Asheville Business Inclusion (ABI) Office’s Plan to Implement the 2023 Disparity Study Recommendations

In the 6/3/24 GAP Report, we reported back on a meeting with the new ABI Manager Marcus Kirkman and Economic Development Manager Rachel Taylor, where we discussed their Disparity Study implementation plan. While we still have some of our original concerns – that timely and complete implementation of these recommendations will require more staff resources than the City is allocating – we were encouraged by their commitment and prepared to wait and see how the plans progress.

Our Ask

We suggested that folks write to Mr. Kirkman and Ms. Taylor to thank them for meeting with GAP and encourage them in moving forward with their plan for decreasing racial disparities in City contracts.

Report Back

Update 6/6/24: Several GAP Supporters received an appreciative response from Mr. Kirkman. 

GAP Supporter Actions Taken: 4

Recipients and Responses:

Asheville City Staff

• Business Inclusion Manager Marcus Kirkman: Responded
• Economic Development Division Manager Rachel Taylor: No response