RALEIGH – Governor Josh Stein introduced the new Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan on September 30, 2026, during a meeting with local business owners in Chimney Rock. The plan outlines a comprehensive framework designed to rebuild and foster long-term economic growth across the region following Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein emphasized the importance of local priorities, stating the plan "takes the priorities the region set for itself and puts the state’s weight behind them."
The initiative comes as Chimney Rock, a community significantly impacted by the hurricane, received a $5.5 million state grant last year to support its downtown rebuilding efforts and the reopening of small businesses. Building on existing recovery work, Governor Stein is advocating for a substantial $10 billion appropriation from Congress. This federal funding would underpin the next phase of recovery, earmarking $1.5 billion specifically for economic revitalization.
The Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) developed the long-term plan with extensive input from a broad array of regional stakeholders. This collaborative process included contributions from 28 counties, the Qualla Boundary, five regional councils of government, numerous chambers of commerce, and local economic development organizations. Sharon Decker, GROW NC’s Senior Advisor for Long-Term Recovery, highlighted that the plan was not developed in Raleigh, but rather built by local entities. It identifies key catalysts intended to achieve a diversified and sustainable economic recovery for the region.
Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC, acknowledged the progress made since Hurricane Helene but stressed that significant work remains in restoring transportation infrastructure, rebuilding water systems, and ensuring survivors are in safe housing. He noted that the new economic plan is a vital component of an integrated, holistic recovery effort.
Several components of the plan are already in motion. Governor Stein has championed investments in North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing workforce, viewing it as crucial for strengthening and diversifying the regional economy. This focus is evidenced by recent federal grants totaling $34.2 million from the US Economic Development Administration. These grants are aimed at expanding economic opportunities, including the construction of the Futures Factory, a new 70,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing workforce and innovation hub in Buncombe County.
Further demonstrating commitment to workforce development, Governor Stein has backed the Good Jobs WNC program. This program represents a partnership among 11 community colleges across Helene-impacted counties, aiming to connect 1,200 individuals with well-paying jobs capable of supporting families. Recently, Governor Stein celebrated over $3 million in philanthropic commitments for Good Jobs Western North Carolina. This initiative, led by the JM Belk Endowment, supports the 11 community colleges in developing and launching apprenticeship programs to link residents with quality employment opportunities.
The state’s commitment to recovery spans two years since Hurricane Helene’s impact. As of July, the Department of Environmental Quality had awarded $1 billion to enhance water infrastructure and resilience throughout Western North Carolina. While 99% of drinking water systems damaged by the storm have been fully restored, more than $758 million in unmet federal needs persist for complete water system repairs and future storm resilience. Additionally, over 99% of roads previously closed or affected by Hurricane Helene have been reopened.
Small businesses have also received significant support, with more than $105 million in grants and loans distributed to nearly 3,000 businesses, helping to retain approximately 15,000 jobs across the region. Just this month, a substantial expansion in affordable housing was announced through RenewNC’s multi-family program. Governor Stein reported 828 new affordable rental housing units in the western counties most affected by Helene, described as the largest such expansion in the history of those specific counties.
As recovery efforts continue to unfold, Governor Stein maintains his call for renewed federal commitment to Western North Carolina. He seeks the new $10 billion congressional appropriation to fund critical areas such as support for small businesses and local governments, restoration of dams and streambanks, rebuilding of private roads and bridges, and repairs to federal highways. This ongoing advocacy underscores the state’s long-term vision for a resilient and robust regional economy.
