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Featured Photo: Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College, welcomes the Governor’s Advisory Committee on WNC Recovery and the community to campus on Sept. 15, 2025, as part of the College’s ongoing role in supporting Hurricane Helene-related recovery work and workforce development across the region. (Photo by: Benjamin Rickert.)
By: Benjamin Rickert, Marketing & Communications Dept.
On Monday, Sept. 15, Blue Ridge Community College welcomed the North Carolina Governor’s Advisory Committee on WNC Recovery to campus. This bipartisan group of community leaders from across the western region advises Governor Josh Stein and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC on strategies to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Prior to the meeting, the governor made a special announcement that he is requesting $13.5 billion in new federal funding from Congress for Hurricane Helene recovery. According to the news release, “those dollars will go toward restoring homes and small businesses, supporting local government services, and rebuilding roads and bridges for the long haul.”
The announcement included a campus welcome from Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, followed by remarks from Governor Stein, Senator Kevin Corbin, and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. A recording of the announcement is available online through the governor’s YouTube page.
“Recovery in Western North Carolina has been a steady, ongoing effort since Hurricane Helene struck nearly a year ago,” said Dr. Leatherwood. “So, I am deeply grateful to those here today who continue to bring awareness, resources, and solutions to our communities.”
Dr. Leatherwood also reflected on the College’s response and recovery roles since the storm’s impact.
“Since the earliest hours of Helene’s impact, Blue Ridge Community College has been at the heart of the response,” she continued, “hosting search and rescue crews and FEMA operations, distributing critical resources, supporting local businesses, awarding emergency grants and scholarships to students, and much more. Today, we carry that mission forward by serving as hosts for today’s activities.”
Following the press conference, the group moved to the Blue Ridge Conference Hall, where the Governor’s Advisory Committee on WNC Recovery held a public meeting. The committee reviewed county employment data, comparing the first quarter of 2024 to 2025, to evaluate progress and remaining workforce needs. Members also provided feedback on areas where Western North Carolina continues to need investment and growth, including agriculture, economic development, arts and tourism, housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The day’s activities highlighted the importance of collaboration across communities and government as Western North Carolina continues to address workforce, economic, and infrastructure challenges.