Taking the Field: Together Through Adversity

As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to paint our beautiful state, western North Carolina is faced with extreme challenges as we face the horrific destruction of Hurricane Helene. Much worse than the tremendous property loss, infrastructure compromised, homes, businesses, cars and more, was the awful loss of life. It is a heart breaking, unimaginable loss that I don’t think we’ve ever seen from a storm in North Carolina. It will never be forgotten. 

Local governments in North Carolina reached out to their fellow towns in trouble immediately. Within a very short time after the storm dozens of local governments from around the state had signed up to help through the Mutual Aid System. As of the day I am writing this note, over 500 local governments had signed up to help those governments in need in western North Carolina. Many of you have helped individually as well.

The response to Hurricane Helene has highlighted the importance of collaboration among municipalities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all municipal officials and employees who mobilized resources and offered assistance to their neighbors. In doing so you put yourselves in difficult living circumstances and at risk. Your dedication during this crisis exemplifies the spirit of public service and community.

In the wake of such challenges, it’s also crucial that we focus on the future. For western North Carolina that will include securing financial relief for rebuilding and recovery and strategizing how to rebuild the economies the cities and towns had developed and more. League members are currently deep in the process of developing our legislative goals for the upcoming legislative biennium. This process is not just a task—it’s a collective effort that involves input from municipal officials across North Carolina. We want to ensure that our legislative priorities reflect the needs and aspirations of all our communities. Scott Mooneyham’s article in this issue shares about the process and the meetings that have been held around the state both in person and virtually. We thank the chairs of the Legislative Policy Committee, Concord Mayor Bill Dusch and Knightdale Mayor Jessica Day. These are your legislative goals for cities in North Carolina, so we want to hear from you.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to serving your communities, especially in times of crisis. North Carolina cities are responding to this crisis with broken hearts but are approaching the future with determination and hope. Together, North Carolina’s cities will work on the long-term job of recovery and a building a brighter future for all North Carolinians.