Press release from Buncombe County:
At its Jan. 22 meeting, the Community Reparations Commission will hear an update on the Cease the Harm audit conducted by the Carter Development Group. Recommended by the Commission at its Dec. 5, 2022 meeting, the Carter Development Group audited internal and external services and programs for both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County to facilitate the cessation of harm to the African American community. Specifically, the audit focused on harms that have occurred and whether both agencies are in compliance with federal and state laws, regulatory bodies, codes of conduct, court orders and consent decrees.
Though the Community Reparations Commission is examining harms that are not exclusively under the purview of local government, the audit and final report will align with the Commission’s Impact Focus Areas: criminal justice, economic development, education, health & wellness, and housing. It will also include findings related to the City and County’s equity and internal workforce practices.
“We’re looking forward to receiving this update from the Carter Development Group,” said Buncombe County Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer Dr. Noreal Armstrong. “From their findings, the City and County can take action on our respective service deliveries and programs to ensure we are serving our community fully and without harm.”
The members of the Reparations Commission were appointed by the Asheville City Council on March 8, 2022, and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on March 15, 2022. The Reparations Commission is empowered to make short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward repairing the damage caused by public and private systemic racism. The task of the Reparations Commission is to issue a report at the end of this project for consideration by the City, County, and other participating community groups for incorporation into their respective short- and long-term priorities and plans.
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