Jeffrey Burroughs, a jeweler and president of the River Arts District Artists association, advanced in the Asheville City Council primary. It is Burroughs’ first time running for public office.

In the race for Asheville City Council, 20 candidates were vying for the six spots that will move to November's election.

As Asheville continues recovering from Hurricane Helene, artists and small businesses across the city have worked together to rebuild the creative community.

In this op-ed published by ArtsvilleUSA, Jeffrey Burroughs reflects on the recovery of Asheville’s River Arts District following Hurricane Helene and the role artists play in rebuilding communities after disaster.

Hurricane Helene caused historic flooding across Asheville, destroying much of the River Arts District and damaging dozens of studios.

Jeffrey Burroughs, president of the River Arts District Artists, described watching floodwaters sweep through the district during Hurricane Helene.

As Burroughs reflected in the article: “The River Arts District is more than a place. It is a living, breathing testament to the power of creativity and community. In the face of disaster, our artists didn’t just rebuild. They reimagined what’s possible.”

After Hurricane Helene devastated the River Arts District, impacting hundreds of artists and studios, community leaders began organizing recovery efforts almost immediately.

Four months after Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding across western North Carolina, communities throughout the region continue to face a slow and difficult recovery.