Executive Order No. 4
Establishing the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery
Whereas, Hurricane Helene ("'Helene") entered the State of North Carolina on September 26, 2024 as a tropical storm; and
Whereas, Helene has inflicted significant damage on public and private property: and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina is committed to rebuilding and revitalizing western North Carolina following Helene; and
Whereas, residents, elected officials, and community leaders from western North Carolina can offer invaluable insights on the region's needs following Helene; and
Whereas, impacts from Helene constitute a State of Emergency as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-19.3(19); and
Whereas, on September 25, 2024, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 315, which declares a State of Emergency and provides for the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors located in North Carolina ("Declaration of a State of Emergency''); and
Whereas, N.C. Sess. Law 2024-51 extended the State of Emergency until March 1, 2025; and
Whereas, on September 26, 2024, the President of the United States issued an emergency declaration, FEMA-36 l 7-EM, for the State of North Carolina, providing, in part, for Public Assistance Category B, including direct federal assistance to the State; and
Whereas, on September 28, 2024, the President of the United States approved an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA-4827-DR, for the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, pursuant to Article Ill of the North Carolina Constitution and N.C. Gen. Stat.§§ l 43A-4 and 143B-4 the Governor is the chief executive officer of the state and is responsible for formulating and administering the policies of the executive branch of state government.
Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of North Carolina, it is ordered:
Section 1. Establishment
The Governor's Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery ("Committee”) is hereby established.
Section 2. Membership
The Committee shall be composed of up to thirty-five (35) members appointed by the Governor. Members should represent the geographic, professional, and demographic diversity of western North Carolina. Committee members shall serve a term of one (I) year and may be reappointed to successive terms. Committee members serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
The Committee shall have two (2) co-chairs selected by the Governor. The co-chairs shall not reside in the same county.
Section 3. Duties
Committee members shall have the following responsibilities:
a. Advise the Governor regarding his work to address the needs of communities affected by Helene. including but not limited to:
b. Advise the Governor regarding other issues related to rebuilding western North Carolina as requested.
c. Seek formal and informal public input on community needs from a broad array of affected people.
Section 4. Meetings
The Committee shall meet as a body of the whole once a month and at other times at the call of the Co-Chairs or the Governor. The Committee may conduct meetings using electronic conferencing or other electronic means. The Committee's meetings shall be governed by the North Carolina Open Meetings Act, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.9, et seq.
A simple majority of the Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting the business of the Committee.
Section 5. Administration
The Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina shall serve as staff and administrative support services for the Committee.
Members shall serve without compensation but may receive necessary travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with State law and policies and regulations of the Office of State Budget and Management.
Section 6. Effect and Duration
This Executive Order is effective immediately. It shall remain in effect until December 31.
2026, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 147-16.2, or until rescinded.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in the City of Raleigh, this 2nd day of January in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-five.
Josh Stein
Governor