Boards and Commissions Update: COVID-19 Thank you for staying engaged and getting involved with your local government. UPDATE: Asheville City-managed advisory boards, commissions, and City Council committee meetings will be held virtually until further notice. This decision is based on the latest guidance from the Governor’s office that determined that the City can continue to legally hold virtual meetings. It also aims to protect the health and safety of our community while there is an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases locally, and with substantial transmission in Buncombe County. Virtual meetings will continue to be streamed live to the City of Asheville Virtual Engagement Hub and the City YouTube Channel. Instructions on how the public can participate via virtual public comment will be posted on the City of Asheville website, each City Council meeting agenda and the Virtual Engagement Hub as well. Additional Resources: Regular Committee Meeting Schedules – updated June 2021 – Subject to change and public notice requirements. Should you wish to confirm a meeting time or location, you may contact boards@ashevillenc.gov. City Engagement Hub: Online home for Committee meetings and public participation The City of Asheville has various openings on various committees. Have you ever wanted to make a difference? Have you wondered, “Can the City benefit from my experience and knowledge?” Do you want to have a voice in the City’s growth and future? Do you want to be a part of the body that is responsible for making decisions regarding policy, service and education? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s time to take that initial step forward and put your perspective, leadership and knowledge to task by serving on one of the many committees we have to offer. Please note that appointees to boards and commissions shall be residents of the City of Asheville, unless otherwise specified or provided for by law or Council action. Through a variety of boards and commissions established by Asheville City Council, citizens can provide input on the policies that shape their government and their city. There are currently more than 30 boards and commissions that advise the Mayor and City Council on a array of issues. Board members and commissioners generally serve as unpaid volunteers, but the rewards can be gratifying: members meet other residents with similar interests, they learn about the city, and they help shape the future of Asheville. Being on a board or commission does require a significant personal commitment, however, so applicants should consider their ability to commit their time and personal energy before applying. Want to be notified when new vacancies are announced? Contact boards@ashevillenc.gov to be added to the distribution list. Advertised Vacancies for Members – February vacancy flyer. Unless otherwise stated, the application deadline for these vacancies is January 31 at 5:00 P.M. City Council is scheduled to make appointments at the February 9 Council Meeting. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION – The Commission shall have the following powers and duties: (1) Develop rules for the conduct of its business, including but not limited to meeting schedules, election of officers, voting, subcommittees, et al.; (2) Develop a plan to identify, create, encourage, promote and implement projects that will recognize, increase and expand the awareness of the contributions of African-Americans throughout the City-County area; and (3) Create plans to identify and recognize sites in the community that are significant to African-American history; encourage and promote economic activity related to the African American community; and propose other projects that are consistent with the goals of the Commission. BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS – The current vacancy is for an electrical contractor. Please note qualifications on application. The members of the Board examine applicants for licenses for the transaction of other related business. HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION –The Historic Resources Commission is charged with preserving and protecting the cultural and architectural character of Asheville and Buncombe County. In addition to reviewing proposed projects affecting locally designated historic properties, the HRC is responsible for recommending local district and landmark designation to the City Council. The HRC also functions as an educational resource within the community, and strives to foster Asheville’s unique sense of place through its preservation efforts. Members must have demonstrated special interest, experience or education in history, architecture, archeology, architectural history, historic preservation, landscape architecture or related field. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION – Duties of the commission include, but are not limited to: (1) Make policy recommendations to the City Council which promote and improve human relations and advance equity in the City; (2) Support the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion; (3) Provide a forum where residents can raise issues and complaints relating to human relations in the City; (4) Engage the community regarding the utilization of City-funded programs and policies for the promotion of human relations; and (5) Promote and improve human relations and advance equity in the following areas: public safety; educational, art and cultural opportunities; economic development; health and human services; and housing. Eligible applicants are required to submit a Human Relations Commission Supplemental Form, in addition to the Boards and Commissions application. Applicant will not be considered for appointment without both forms being completed. MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION – This opening is for someone with particular interest and/or expertise in transit. Please note your interest on your application. Members shall represent various modes of transportation to include, but not be limited to: transit, greenways, automobiles, bikes, pedestrians, etc. Members shall possess expertise and interest in the sustainability and development of multimodal transportation and demonstrate willingness to participate actively. Duties of the commission include, but are not