Asheville City Council Addresses Urgent Need for Disaster Recovery Fund Distribution Amid Job Losses

Asheville Council Tackles Disaster Recovery Funds at Dec. 10 Meeting

Asheville, a charming city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, found itself facing a significant challenge at the City Council’s recent meeting on December 10. The discussion revolved around the distribution of essential disaster recovery funds, raising both concern and urgency among Council members. With the bustling atmosphere of the holiday season in the air, the weight of community recovery rested heavily on their shoulders.

Major Concerns Over Fund Distribution

A key moment during the meeting arose when City Council members learned that none of the $750,000 previously allocated for rent relief, agreed upon during an October meeting, had actually been distributed. James Shelton, the city’s Community Development Division Manager, presented recommendations for a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), intended for recovery from the damages caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The breakdown of the recommendations included:

• $624,000 for rental assistance
• $624,000 for business restorations
• $250,000 designated for homeless emergency shelters
• $250,000 for program administration

However, as if the gravity of the situation wasn’t already evident, data presented indicated that the Asheville Metro Area lost 8,200 jobs in October, equating to 4% of the workforce. This reality has created a pressing need for effective fund distribution and community support.

Highlighting Community Contributions

Interestingly, a slide from the presentation showcased the efforts of local organizations, revealing that Eblen Charities had provided $219,117 in rental assistance in Buncombe County while Grace Covenant Presbyterian stepped up with an impressive $1.1 million. It sparked a thoughtful conversation among council members regarding previous city funding allocations and the pace at which the assistance was being distributed.

Addressing Community Needs

During their work session, the Council sought guidance from Fountainworks and Hagerty Consulting, firms experienced in tackling community challenges. Members learned about the various stages of recovery, emphasizing the necessity of gathering local stakeholders to identify community gaps and collaboration opportunities. Beau Mills, a senior partner at Fountainworks, emphasized the responsibility Asheville holds as “the economic engine of Western North Carolina,” encouraging a unified approach when addressing recovery needs with state and federal representatives.

As the meeting progressed, discussions led to sticky notes detailing what Council members viewed as vital recovery elements. Their thoughts were grouped into categories such as city growth, natural environmental recovery, infrastructure, business recovery, and keeping Asheville’s culture alive. City Manager Debra Campbell aptly stated that recovery is a community-wide effort, reinforcing that it doesn’t solely rest on the City Council.

Urging Speedy Fund Distribution

There was evident concern regarding Eblen’s slow fund distribution process. Council member Sage Turner urged the need for a more efficient means of dispersing funds to those in need. Mayor Esther Manheimer suggested discussions about possibly redirecting funds from Eblen to expedite the process through other organizations. Campbell assured the Council that staff would strive to accelerate fund distribution, recognizing the limitations some organizations face.

Building Code Updates Awaiting Further Consideration

In addition to fund distribution, the Council also discussed updates to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). However, they unanimously decided to table any changes until their next meeting on January 14, allowing more time to consider the environmental impacts of the proposed changes. These modifications aim to realign the city’s code with state and federal requirements, particularly concerning rebuilding structures damaged beyond half their value. Failure to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program requirements could threaten insurance coverage and disaster assistance access.

Community Engagement Is Key

As Asheville navigates through these challenging times, it’s clear that community engagement and support are paramount. Whether it’s through direct financial assistance, collaborative partnerships, or updating critical regulations, the City Council’s commitment to recovery and progress is evident. They are not just aiming to rebuild but to ensure a brighter, more resilient future for all residents in Asheville amidst changing environmental realities.