Equity Task Force Initiative

Report and Presentation Materials


The Sanford Equity Task Force, which convened for twelve months in 2020-2021, examined data and created recommendations to address racial and ethnic disparities in Sanford and Lee County in key areas of wages and income, housing, criminal justice, education, health, leadership, and communication.

The Sanford Equity Task Force presented its findings and recommendations to the Sanford City Council on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021. Presenters included Robert Bridwell, Trina Garrison, Bishop Charles Mellette, Margaret Murchison, Jeannette Peace, and Fred Webb.

View the Task Force’s findings and 56 recommendations here.

Equity Task Force Initiative Background


The Sanford Equity Task Force Initiative was developed in 2020 to examine and work to dismantle disparities in the lives of Sanford residents by bringing an equity lens to improve outcomes for all populations.

The Task Force's mission was to identify community needs through research, open forums, community meetings, surveys, and collaboration with various municipal departments, groups, and individuals working in service areas critical to the health and well-being of Sanford residents.

Sanford City Council approved the following framework:
The Task Force shall be comprised of nine members representing different sectors of the community and three at-large members.  Nine members will be selected from the following sectors and must live or work in the Sanford city limits: education, workforce development, criminal justice, health care, employment/wages and income, social service, faith-based community, non-profit organization, economic development, housing, real estate, and banking. Three members shall be appointed at-large and also must live in the Sanford city limits. All members agree to serve a term of six to twelve months.

Public Feedback


The Task Force focused on several areas of concern in historically disadvantaged and challenged communities and appreciates the input of Sanford and Lee County residents. Please use the following link to provide feedback. Information provided here is NOT confidential and may be shared publicly.

Task Force Members


  • Rev. Dcn. Robert Bridwell, AICP
  • Byron M. Buckels, Mayor Pro-Tem, Sanford City Council Task Force Liaison 
  • Daniela Cerón, School of Social Work Graduate student with the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Felicia Crittenden, Associate Dean, Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Central Carolina Community College
  • Ciera Dixon, School Counselor at MINA Charter School
  • Kevin Foushee, Trial Lawyer at Post, Foushee, Patton Trial Lawyers
  • Katrina Garrison, Executive Assistant/Office Manager at Lee-Moore Capital Company
  • Hannah Gill, Associate Director at the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Brianna Gilmore, Program Associate at the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Pierce Holloway, City and Regional Planning Graduate student with the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Charles Mellette, Bishop at Christian Provision Ministries, Sanford City Council Task Force Facilitator
  • Margaret B. Murchison, News & Public Affairs Director Sandhills Broadcasting corp., WWGP 1050 AM & WFJA 105.5 FM
  • Jeanette Peace, Attorney at Peace and Associates
  • Jimmy Randolph, CEO of Sanford Area Growth Alliance
  • Vonda Reives, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at North Moore Family Practice, PA
  • Fred Webb, Attorney, Law Office of Fred D. Webb
  • Jermaine White, Assistant Superintendent at Harnett County Schools
  • Vernadette Williams, Real Estate Broker, Main Street Realty Group