Williams attends convening of local governments affected by Helene, tours affected areas

Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams, who is a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, recently attended a North Carolina Local Government special recovery meeting for communities affected by #Helene. The meeting, which was held in Buncombe County on Feb. 11, 2025, was co-sponsored by the N.C. League of Municipalities, the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, and multiple western North Carolina Councils of Governments.

Williams was joined by NACo Legislative Director Brett Mattson, who is the NACo staff liaison for the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force. Williams said, “We’re here to listen and learn and glean ideas for substantive, impactful reforms to federal disaster policies and laws.”

Robin Ramsey, Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, took Williams on a tour of some of the areas hardest hit by Helene on Feb. 12. They visited Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure, where Williams was able to speak with local community leaders and learn about their recovery efforts.

“Even though it has been months since Helene made landfall, the damage is still incomprehensible. The people of that area are resilient and are determined to get through this and get back on their feet,” Williams said. “I appreciate the folks who shared their insights with me, and I’ll pass them along to the National Association of Counties Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force.”

Over 200 pictures from the tour are posted on Facebook (click here).