LIVE @ Buncombe County Strategic Partnership Grant Committee 9/2/21

Buncombe County Strategic Partnership Grant Committee Meeting Recap – September 2, 2021

The Buncombe County Strategic Partnership Grant Committee convened on September 2nd, 2021, to discuss ongoing grant processes, plan for the upcoming fiscal year (FY22), and address key areas for improvement. This meeting, attended by committee members Kevin, Kate, Paul, Liz, and Doug, focused on ensuring a transparent and equitable grant distribution system that benefits the community.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on planning for FY22, which will see the committee awarding grants from February to May. Discussions included a roadmap outlining key dates: planning in September, facilitated equity discussions tentatively scheduled for October or November, and finalization of grant guidelines by December. The committee approved a plan to conduct site visits on Friday afternoons, allowing for multiple virtual visits back-to-back. Committee members will be required to attend at least one site visit per Friday, with county staff providing standardized questions and support.

The committee also engaged in a robust discussion surrounding equity within the grant application process. The Equity Ad Hoc group presented their recommendation to hire a professional consultant to review the existing equity question used in grant scoring and refine those methods. This initiative aims to improve equitable outcomes for future grant cycles, potentially including technical assistance for applicants seeking funding. While the committee supported exploring this option, some members raised concerns about relying solely on external consultants and emphasized the importance of leveraging the committee's own expertise in self-assessment.

Beyond planning, the committee formally approved documentation detailing the FY21 grant process, ensuring transparency and providing a valuable reference for future cycles. A $10,000 reallocation of funds was also discussed. Finally, the committee addressed leadership transitions as Kevin steps down from his role. Kate was nominated for chair and Paul for secretary, but Paul declined the nomination due to increasing workload. The committee decided to postpone a final decision on both positions until their next meeting, allowing time for further nominations.

While no direct public comments were received during the meeting, a key action item emerged from discussions about data analysis. County staff will now analyze data from the previous grant cycle to identify any discrepancies in scoring, particularly concerning the equity question. This analysis will inform potential adjustments to ensure a fairer and more consistent evaluation process. Other action items include exploring consultant options for the equity review (led by Rachel and Burnett’s team), updating calendars with the FY22 roadmap, advertising the committee member vacancy, and preparing a proposed spring schedule for consideration at the next meeting.

This meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to refining its grant processes and ensuring equitable distribution of resources within Buncombe County. The upcoming equity review, coupled with the planned data analysis, promises to strengthen the grant program and better serve residents in need. Citizens can expect further updates on these initiatives as they progress, with the next meeting providing an opportunity to address leadership vacancies and finalize plans for FY22.