Boards and Commissions Last updated or reviewed on May 25, 2023 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, members of the public may 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. Additional Resources: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for anyone considering serving on a City board or commission. Regular Committee Meeting Schedules – updated December 2022 – Subject to change and public notice requirements. City Engagement Hub: Online home for Committee meetings and public participation Want to be notified when new vacancies are announced? Contact boards@ashevillenc.gov to be added to the distribution list. Want to learn more about the proposal to realign Boards and Commissions and the various ways to participate? Visit the project page, here! Advertised Vacancies for Members – current flyer (v2) CURRENT VACANCIES Application deadline of Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Consideration of appointments with August 27 deadline are scheduled for October 10, 2023 Council Meeting, unless otherwise noted. AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Some duties of the Committee include: (1) to consider affordable housing policy issues and advise City leadership about those policies; (2) to develop concrete action steps to implement the highest priorities of the Affordable Housing Plan, and to update that Plan as appropriate over time; and (3) to advise City leadership and staff regarding affordable housing priorities for the investment of City-controlled funds. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD – The members oversee the operation and administration of the ABC system. BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – (current deadline is June 4 for consideration of appointment at the August 22 City Council meeting. Please note essay questions and/or interviews may be scheduled.) – The vacancy is for an owner of restaurant, brewery, distillery, or winery open for tours/tasting, or executive director of ticketed arts organization. Please note this on application. The purpose of the Authority is to further the development of travel, tourism, and conventions in the county through state, national and international advertising and promotion. CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION – Some duties of the Commission include (1) reviewing and making recommendations on programming goals and objectives for each venue in the Civic Center; (2) establishing a method for handling of customer service complaints; (3) developing and making recommendations regarding long range plans for the Civic Center; (4) reviewing and making recommendations on proposals for changes in the fees and charges for use of Civic Center facilities; (5) encouraging promotion of sports, recreation, entertainment and cultural events and activities, and to facilitate the use of the services and facilities of the Civic Center; and (6) performing other such tasks and functions as the City Council may direct. CIVIL SERVICE BOARD – (Application deadline is July 16, 2023 at 5 p.m. with consideration of appointment at the August 22 meeting.) The Board works with the Human Resources Department to resolve employee grievances on an as-needed basis, as well as meets periodically to discuss personnel administration issues. Candidates for membership on the Civil Service Board must be “qualified voters of the City and not employed by the City.” To be a qualified voter of the City, the candidate must live inside the City limits and be registered to vote. Qualified candidates for the Civil Service Board must have been separated from employment or contract with the City of Asheville for at least 7 years, and not have a spouse currently employed with the City of Asheville. DOWNTOWN COMMISSION – (The Commission was established for the sustainability and continued development of downtown, a vital urban center of western North Carolina’s economic, cultural and visitor activity. The Commission’s purposes include: (1) recommend to City Council an overall policy for the continued development and sustainability of downtown; (2) provide recommendations for effective management of the public resources for downtown and actively pursue and assist private sector investment in the downtown area for the welfare of the citizens of Asheville; (3) carry out the powers and duties assigned to the Commission regarding downtown design review; and (4) cooperate with and evaluate and represent the recommendations of other organizations. HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION – (Application deadline is July 16, 2023 at 5 p.m. with consideration of appointment at the August 22 meeting.) 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, archaeology, architectural history, historic preservation, landscape architecture or related field. NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE – (deadline is June 4, 2023 for consideration of appointment June 13) The current vacancies are for representatives that reside in the 28805 zip code, the 28804 zip code, and an at-large seat. 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. