The Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) meeting took place on June 7, 2025, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, focusing on community engagement and initiatives aimed at reducing jail populations and improving transitional housing for individuals re-entering society.

The meeting began with discussions about the Just Home project, which aims to provide sustainable and affordable housing for individuals transitioning from prison back to Buncombe County. Community members expressed eagerness for the project, which had been delayed due to a recent storm. The council emphasized the importance of affordable housing in preventing recidivism, noting that high rental costs often lead individuals to remain in transitional housing longer than necessary.

Additionally, the council reviewed the recently released statewide court appearance project report from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). This extensive report contains recommendations that could help reduce jail populations. The council expressed interest in implementing these suggestions and noted that the AOC is willing to collaborate with them for effective execution.

A member of the council highlighted the need for a presentation on the report, suggesting that Eric Jackson, who chairs the input and analysis subcommittee, could provide insights at the next meeting. The council agreed on the importance of collaboration with the courts to ensure that individuals who should be incarcerated are in jail, while those who do not pose a threat to society are not.

The meeting also included a discussion about the perception of the court system among community members. Concerns were raised regarding the intimidating atmosphere of court proceedings, which can lead to anxiety for those involved. Members acknowledged the challenges judges face and emphasized the need for compassion and understanding in the judicial process.

As the meeting concluded, there were no public comments due to technical difficulties preventing a registered participant from connecting. The council members reiterated their commitment to addressing the issues discussed and improving the justice system in Buncombe County.