Morganton, N.C. – On Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, local government leaders from across western North Carolina gathered for a special convening focused on recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The event, held at the Foothills Higher Education Conference Center in Morganton, provided a critical opportunity for local, state and federal leaders to collaborate and discuss the immediate, intermediate and future needs of the 25 counties hardest hit by the disaster.
This special convening was organized by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) and five western regional 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. This day-long event brought together a diverse group of leaders including mayors, county commissioners, city managers, county managers and representatives from state and federal agencies. The meeting fostered a collaborative environment where attendees could share recovery challenges, coordinate efforts and advocate for necessary resources to support the rebuilding of their communities.
State and Federal Leaders Join Recovery Efforts
In addition to local leaders, several state and federal officials attended to lend their support and share resources for recovery. Notable speakers included U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, N.C. Governor Roy Cooper, N.C. Speaker of the House and Congressman-elect Tim Moore, and other key representatives from federal agencies. Their presence underscored the critical partnership between all levels of government in addressing the aftermath of the hurricane.
“I know that you are committed to making sure that western North Carolina recovers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “You have my firm commitment to making this challenge my top priority, as it has been for the last month. This will be, has been and will continue to be my number one priority.”
A Day of Collaboration and Action
The convening featured facilitated discussions that allowed local leaders to outline both the immediate recovery needs, such as emergency response coordination and infrastructure repair, and the longer-term goals for resilience and economic revitalization. One of the key outcomes of the day was the identification of shared priorities and a commitment to working together to ensure that recovery efforts are sustained and impactful.
“The challenges presented by Hurricane Helene are significant, but through cooperation and partnership, we are confident that our counties will not only recover but emerge stronger,” said Kevin Leonard, executive director of the NCACC. “This convening was an essential step in aligning our recovery efforts and ensuring that every county affected by the storm has the support it needs.”
Building a Unified Recovery Strategy
The convening also underscored the importance of collaboration across levels of government. Representatives from NCACC, NCLM and regional COGs emphasized the need for a unified approach to secure the necessary state and federal resources to support future recovery.
“Today, mayors, county commission chairs, local government managers are all coming together with no thought to jurisdictional boundaries or partisan boundaries,” said NCLM President and Durham Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton.
NCLM Executive Director Rose Vaughn Williams added that the event and its findings should serve as a powerful statement to policymakers at the state and federal level about the challenges and needs in western North Carolina. “We move forward with a collective and unified voice whose goal is to make these areas whole again,” she said.
Next Steps and Continued Support
While the convening provided a critical forum for immediate action, the discussions will continue as local leaders work together to implement recovery strategies.
“We need help for small businesses,” said Doug Matheson, Mayor Pro Tem, Blowing Rock, and Chair, High Country Council of Governments. “They need help, and they need it now.”
The event was part of an ongoing commitment by the NCACC, NCLM, COGs and other regional, state and federal partners to provide support and resources to the affected counties.
“We are grateful for the engagement and collaboration of all those who participated,” said NCACC President and Warren County Commissioner Tare “T.” Davis. “As we move forward, we will continue to advocate for the funding and policy support needed to help our counties and communities recover and thrive.”
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Editors: Print-quality photos may be downloaded for use from here. Photos should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of NCACC.