Project Challenges

The City of Asheville faced the complex challenge of navigating short- and long-term disaster recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Helene while needing to clearly communicate priorities to residents, funders, and stakeholders. With multiple agencies and elected officials engaging in parallel efforts, Asheville required strategic alignment of its public messaging, increased coordination across government levels, and support in articulating a compelling narrative to secure federal and philanthropic recovery and resilience funding. At the same time, the city needed accessible, citizen-centered communication to reduce public confusion, combat misinformation, and maintain community trust throughout the recovery process.

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Developed Strong Messaging and Supported Program Goals

Project Solutions

We developed the following solutions to empower the organization:

  • Delivered a comprehensive strategic communication plan combining high-level message alignment with on-the-ground community engagement.
  • Worked with elected officials to ensure a unified voice across local, state, and federal levels—strengthening credibility and clarity in external communications.
  • Developed tailored talking points, narrative strategies, and storytelling assets to position the city competitively for disaster recovery funding.
  • Produced public-facing content including resource guides in multiple languages, newsletters, social-ready graphics, and plain-language messaging.
  • Acted as a strategic thought partner—supporting leadership through complexity, building public trust, and helping Asheville navigate federal funding opportunities.
  • Provided thought partnership and strategic messaging to help secure over $225M in federal recovery funding.

Types Of Services Provided

Strategic Messaging & Narrative Positioning

Strategic Messaging & Narrative Positioning is the process of crafting clear, consistent messages that communicate an organization’s purpose and impact. It helps shape the story you tell so your audience understands who you are, what you stand for, and why it matters.

Public Affairs & Policy Communication

This involves communicating effectively with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to influence decisions and shape public policy. It includes translating complex issues into accessible messages that build support and drive action.

Civic Engagement & Community Trust-Building

Civic engagement fosters meaningful participation in public life, ensuring communities have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect them. Trust-building focuses on long-term relationships grounded in transparency, respect, and shared purpose.

Leadership & Executive Communication

Leadership communication is about delivering clear, authentic messages that inspire, align, and mobilize teams and stakeholders. Executives use strategic storytelling, vision-setting, and public speaking to influence culture and drive organizational goals.

Strategic Planning & Capacity Building

Strategic planning sets a clear direction by defining priorities, goals, and actions for long-term success. Capacity building strengthens the systems, skills, and structures needed to execute that strategy and grow sustainably.
Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA)
  • Date
  • Client
    City of Asheville
  • Category
    • Philanthropy
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