Equity & Engagement Committee – August 20, 2024
August 20, 2024 at 1:01 PM
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Event Recap
Equity & Engagement Committee Meeting Recap – August 20, 2024
The Asheville City Council Equity & Engagement Committee convened on August 20, 2024, for a remote meeting focused on advancing equity and engagement initiatives within the city. Council Member Kim Roney stepped in as chair, filling for Councilmember Smith who is currently on family leave. The meeting covered a range of topics, from ongoing work related to reparations to community-led climate action and preparations for the upcoming Festival of Neighborhoods.
A significant portion of the meeting centered on updates from the Community Reparations Commission (CRC). The CRC is currently working towards a final report outlining recommendations for reparations, and has been actively conducting interviews with commissioners. They are requesting a six-month extension to complete their work, pushing the final report deadline to February 2025. The committee discussed the CRC’s budget, currently allocated at $520,200 for FY 24-25, and their exploration of establishing a 501(c)(3) non-profit and an accountability council. This request for extension will be presented to the full City Council on August 27th, a key date for residents interested in following this important process.
Beyond the CRC update, the committee received a presentation on Elevate AVL, a project under the Climate Justice Initiative. This initiative aims to empower neighborhoods to lead climate action by co-creating resources and building community ownership around climate resilience. The project is developing a "Climate Action Toolkit" based on direct community input, ensuring that city efforts are aligned with neighborhood priorities. Finally, the committee received a preview of the upcoming Festival of Neighborhoods on September 14th at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, a free event designed to celebrate neighborhood spirit and connect residents with local organizations.
During the meeting, Councilmember Sage Turner highlighted the importance of community-led decision-making and emphasized the need for ongoing support from the city. Councilmember Roney advocated for incorporating equity-based initiatives into discussions surrounding the upcoming affordable housing bond, a crucial consideration as the city addresses its housing needs. The committee formally approved the minutes from their June meeting via roll call vote, ensuring accurate records of previous discussions.
Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. City staff will continue providing support to the CRC and advisory boards, refining plans as needed. The Elevate AVL project will continue gathering community input to finalize the Climate Action Toolkit. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Festival of Neighborhoods on September 14th. Furthermore, staff will share a more detailed FY25 committee work plan in September, which is expected to include discussions on strategic partnership grants and a review of accessibility and online engagement. The committee also committed to exploring ways to better coordinate schedules and communication between council committees and advisory boards, fostering greater collaboration across city government. Ultimately, the committee's focus remains on ensuring that all initiatives are responsive to residents’ needs and prioritize equity in their implementation.