Equity Program Last updated or reviewed on March 21, 2023 Working Definitions Equity is an environment where the [institutional/organizational] culture values and operates with fairness despite one’s race, ethnicity, gender, physical or intellectual ability, religion, or sexual orientation. Racial equity is the condition where one’s racial identity no longer predicts individual or group outcomes for success and well-being. Advancing racial equity employs analysis and strategies at the root cause of inequities and disparities; working to address disparities through changes in policy, practice and procedure. Inclusion is authentic and empowered participation with a true sense of belonging. Inclusive engagement of Asheville’s residents is demonstrated through meeting community where they are and working collaboratively to ensure the engagement is valued. The Asheville Parks and Recreation Department (APRD) has been working on equity, inclusion and diversity since 2011. Currently, three areas of work – Racial Equity, ADA and Gender Inclusion – are the focus. The Racial Equity Action Plan is an internal working document that will guide racial equity work during 2017-20. It reflects what staff have heard from community members and groups through existing relationships and projects, and captures ongoing work from the past years, work that was initiated this year, and new initiatives. It establishes timelines, accountability and performance measures for each action. Furthermore, it outlines key steps to ensure staff are equipped with necessary training, knowledge and tools to integrate racial equity into their work and the organization a whole. The Racial Equity Action Plan is a working document, and as such, it will be continually enhanced and improved upon through future staff and community dialogue. The action plan supports ongoing internal transformational change to ensure a continued high level of service to the evolving community. The Racial Equity Action Plan is organized under five goals: A. Creating/developing/fostering a culture that values and advances racial equity. B. Create an effective and inclusive government that engages all communities. C. Create APRD workforce reflects the diversity of community across the breadth and depth of the organization. D. APRD investments in contracting and procurement benefit the diversity of the community. E. Providing programs and services that are responsive and reflective of community needs. Supporting Documents 2017-2020 Racial Equity Action Plan Equity Program Performance Metrics FY18 Cost Recovery Model and Pricing Strategies Equity Matrix Criteria & Scoring Program Equity Scoring Results for Facilities Investing in Neighborhood Parks & Facilities Memo to Planning & Economic Development Committee – January 16, 2018 Park Services Districts, Census Tracts, and Neighborhoods Presentation – The Equitable Allocation of Community Park & Recreation Resources Contact Information parks@ashevillenc.gov 828-259-5800
