What were the findings?

• Insufficient data-driven practices to measure the level of African American participation in local opportunities
• Insufficient evaluation practices of grant recipients
• Limited affordable housing supply as well as a lack of cohesive strategy from local government
• A lack of wide-scale racial equity training for local government staff.

• Cows Come Home | Friday, March 29 | 6-9 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville | Free | Dentist-turned-artist Larry Turner will hold an exhibition of works inspired by a bovine matchbox from 1979.
• Family Dinner Presents: Spring Fling | Friday, March 29 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15 | Celebrate the season with a long-form improv performance party to remember.

• Garden Egg Hunt | Saturday, March 30 | 12-2 p.m. | The Educational Garden Project, 15 Overbrook Pl., Asheville | Free | Grab a basket and start hunting — then try out spring activities like tea making, egg dyeing, and more.
• Who In The Hell Left The Back Door Open | Saturday, March 30 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $39-$75 | Southern soul, gospel, and R&B come together for a musical stage play following a family whose lives have been turned upside down.

• The Great Easter Joke Hunt | Sunday, March 31 | 6-8 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company South Slope, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $15 | Hunt for joke-filled Easter eggs all over the brewery, then wait for your moment during the comedy lineup to share your favorite found jokes.
• Blue Ridge Blues Jam | Sunday, March 31 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave., Asheville | $5 | Kick it old school and bring back the blues with a lineup of all local musicians.

• Mario Kart Tournament | Monday, April 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse, 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $5-$10 | Pick your character and show off your racing skills — bring your own Nintendo Switch or rent one to play.

• Running of the Goats 5k & Nature Walk | Sunday, April 21 | 7:30-10 a.m. | WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville | $25-$45 | Join the Friends of the WNC Nature Center for the 4th Annual Running of the Goats 5k + Nature Walk. Event includes a post-race party, costume contest, and more.*

• Whether your plans include egg hunts, Sunday brunch, or a special visit from somebunny, we wish you a happy Easter this Sunday. Celebrate by taking the kids to Burton Street Community Center’s Eggstravaganza or House of Black Cat Magic’s Meow-gical Egg Hunt.

• Ferry Road, Buncombe County’s mixed-income development, received approval from the Asheville City Council at its Tuesday, March 26 meeting. The proposal includes 645 units, with more than half intended affordable, parks, greenways, and trails. Site prep is planned for late 2025. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• It’s bear-y big news. The City of Asheville has ordered 340 additional bear-resistant trash carts to distribute to residents who have been on the waitlist. Waitlisted residents will be contacted over the next few months to confirm information and that they still need a cart. Join the waitlist or purchase a City-approved bear-resistant trash lock.

• Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) has helped protect another 226 acres in Buncombe County. SAHC announced conservation easements for 90 acres of a family farm along Willow Creek Road and for 136 acres of a family property along Sandy Mush Creek.

• Put a spring in your kid’s step. Buncombe County Parks and Recreation has a new spring break day camp program for kids ages 8-12, where they’ll join Asheville Sailing Club, environmental educators, and parks + rec staff for workshops and skills courses. Register for the camp on Tuesday, April 2 or Thursday, April 4.

• Buncombe County’s Consolidated 911 Center has put out a call for a Strategic Visioning Workgroup community member at large. The group evaluates performances + procedures and provides feedback to the Department of Public Safety Communications and the County. Submit an application by Tuesday, April 30.

• Looking for local talent? Employer registration is now open for the WNC Career Expo on Wednesday, April 17. Hosted by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, the expo will showcase local businesses + organizations promoting career opportunities in high-growth industries.

• 300. That’s how many vehicles have been donated by the nonprofit Working Wheels as of Wednesday, March 27. This purchase program takes vehicles donated by the community, repairs them, and gives them to local individuals and families in need. Learn how to get involved. (WLOS)

• It’s the final countdown. We’re accepting entries to a $500 cash prize giveaway through this Sunday, March 31. All you have to do is subscribe to CLTtoday and refer a few friends while you’re there. Two winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 2.

• Asheville’s newest locally-owned gift shop is both a gift shop and a gift-yourself shop. Head downtown to brighten your day with the Delighted Gift Shop’s fun, colorful, quirky items like a flower-shaped umbrella, chicken-covered water bottle, cute coffee mug, personality-filled totes + so much more.*

• Compare multiple lenders and get debt consolidation offers in two minutes. Calculate your monthly payments.*