This news item expired on Saturday, November 18, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County is currently seeking interested applicants for the Community Reparations Commission that began its work earlier this year. There is one board vacancy as well as two alternate vacancies.
The Community Reparations Commission is charged with coming up with recommendations to City Council and the Board of Commissioners to repair the harm done by decades of racial discrimination and systemic oppression against Black residents. The reparations process focuses on five impact areas which include housing, economic development, health, education, and criminal justice.
The Commission will is composed of 25 members, with 15 commission members from historically impacted neighborhoods, five appointed by Asheville City Council to represent the focus areas, and five appointed by the Buncombe County Commissioners to represent the focus areas. The Community Reparations Commission members will contribute approximately 5-10 hours per month over a two-year term.
To apply, click here. The deadline to apply is Dec. 8, 2022.
Community Reparations Commission members are compensated for their time and participation.
To follow the progress of the Reparations Commission, visit Ashevillenc.gov/reparations.
Buncombe County also has an opening for the African American Heritage Commission, which will be open until filled. The application to apply is here.