Participatory Mapping Work Documents Lessons from Neighborhood Helene Response
Based on findings from the Resilience Hub Mapping Project, the City of Asheville is planning to allocate over $2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to enhance community facilities.
This initiative, in collaboration with Thrive Asheville, highlights the significant contributions of nonprofits, faith communities, government agencies, and individual volunteers following Tropical Storm Helene. The project assessed the successes and shortcomings of community responses to provide actionable insights for establishing a robust, community-led network for future emergencies.
The final report is available at publicinput.com/resilienceAVL and includes key findings and recommendations. It identifies both general and city-specific actions that can bolster daily community connections and better prepare for upcoming disasters. An interactive GIS map visualizes data gathered from surveys, interviews, and participatory mapping exercises, acknowledging the vital yet fragile network of existing volunteers and organizations.
A notable recommendation is to invest in community-led hub facilities that offer year-round services and can serve during emergencies. This has informed the City’s strategy for directing federal funds.
The City has earmarked $2.125 million for resilience hubs under the CDBG-DR Infrastructure Program, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This funding opportunity could support enhancements to privately-owned facilities in line with the mapping project findings, including resilient infrastructure for power and communications, landscape improvements, and ADA compliance. The City also aims to lessen the administrative and operational burdens on facilities by creating multiple funding pathways.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance Asheville’s resilience for generations,” stated Bridget Herring, Director of the City’s Office of Recovery and Resilience. “We aim to facilitate access to this funding based on the diverse efforts observed throughout the community.”
City staff are currently developing criteria and seeking input from City boards and committees to prepare the “Notice of Funding Opportunities” (NOFO), anticipated for late summer. Prospective applicants may see the NOFO published as soon as Fall/Winter 2026, with awards projected for Spring 2027.
To view the report, explore the map, learn more about the project, or subscribe for updates, visit publicinput.com/resilienceAVL.