limited to: (1) recommend policies for the development/ integration of multimodal transportation planning and education to the City; (2) assist with the development of a multimodal transportation system; (3) assist the City with the implementation of best management practices for educating the public on the benefits of multimodal transportation; (4) assist in the sustainability, development and implementation of the multimodal transportation plan; and (5) assist in the prioritization of the Capital Improvement Plan as it relates to multimodal transportation projects. NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE – The current vacancy is for a representative that resides in the 28806 or 28728 zip code; please indicate zip code on application. The committee was established to advise City Council on neighborhood needs within the City of Asheville’s zoning and planning jurisdiction. The committee works to strengthen neighborhood identity and resilience by facilitating communication and cooperation between Asheville’s neighborhoods and City offices. The committee also works on special projects as assigned or directed by City Council. (NEW) REPARATIONS COMMISSION – Nominations and applications are being accepted now through January 15. For information and applications for the Reparations Commission, please visit the Reparations Project page. ======================================================================== TRANSIT COMMITTEE- Notice: This vacancy is open until filled. The Committee functions as an advisory board to the Multimodal Transportation Commission and to the City staff on matters affecting the transit system and its operation. The Transit Committees consists of at least seven members and up to eleven members. All Transit Committee members are appointed by the Multimodal Transportation Commission. The terms of office are three years. Notice: For an application form, click HERE, or contact Eunice Lovi for more information. Application Process Determine which board or commission interests you. Board and commission meetings are open to the public, so potential applicants are encouraged to sit in on monthly meetings. Meeting dates, times and locations vary, and are available on individual web pages. Qualifications Qualifications for appointees to boards and commissions shall be residents of the City of Asheville, unless otherwise specified or provided for by law or Council action. Application Complete an application by filling out the board or commission application form. Notice: there is an additional human relations application form if you are interested in serving on the Human Relations Commission. Both forms must be completed to be considered for the Human Relations Commission. After your application is received, you will receive a receipt of application e-mail from the City Clerk’s Office. If you do not receive that receipt within a day after submittal, please contact boards@ashevillenc.gov to make sure that your application has reached the City Clerk’s Office. Notice: Wait for a vacancy if one is not currently open. Once an application is received, the city will place your name on the resource list for the particular board. Applications are held on file for consideration for one year. If you are not appointed within a year, you would need to resubmit an application for further consideration. Interview When vacancies occur, the City Council will review the resource list and may schedule interviews. You will be contacted directly if it is necessary for you to interview for an appointment. NOTICE: Committee meetings are being held as-needed. Please visit Committee page for next meeting details. Board and Commission Meeting Information Board and Commission Meeting Information Contact Affordable Housing Advisory Committee This meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m., on the first Thursday of the month at City Hall, in conference room 623 located on floor 6. Christina Harris 828-232-4599 African American Heritage Commission This meeting takes place at 4:30 p.m., on the second Thursday of the month. Brenda Mills Bmills@ashevillenc.gov Airport Authority This meeting takes place at 8:30 a.m., on the second Friday of the month at Asheville Airport Offices, in the conference room. Ellen Heywood 828-684-2226 Air Quality Agency Visit WNC Air Quality website. wncair@buncombecounty.org Alcoholic Beverage Control Board This meeting takes place at 8:30 a.m., on the last Tuesday of the month at ABC Administrative Office located at 24 Old Brevard Rd. Mark Combs markc@ashevilleabc.com Asheville City Board of Education This meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m., on the first Monday of the month at Asheville City Schools Administrative Office located at 85 Mountain Street. There is a work session meeting that takes place one week prior to regular scheduled meeting at 4:00 p.m., and is rotated in location between schools. Kimberly Jones kimberly.jones@acsgmail.net Asheville City Council Formal Meetings This meeting takes place at 5:00 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at City Hall, in the Council Chamber located on floor 2. Maggie Burleson 828-259-5601 Asheville Regional Housing Consortium This meeting takes place on an as needed basis. Christina Harris 828-232-4599 Audit Committee This meeting takes place at 3:00 p.m., on a quarterly schedule throughout the year, on the third Thursday at City Hall, in the first fourth floor conference room. Patricia Rosenberg 828-259-5586 Board of Adjustment This meeting takes place at 2:00 p.m., on the fourth Monday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Ricky Hurley Board of Electrical Examiners This meeting takes place at 9:00 a.m., on the first Tuesday of the month for January, April, July, and October at Public Works Room A109 located at 161 South Charlotte Street. Jim Hayes 828-778-0772 Board and Commissions Committee (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 4:15 p.m., on the second Tuesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room.. Sarah Gross 828-259-5839 Citizen-Police Advisory Committee Meets as-needed Lindsay Regner 828-259-5813 Civic Center Commission This meeting takes place at 8:00 a.m., on the first Tuesday of the month in the Banquet Hall at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville located at 87 Haywood