical Storm Helene. The ULI panel, consisting of national experts in areas such as disaster recovery funding, urban design, and climate change resilience, will conduct a week-long intensive study and provide recommendations to support Asheville's commercial districts, workforce, economy, and land use in floodplains. Community engagement opportunities are planned, including a meet and greet and a public presentation with Q&A sessions, with findings to be published later this year. Additionally, Asheville is encouraging residents and professionals to apply for positions on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, which influence city development and tourism growth respectively. These efforts collectively demonstrate Asheville's proactive approach to recovery and sustainable future growth.