Milestone Event Highlights Progress, Shared Challenges and a Vision for Resilient Recovery
Asheville, N.C. – On Friday, April 11, 2025, local government leaders from across western North Carolina joined state and federal officials at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore for the third Helene Recovery Special Meeting. The convening brought together counties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
Hosted in partnership by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM), and the region’s five Councils of Governments (COGs) — Foothills Regional Commission, High Country Council of Governments, Land of Sky Regional Council, Southwestern Commission Council of Governments, and Western Piedmont Council of Governments — the full-day agenda provided a powerful platform for collaboration, reflection and forward-looking action.
The morning opened with welcoming remarks from Tare “T.” Davis, NCACC President and Warren County Commissioner, who introduced Gov. Josh Stein. The governor delivered opening remarks, followed by Mark-Anthony Middleton, NCLM president and Durham mayor pro tem, and Dennis Aldridge, Avery County commissioner representing the western COGs. Keynote recovery updates followed from NC Emergency Management Chief of Staff Don Campbell, GROW NC Chief Deputy Emily Gangi, and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Brett Howard — each of whom emphasized both the strides made since the storm and the persistent challenges that still require cross-agency coordination and sustained support.
Economic insights were presented by Dan Gerlach, whose remarks on the storm’s regional economic impacts provided critical context for long-term planning. The session also featured powerful short films, including After the Flood, a student-created project, and a preview of the forthcoming Helene documentary produced in partnership with 100 Strong Productions and NCACC.
Afternoon breakout sessions led by the region’s COGs allowed participants to dive deep into regional updates, resource sharing, and specific local recovery efforts. Attendees reconvened in the afternoon for a synthesis of the discussions, identifying shared needs and opportunities for stronger future collaboration.
“This convening isn’t just a meeting — it’s a milestone,” said President Davis in his closing remarks. “It’s about making sure no community is left behind as we recover, and that every community is stronger because of the partnerships we’re building today.” The NCACC is proud to support ongoing recovery efforts and remains committed to working with partners to build a stronger, more resilient North Carolina.
For more information about Helene resources, please visit www.ncacc.org/helene.
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Editors: To view photos from the event, click here. Photos should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of NCACC.