Buncombe County and the City of Asheville, NC, made history as the first county and second city in the United States of America to pass resolutions supporting reparations for Black Americans. To support this historic feat, the county and city sought the expertise of qualified racial equity subject matter experts, the Carter Development Group, to conduct a comprehensive racial equity audit and corresponding strategic plan to address ongoing harms caused by city and government services, policies, practices, and procedures. The audit encompassed county and city governments’ internal and external programs across law enforcement and emergency services, economic development, education, health and wellness, housing, human resources, and Equity and Human Rights Office. The audit provided an independent assessment using the O.K.R.A. Compass TM and engaged stakeholders through surveys and interviews. It culminated in a strategic plan with for racial equity and harm reduction.
