Summary: We wondered whether any racial demographic information was being collected, tracked, or analyzed for this program. The data is reportedly being collected, although we’re still not clear when or how it will be shared.  

The Facts: The Buncombe County Commission will receive an update on its Community Development Block Grant funded Neighborhood Revitalization program at their August 6th meeting. This is a $400,000 program funded by the NC Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Division that supports home repairs for low- and moderate-income homeowners that live in the County, but outside the City of Asheville. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is implementing the program, and has selected the first five sites. A total of 60 or more homes will receive these repairs over the course of the program.

Source: Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization update

Our Assessment: Once again, it’s unclear whether or not this program will be evaluated with a racial equity lens. Is racial demographic data being collected on the homeowners receiving this benefit? When and how will that information be shared?

This is yet another example of the lack of transparency and reporting on racial inequities in our region, which has been a GAP area of focus for months. This kind of data collection and analysis is essential if the County wants to evaluate whether its programs are shrinking or expanding the well-documented racial equity gaps that exist across every dimension of life in our region. We believe that it’s crucial that the County commit to collecting, analyzing, and sharing racial impact data comprehensively across all of its programming. (You can read about our push for such an overarching strategy here.)

Our Ask: We suggested that folks reach out to County leaders to clarify whether they plan to share racial data on the impact of this homeowner repair program.

Report Back

The report on the CDBG-funded Neighborhood Revitalization program revealed that the County is collecting racial demographic information on those receiving these home repair benefits. It’s still not clear when that information will be publicly shared. (To read more about this issue, check out our campaign for the County to track racial demographics for all of their programs and funded projects.)

GAP Supporter Actions Taken: 4

Recipients and Responses:

Buncombe County 

• County Manager Avril Pinder: No response
• County Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer Noreal Armstrong: No response
• County Commissioner Brownie Newman: No response
• County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara: No response
• County Commissioner Amanda Edwards: No response
• County Commissioner Martin Moore: No response
• County Commissioner Parker Sloane: No response
• County Commissioner Terri Wells: No response
• County Commissioner Al Whitesides: No response