Buncombe Applications Open for Vance Monument Task Force

On June 9 and June 16, 2020, the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, respectively, passed a joint resolution to remove two confederate statues located at the Buncombe County Courthouse and Pack Square Park, and to establish a jointly appointed task force to recommend action regarding the removal or repurposing of the Vance monument.

The Vance Monument Task Force (VMTF) will consist of up to 12 members whose appointments will be made in equal numbers by the two governing boards. It is the intent of the governing boards of the City of Asheville and Buncombe County that the Vance monument be replaced or altered in such a manner, as to honor the local history of African-Americans. The VMTF will be tasked with gathering citizen input, particularly from those most impacted by the monuments, participate in public dialogue, and will present the governing boards a final report of recommendation within three months of the completion of all membership appointments.

What to expect

Due to the projected timeline, members may anticipate an average of one meeting per week, with research and activity between the meetings. Members will be asked to actively participate in planning, gathering data and input, evaluation of facts and alternatives, and reach consensus on the final content for the report. The initial focus of this taskforce will be to develop and present a final report regarding the future of the Vance Monument. The governing bodies may request additional activities within the scope of the resolution. 

The Buncombe County application process will close on July 7, 2020, the Board will hold interviews the period of July 8-19, 2020, and will announce their appointees at the July 21, 2020, regular meeting. Click here to log on and apply or use the attached application and return to lamar.joyner@buncombecounty.org or by mail to Vance Monument Task Force, 200 College St., Asheville, NC 28801. Printed applications are available at 200 College St., third floor. 

City of Asheville application process 

The City of Asheville will accept applications through July 10. Click here for more information.

The Vance Monument Task Force will operate in accordance with North Carolina open meetings and public records laws. Information provided in this application, during meetings, all records, and communications are subject to NC public records law and may be disclosed to third parties.