Street. Chris Corl ccorl@ashevillenc.gov Civil Service Board Meets as-needed. Shannon Barrett Community Action Opportunities This meeting takes place at 12:00 p.m., on the fourth Tuesday of the month for February, April, June, August, October, and December at Community Action Opportunity located at 25 Gaston Street. Vicki Heidinger 828-252-2495 Design Review Committee This meeting takes place at 12:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Sasha Vrtunski svrtunski@ashevillenc.gov Downtown Commission This meeting takes place at 8:30 a.m., on the second Friday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Dana Frankel 828-251-4051 Economic Development Coalition of Asheville and Buncombe County This meeting takes place at 7:45 a.m., on the last Friday of every month at the Chamber of Commerce,in the Board Room located at 36 Montford Avenue. Desiree Monstrola 828-258-6118 Finance and Human Resources Committee (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 1:00 p.m., on the fourth Tuesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Beth Bechel 828-259-5598 Firemen’s Local Relief Fund This meeting takes place at 9:00 a.m., of the month of February and September for meetings at the Wells Fargo Bank Building. David Anders 828-255-8650 French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization This meeting takes place at 1:00 p.m., on the fourth Thursday of each month, except there are no meetings in July or December at 339 New Leicester Highway. Tristan Winkler 828-251-6622 x1139 Governance Committee (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 3:00 p.m., on the second Tuesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Jenna Miller Greenway Committee This meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month in the Training Room of the Municipal Building located at 100 Court Plaza. Lucy Crown Historic Resources Commission This meeting takes place at 4:00 p.m., on the Second Wednesday of the month at City Hall, first floor North Conference Room. Alex Cole 828-259-5638 Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee This meeting takes place at 12:00 p.m., on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Housing Authority, in the Board Room located at 165 South French Broad Avenue. Brian Huskey 828-251-4048 Housing Authority This meeting schedule is linked. Click for 2020 Meeting Schedule. Teresa Jenkins 828-239-3510 Housing and Community Development (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 10:00 a.m., on the third Tuesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Jenna Miller Human Relations Commission of Asheville This meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m., on the third Thursday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor Conference Room located at 70 Court Plaza. Brenda Mills bmills@ashevillenc.gov Land-of-Sky Regional Council Board This meeting takes place at 1:00 p.m., on the fourth Wednesday of the month, except there are no meetings in July or Nov at 339 New Leicester Highway located in suite 140. Zia Rifkin 828-251-6622 Metropolitan Sewerage District Board This meeting takes place at 2:00 p.m., on the third Wednesday of the month at Metropolitan Sewerage District Offices located at 2028 Riverside Drive, Asheville. Pam Nolan 828-225-8268 Multimodal Transportation Commission This meeting takes place at 3:00 p.m., on the fourth Wednesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Amy Tesner 828-259-5402 Neighborhood Advisory Committee This meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m., on the fourth Monday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Brenda Mills 828-259-5506 Noise Advisory Board Meets as-needed. Ben Woody Planning and Economic Development (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 4:00 p.m., on the second Monday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Jenna Miller Planning and Zoning Commission This meeting takes place at 5:00 p.m., on the first Wednesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Marie Biddix 828-259-5856 Public Art and Cultural Commission This meeting takes place at 5:00 p.m., on the fourth Thursday of every other month beginning in the month of January at the Asheville Area Arts Council, located at 409 Executive Park. Stephanie Monson 828-232-4502 Public Safety Committee (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m., on the fourth Tuesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Jenna Miller Recreation Board Meets as-needed. Debbie Ivester 828-259-5800 Riverfront Redevelopment Commission This meeting takes place at 4:00 p.m., on the second Thursday of every other month at Explore Asheville Offices located at 27 College Place. Stephanie Monson 828-232-4502 Soil Erosion/Stormwater Review Committee This meeting takes place on an as needed basis. Amy Deyton 828-259-5966 Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment This meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m., on the third Wednesday of the month at City Hall, Municipal Building, located at 100 Court Plaza on floor 4. Amber Weaver 828-271-6141 (Buncombe County) Tourism Development Authority This meeting schedule in linked. Click for 2019-2020 Meeting Schedule. Jonna Sampson 828-258-6111 Transit Committee This meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m., on the third Tuesday of each month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Eunice Lovi 828-232-4522 Urban Forestry Commission This meeting takes place at 1 p.m. on the first Tuesday of of each month. Nancy Watford 828-259-5404 WNC Regional Air Quality Agency Board Visit WNC Air Quality website. Visit WNC Air Quality website. Resource Pages Talent Scout 2021-22 Meeting & Contact Information_v3 – Updated June 2021 Meeting Rules of Decorum: Public Comment Ethics Policy for Advisory Boards – Adopted June 2021 Orientation Handbook New Member Orientation Video 2021 Rules on Boards & Commissions FAQ’s for Interested Volunteers 2020 Vacancy List Annual Reports- 2020 Annual Reports – 2019 Annual Reports- 2018 Chair Manual Contact Information General questions: boards@ashevillenc.gov If members of the public are interested in being on an e-mail list to receive information of activities of particular boards on a particular board, they will need to contact the individual staff contact. Updated 06/07/2021