Asheville-Buncombe reparations commission approves plan for a Black-led economic center

A new “one-stop shop” for helping Black residents build wealth is one of several recommendations adopted by a local commission that was set up for informing reparations policies in Asheville and Buncombe County. While the Community Reparations Commission lacks the final say on spending and government policies, it has spent the last two years studying potential reparations actions. At Monday’s night virtual meeting, the commission voted yes on a plan for an economic development center, along with three other recommendations. The 25-member commission was formed by city and county government leaders to find solutions for damage caused by public and private systemic racism. The economic development plan, pitched as a ‘one-stop shop’ for Black community resources, was first revealed at a December 2023 meeting. As proposed, the center would offer a myriad of services aimed at boosting economic prosperity for Black residents, including commercial space for entrepreneurs, job training and financial education. The plan advocates for the creation of a financial institution designed for and led by Black residents of Asheville and Buncombe County. The recommendation expands beyond one central location, recommending that Black business corridors be established along Charlotte Street, Asheland Avenue, Valley Street and the Southside neighborhood to...