NCACC task force tackles community development issues

Group discusses holding two best-practice forums

The NCACC Community Development Task Force, chaired by Edgecombe County Commissioner Viola Harris, held its first meeting Feb. 7. The task force was created by NCACC President Terry Garrison to study ways to improve the economic well-being of rural and low-wealth counties in North Carolina.

Garrison said he hopes the task force will formulate best practice ideas that could be shared with officials across the state.

According to Harris, the task force’s goals are to provide affordable housing solutions in low-wealth areas; seek out communities that are successful in providing affordable housing, healthcare and senior care; and locate available grant funding for affordable housing and community development. Harris also stressed to members the need to find “unique, non-monetary incentives” to help attract and retain teachers in North Carolina’s rural areas.

The task force identified a handful of potential partnering organizations and agencies within the state, such as the N.C. Housing Coalition and the N.C. Community Development Association.

The task force identified two “best-practice forums,” to be held in both the eastern and western parts of the state, as the most effective means to disseminate information on community development options for low-wealth counties. The forums would enlist the help of partner organizations and would involve workshops and seminars based around the task force’s goals.

The task force plans to solidify details of the forums at its next meeting March 23 at the Albert Coates Local Government Center in Wake County.

In addition to Harris, task force members include Wilkes County Commissioner Fay Byrd, Jones County Commissioner Frank Emory, Currituck County Commissioner J. Owen Etheridge, Orange County Commissioner Valerie Foushee, Forsyth County Commissioner Walter Marshall and Martin County Vice Chair Ronnie Smith. Policy Advocate Anthony Allen serves as the NCACC’s staff liaison.