ICMA Stands in Solidarity with Local Governments in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Washington, DC, September 30, 2024 - The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) extends its unwavering support for local government professionals charged with managing the rescue, recovery, and rebuilding of their communities, which have been devastated by the unprecedented flooding and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. We stand in solidarity with the affected communities, and we pledge our commitment to assist them in every possible way.

The challenges that lie ahead are staggering. More than 100 people have already been reported as dead, and the number is still growing. Billions of dollars in property damage have been reported, and several communities remain without power, cell service, or even road access to know the full extent of the destruction. Entire businesses, inventory, and operations have been decimated, leaving business owners and employees with uncertainty about whether they will even have a job or source of income once the flooding has subsided.

"We know from our members' experience with large magnitude natural disasters that national attention will begin to wane quickly within the next few weeks, but the work of public servants in local government and emergency operations called upon to help the people recover and rebuild from this devastation will continue for years to come," said Ray Baray, Acting CEO/Executive Director of ICMA.

ICMA will continue to support its members and nonmembers alike with the following:

• Technical Assistance and Expertise: ICMA members are available to offer technical assistance and expertise to local governments as they develop comprehensive recovery plans, strengthen infrastructure, assess damage. and implement effective future mitigation strategies.
• Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices: ICMA facilitates knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices among affected communities to ensure that local leaders have access to the collective wisdom of their peers who have faced similar challenges in their own communities.
• Advocacy and Awareness: ICMA will raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by these communities and advocate for policies that enhance their resilience to future flooding events.

By uniting our collective knowledge, expertise, and resources, ICMA members stand ready to assist local governments in the weeks, months, and years ahead by calling attention to the often unseen and unheralded work of the professionals in local government who dedicate their time and talents in service to their communities.

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