Author Archives: Amanda Nicole Stratton

Recycling Infrastructure: Proposals are being accepted now through February 20, 2026 at 5:00pm for the first phase of this grant opportunity. Due to the recent winter storm, the deadline has been extended to allow communities more time to complete proposals. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/environmental-assistance-and-customer-service/recycling-and-materials-management/programs-offered/grant-opportunities/helene-recovery-recycling-infrastructure-grant#Whenareproposalsdue-19620

Streamflow Rehabilitation Program: Round 1 deadline has been extended by 2 weeks due to ongoing FEMA site assessments. New deadline is February 20, 2026. https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/soil-water-conservation/programs-initiatives/strap/strap-applications#Whoiseligible-14564

Water and wastewater systems were among the most impacted infrastructure in WNC during Helene. As rebuilding happens and we look towards creating resilience during future events, finding ways to work together feels more important than ever. This blog post outlines the authority given to local governments and public authorities when thinking creatively about how to be best prepared when they need to rely on neighboring utilities and provides tools and practical examples for doing so.

Building More Resilient Water and Wastewater Systems Through Interlocal Partnerships – Coates’ Canons NC Local Government Law

As local governments recovering from Helene face not only the potential for an uptick in building permit requests but also a shortage of building inspectors, this new resource from UNC School of Government faculty member, Obed Pasha, highlights some promising ways to meet timeliness requirements. With these findings, local governments in recovery mode may be able to leverage the insights from other North Carolina jurisdictions as they look for ways to make it all happen in the post-Helene environment.

https://www.sog.unc.edu/publications/reports/promising-practices-timely-completion-building-inspections-north-carolina

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, local governments in the impacted areas of North Carolina had an unprecedented number of challenges. Seeing the great needs of governments in the region, a partnership was born in an attempt to align resources, identify gaps, and have a coordinated strategy for helping. Southwestern Commission, Land of Sky Regional Council, High Country Council of Governments, Foothills Regional Commission, Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Centralina Regional Council, GROW NC, the Western Carolina University Local Government Training Program, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, the North Carolina League of Municipalities, and the UNC School of Government decided that an essential element would be a platform where both partners and local governments could go to identify funding sources, training calendars, contact information, and a resource library. From this, the NC Local Government Disaster Recovery Portal was created.

An additional element for successful coordination identified by the partner organizations was a navigator role. So, let me introduce myself. I am Amanda Stratton, Western North Carolina Recovery Navigator. As someone from (and living in) Asheville, I witnessed firsthand what happened when Helene hit. As someone with a decade of local government experience, I knew what local officials were facing. Joining the School of Government and our partner organizations in supporting the region in recovery is a great honor, and I look forward to keeping this portal up to date with relevant and useful information. If you see anything missing or have additional questions, please reach out to me. When you aren’t sure who to contact or where to look for information or resources, consider the portal and myself a first stop.

Amanda Stratton | astratton@sog.unc.edu | 919-445-0501