Overview

• The Civil Rights Division told the Buncombe County Board it stands ready to investigate and enforce if the reparations recommendations are formally adopted.
• DOJ said it reviewed 38 proposals across criminal justice, economic development, education, health and housing, citing the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Protection Clause.
• The Community Reparations Commission’s final proposal is slated to be presented to Asheville’s City Council, and no governing body has approved a policy.
• The letter referenced media statements that more than $2.9 million was set aside toward implementation, while local reporting states no reparations policy has been passed.
• One day before issuing the letter, Dhillon posted a warning on X, and DOJ under her leadership previously scrutinized an Asheville HUD recovery plan that prioritized assistance for minority- and women-owned businesses.