We have all been affected by Hurricane Helene, some more than others, some less visibly. There’s also no doubt that Asheville is the center of media attention. People throughout the country and around the world are seeing a very bleak picture of Asheville in the wake of the storm. They cannot always see the important work being performed day by day since then.

 Positively Asheville advisory team member, Tony Morris, shared an intriguing thought. He said that Asheville faces three possibilities: We can limp along damaged and heartbroken; we can assume that recovery will be slow and take years; or we adopt a positive, determined attitude and work together to turn the situation around as quickly as possible.

During a crisis, the need for leaders is especially urgent. Our actions and thoughts are the models for others to follow. The eyes of the world are focused on Asheville right now, and we can help shape what they will see in the days ahead. We’ve got each other’s backs, and we’ve got this.