Almost one year after Helene, Buncombe County held its 86th and final Community Briefing this week.
In the aftermath of the storm, the briefings – aired on Blue Ridge Public Radio, online and elsewhere – were a crucial resource for people who needed updates on food, water, electricity and other essential services at a time when cell service and internet were strained throughout the region.
The briefings also gave the press an opportunity to ask officials directly about everything from FEMA reimbursements to social services in the aftermath of the storm. Initially, the briefings were held twice-daily, before eventually dropping to once-a-day and then once a week…