The 2023 City of Asheville Disparity Study supports extending its race- and gender-conscious contracting policy

The City of Asheville has released a Disparity Study report detailing its contracting and purchasing activities and practices for the past 5 years. A Disparity Study is a type of research study that is designed to assess whether there are disparities, or differences, in the participation rates and opportunities for various groups in a particular program or industry.  The goal of a disparity study is to identify any barriers or obstacles that may be preventing certain groups from participating fully, and to develop strategies to promote greater diversity and inclusion.

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City of Asheville Business Inclusion Office to Host second MWBE Vendor Outreach Event in Asheville

The Asheville Business Inclusion (ABI) office is excited to announce it will host a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) outreach event on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event welcomes all Minority- and Women-owned businesses operating in the construction trades or offering services related to construction. Attendance from Prime contractors seeking collaboration opportunities with MWBE vendors is highly encouraged.

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The Community Reparations Commission releases draft recommendations

The Community Reparations Commission has been meeting since April of 2022 to develop short, medium, and long term recommendations. A batch of draft recommendations has been released. The recommendations align with the five impact focus areas of the commission: housing, economic development, criminal justice, education, and health & wellness. These draft recommendations are [...]

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Equity & Inclusion Director Brenda Mills to retire

Please join the City of Asheville’s leadership team in congratulating Brenda Mills on her upcoming retirement effective January 31, 2024.  Brenda joined the City of Asheville in 2005 and has served in different roles including: Minority Business Program Manager, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Project Manager, Administrative Services Manager, Economic Development Specialist, Neighborhood & Community Engagement [...]

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Community Reparations Summit to be Held Oct. 7; Public Invited to Attend and Provide Feedback

Since March of 2022, the Community Reparations Commission has been working to establish short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for consideration by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County Government. On Saturday, Oct. 7, a Community Reparations Summit will be held, providing an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the impact focus areas of [...]

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