Wrap-Up Report: TS Helene Economic Recovery Grant Inquiry
Investigation Closed
This report summarizes the inquiry initiated by Jim Fulton into the administration of the TS Helene Economic Recovery Grant program, specifically regarding the use of ARPA funds by Buncombe County and the grant award process managed by Mountain BizWorks.
Background
On December 9, 2024, a public records request (COUNTY PRR :: C001261-120924) was submitted to Buncombe County requesting detailed information on applicants and outcomes for the TS Helene Economic Recovery Grant program. The focus was to assess whether race- or sex-based prioritization in the distribution of public funds violated non-discrimination provisions outlined in Section 19.c. of the County’s agreement with Mountain BizWorks.
Timeline of Key Events
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Timeline of Key Events
· Dec 9, 2024: Initial public records request submitted to Buncombe County.
· Jan 16, 2025: County responded that no responsive records were available.
· Feb 10, 2025: County provided partial data from Mountain BizWorks including Buncombe County-funded grant awardees.
· Mar 25, 2025: Mountain BizWorks published a public report summarizing the grant program and awardee demographics.
· Late April 2025: Jim Fulton contacted Ruth Smith and State Auditor Dave Boliek for feedback and oversight input.
· May 2025: Decision made to close the inquiry.
Findings
- Of the 389 total grant recipients, 53% were BIPOC-owned and 55% were woman-owned; approximately 47% were not BIPOC-owned and 45% were not woman-owned.
- Mountain BizWorks confirmed prioritization criteria were applied, but also that a significant number of white-owned businesses received funding.
- Mountain BizWorks declined to release individual application data due to lack of applicant consent and the sensitive nature of personal and business information.
- Public documentation of the evaluation process and scoring methods was not provided, limiting transparency into how prioritization affected outcomes.
- Concerns remain about whether ARPA funds were repurposed in compliance with U.S. Treasury guidance.
Correspondence Summary
Key exchanges included:
- Multiple follow-ups with Buncombe County seeking full public records disclosure.
- Email correspondence with Bekah Wallace and Noah Wilson of Mountain BizWorks.
- Carbon copied correspondence to Ruth Smith (known to have previously filed a complaint with the U.S. Treasury) and State Auditor Dave Boliek.
- No replies were received from oversight officials.
- Final courtesy email sent to Mountain BizWorks to close the loop.
Conclusion
While the available data does not support a finding of categorical exclusion of white-owned businesses, questions remain about the transparency, prioritization methodology, and appropriateness of using public funds under ARPA guidelines. Without further cooperation from county or state officials, this matter is being set aside for the time being.
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