Cabarrus Today

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Applications are now available for the newly created Concord United Committee. The Committee, as described by the document, will focus on examining racial inequities within City departments, programs, policies, and procedures, while offering recommendations to the City Council. This initiative was unanimously approved by the City Council during their February 11 meeting, marking it as a crucial step in addressing racial disparities within the community.

The establishment of the Concord United Committee is part of a broader effort by the City Council and City Management to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment for all residents and employees. In addition to the Committee, the City has implemented mandatory diversity training for all employees and is in the process of hiring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.

Interested community members are encouraged to apply to serve on the Concord United Committee by downloading an application from the City's website or obtaining a copy from the City Clerk. The deadline for applications is March 30, 2021.

Appointments to the Committee will be made during the May 2021 City Council meeting. The Committee can have up to 24 members, with a requirement that at least half of them must be persons of color. The Committee will operate transparently, with all meetings being open to the public in accordance with North Carolina Open Meetings law.

The Committee's mandate includes reporting back to the Council on its findings and recommendations within one year. While the Council is not obligated to act on these recommendations, they retain the discretion to do so. This underscores the importance of the Concord United Committee in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for the City of Concord.