BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The town of Black Mountain has launched an Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a municipal department tasked with leading the community’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and spearheading long-term efforts to reduce disaster risk and build a more resilient future.
The office, part of the town’s Administration Department, will be led by Assistant Town Manager Jessica Trotman. It will oversee disaster recovery projects, manage state and federal recovery funding and coordinate mitigation and preparedness initiatives throughout the town.
“Helene was a devastating storm that tested every part of our infrastructure and emergency systems,” Town Manager Josh Harrold said in a news release. “The creation of this office is a direct response to that challenge. It reflects our commitment to rebuilding smarter, not just replacing what was lost, but creating systems and structures that will serve and protect Black Mountain for generations to come.”
The new office will manage a range of projects, including repairs to roads, dams, the water system, parks and public buildings. It will also coordinate state and federal hazard mitigation programs, as well as lead public education efforts around flood risk and disaster preparedness.
“This is not just about recovery — it’s about readiness,” Trotman said in the release. “Our community is stepping into a new era of resilience. This office will help ensure that we are not only responding to disaster, but preparing for it, adapting to it and leading by example.”
In addition to recovery operations, the Office of Recovery and Resiliency will support data analysis, grant writing, and community engagement aimed at increasing the town’s capacity to withstand future storms, wildfires and other hazards.
Residents can follow recovery progress and access resources by visiting www.townofblackmountain.org and clicking on the Government tab. The site will be updated regularly with project updates and resilience tools.