Justice Resource Advisory Council Meeting | Dec. 5, 2025

Justice Resource Advisory Council Meeting Recap: Focusing on Strategic Planning and Community Needs (December 5, 2025)

On December 5th, the Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) convened to discuss its two-year strategic plan and address key issues impacting the criminal justice system in Buncombe County. The meeting, attended by council members including newly appointed representatives from Community Engagement, Law Enforcement, and the Courts, prioritized a focused discussion on future goals over other agenda items. Notably, Regina was absent from the meeting.

The core of the discussion centered around JRAC's strategic plan, which aims to improve outcomes across four key areas: Behavioral Health, Community Engagement, Courts, and Law Enforcement. Council members reviewed a list of goals within these areas, including exploring options for expanding inpatient treatment bed capacity (addressing a gap created by the closure of a state facility), engaging individuals with lived experience to provide feedback on JRAC initiatives, and developing protocols for connecting offenders to services during domestic violence incidents. A key decision was made to broaden the "engaging individuals with lived experience" goal, envisioning a dedicated group providing ongoing input across all JRAC initiatives. While concerns were raised about the feasibility of some goals, the council ultimately confirmed their commitment to pursuing these objectives. Specific responsibilities for each goal were assigned to relevant committees and collaborative groups, ensuring accountability moving forward.

A presentation from the Justice Management Institute (JMI) regarding an assessment of JRAC’s alignment with national best practices was met with considerable discussion. While recognizing the potential value of such an assessment, offered as part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, the council ultimately decided to postpone it due to a current focus on refining the strategic plan and concerns about timing. This decision reflects JRAC’s desire to prioritize immediate, practical solutions.

Beyond strategic planning, Angie Garner (VIA) provided an update on several vital housing initiatives, including the Money Follows the Person program, Integrated Supportive Housing Program, and Justice Reentry Program. The council acknowledged funding challenges within these programs and emphasized the importance of collaboration to address critical housing needs for vulnerable populations. This highlighted a continued need to advocate for resources and partnerships within the community.

Looking ahead, JRAC will continue refining its strategic plan and developing methods for tracking progress toward those goals. Staff was tasked with gathering data and feedback on housing initiatives to inform future discussions. A significant action item emerged regarding JRAC's name: the council will explore renaming the organization to "Criminal Justice Coordinating Council" and present this proposal to the County Commissioners. Finally, a special meeting may be scheduled in January to further discuss community program updates and potential collaborations.

This meeting underscored JRAC’s commitment to addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system, ensuring equitable outcomes for all Buncombe County residents. The council’s focus on practical solutions and collaborative efforts demonstrates a dedication to improving the lives of those impacted by the justice system. Residents can expect further updates on JRAC’s strategic plan and housing initiatives in the coming months, with a potential vote on the name change pending approval from County Commissioners.