Buncombe County Press Release - Helene Recovery Plan and Review Strategic Plan 2030

For Immediate Release

Sept. 16, 2025

 

Envision Buncombe Path Forward: Public Invited to Comment on Helene Recovery Plan and Review Strategic Plan 2030 

The Recovery Plan includes projects for Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, Woodfin, and unincorporated Buncombe County 

Buncombe County asked for planning input, more than 2,600 community members answered, and on Sept. 16, the draft 2030 Strategic Plan and draft Helene Recovery Plan went before the Board of Commissioners. Through Oct. 3, 2025, the community is invited to provide feedback on the draft plans at https://engage.buncombecounty.org/envisionbuncombepathforward.  

 

In response to last year’s devastation from Tropical Storm Helene, the County and its municipal partners have developed the draft Helene Recovery Plan. Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin joined in building the plan’s roadmap of 114 projects designed to rebuild housing, repair infrastructure, restore natural resources, strengthen disaster preparedness, and support long-term community resilience throughout the county.  

 

This survey also offers a final opportunity to provide feedback on the 2030 Buncombe County Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap that guides the County’s work and priorities. This plan was nearly done before Helene but was paused and refocused following the storm. The plan sets out goals and objectives across key focus areas, including Growth and Development, Community Health, Education, Energy and Environment, and Public Safety. 

During the initial input phase, more than 2,600 people participated through online platforms and 28 in-person events across 13 zip codes, including six municipalities and unincorporated areas.  

Participants identified top recovery priorities as:  

  • Investing in infrastructure: water, roads, bridges, telecommunications – 74%   
  • Disaster preparedness and resiliency investments – 55%   
  • Wildfire prevention – 53%   
  • Floodplain management – 49%   
  • Restoring streambanks – 48%   
  • Rebuilding parks – 47%   

 

Participants also emphasized the importance of inclusive, climate-resilient recovery, support for vulnerable populations, and economic diversification.  

Feedback will be provided to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, which will look to take action on both plans in November. 

 

View the draft Helene Recovery Plan here. 

View the draft 2030 Strategic Plan here.  

For more information or to sign up for updates, go to https://engage.buncombecounty.org/envisionbuncombepathforward.  

 
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