This new position lines up with
a key Asheville City Council focus area
After extensive public input — including three public input sessions and feedback taken online through Open City Hall Asheville — the job description for the Equity and Inclusion Manager position at the City of Asheville has been finalized. The position is now open, and the deadline to apply has been extended to March 3, 2017.
A diverse community was identified as 1 of 8 key focus areas in Asheville City Council’s 2016 Vision crafted in January 2016. Council took the next step in supporting this focus area by setting aside money in the City’s 2016-2017 budget toward equity efforts. This includes the hiring of an Equity Manager. This position would be dedicated to helping the City achieve meaningful progress by evaluating delivery of programs and services and its decision-making on how to expand equity.
An excerpt from the job post reads:
“The recently established Equity and Inclusion function is a deliberate step toward advancing equity in Asheville, with racial and social equity as top priorities. As a city government, Asheville can serve a unique role toward maximizing the access and opportunities that all people have to satisfy essential needs, advance their well-being and achieve their full potential. The Equity and Inclusion Manager position will play a key role in moving the city organization toward the successful advancement of equity within Asheville.”
To read the job post in full, or to apply, please visit the Equity and Inclusion Manager job post.
Models already exist for creating meaningful equity in local government. In 2006, the City of Seattle implemented what is seen as the first practical effort for a municipality to address institutional racism with its Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative. North Carolina municipalities that have followed their lead to promote racial equity include Durham, Greensboro and Raleigh.
The plan is to have the Asheville position filled by May.
Related links to previous coverage:
City of Asheville seeks community input prior to expanding equity initiative
City of Asheville adds online community input opportunity prior to expanding equity initiative