Helene People & Environment Recovery Board - October 5, 2026

The City of Asheville Helene People & Environment Recovery Board met October 5, 2026. The board unanimously approved the August 3 and August 25 meeting minutes. Staff updated members on development of a CDBG-DR resilience hubs funding opportunity, with a total allocation of $2.125 million and awards ranging from $125,000 to $1 million. The initial round is planned to prioritize community-based organizations and nonprofits, with a four-month application period expected to run from early November through the end of February. Staff described technical assistance, consortium applications, and a holistic review process; public-sector applications may be considered in a later round or through reserved funds. No funding awards were made at this meeting.

The board also discussed an RFP for the city-owned property at 91 Riverside Drive. The RFP received one proposal, from Riverlink, which scored 95.3 out of 100. Staff sought board action recommending City Council approval of a long-term public-purpose lease, with 10- and 15-year options considered; the proposal focuses on environmental restoration, flood resilience, public access, arts activation, and economic recovery, with no ongoing operating cost to the city. Riverlink estimated a potential $100,000–$250,000 investment over 15 years. City Council consideration and lease negotiations were expected later in 2026, with project launch anticipated in 2027. The transcript ends during board discussion and does not show whether the board voted on the lease recommendation.