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION – (current deadline is June 4 for consideration of appointment at the August 22 City Council meeting. Please note essay questions and/or interviews may be scheduled.) – The Commission is an advisory board to City Council and shall (1) review all new text for proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and proposals to zone or change the zoning of all property regulated under the UDO and to make recommendations to City probable future development of the City and its environs, including, but not limited to, studies and surveys of land uses, population, traffic, parking, and redevelopment needs; (3) formulate and recommend to City Council the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan and other plans, as necessary, for the City and its environs ; (4) review the terms of the UDO from time to time, as it deems appropriate, and to recommend to City Council any changes that the Commission considers necessary to regulate properly the development and use of land, buildings and structures; (5) review applications for planned unit development designation and the preliminary plans for such planned unit developments and to make recommendations to City Council for final action thereon; and (6) review and decide on approval of all proposed preliminary plats of major subdivisions. PUBLIC ART AND CULTURAL COMMISSION – The Commission is responsible for promoting and maintaining art displays in public buildings and public spaces in the City of Asheville. In addition, the Commission (1) facilitates public art in public buildings and public spaces; (2) engages the creative sector as a major attraction for artists, cultural tourism and economic development; (3) encourages public confidence for and appreciation of the arts in Asheville; (4) works to build partnerships and collaborations throughout Asheville’s creative community; and (5) aids in strengthening th organizational structure of public and cultural arts delivery. The Public Art and Cultural Commission shall follow its Public Art Policy and Implementation Guidelines as modified and/or amended every five years, and (6) recommends to City Council the acceptance of works of art. URBAN FORESTRY COMMISSION – The purpose of the Urban Forestry Commission is to foster the preservation, planting, replacement and removal of trees without denying the reasonable use and enjoyment of real property. The Commission’s responsibilities include: facilitate the planting, growth and protection of trees within the City; foster the communication and coordination among the citizens of the City that would provide the needed support for protection of trees within the City; conduct continuing research, planning and feasibility assessments required to support the purposes of the Commission; and work with City staff to promote and enforce Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Asheville regarding the regulation of planting, protection, preservation and removal of trees. ======================================================================== 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 Amber Wagner for more information. Application Process On March 14, 2023 the Boards and Commissions Council Committee approved changing the Council Appointment process from monthly to four to five times per year. The extended time-frame allows for longer advertising of board vacancies and more time for review of the applications before appointments are made by City Council. Appointments will be made 4-5 times a year, as noted below: Summer Cycle: (current) Fall Cycle: Winter Cycle: Spring Cycle: Advertise: March 15 Deadline for applications: April 30 Council Appointments: June 13 Advertise: June 14 Deadline for applications: August 27 Council Appointments: October 10 Advertise: October 11 Deadline for applications: TBD Council Appointments: January 2024 Advertise: January 2024 Deadline for applications: TBD Council Appointments: April 2024 * Tentative schedule, subject to changes. For Prospective Applications: First, 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. Interested volunteers must submit an application form to be considered. Application: Complete an application by filling out the board or commission application form. Notice: there is an additional Human Relations Commission 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. Qualifications: City residents are given preference; however, Council may appoint a non-City resident to some hard-to-fill seats or seats requiring special skills or expertise unless otherwise specified or provided for by law or Council action. Notice: 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. Want to learn more? See the FAQ’s for Interested Volunteers, here. NOTE: Please visit Committee page for next meeting specifics. City Managed Boards and Commissions 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. Sasha Vrtunski 828-259-5560 African American Heritage Commission This meeting takes place at 4:30 p.m., on the second Thursday of the month. Meetings are virtual. Brenda Mills 828-232-4517 Asheville City Council Formal Meetings Asheville City Council Agenda Briefing Work Sessions 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. These meetings are in-person. Agenda Briefing Work Sessions are held the Thursday before the Council Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the First Floor Conference Rm of City Hall. These meetings are in-person. 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. Meetings are virtual. Tony McDowell 828-259-5586 Board of Adjustment This meeting takes place at 2:00 p.m., on the fourth Monday of each month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Sam Starr-Baum 828-259-5674 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 1:00 p.m., on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings are virtual. Sarah Gross 828-259-5839 Citizen-Police Advisory Committee Not currently meeting. Samantha Booth 828-259-5813 Civic Center Commission This meeting takes place at noon on the first Tuesday of the month in the Banquet Hall at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville located at 87 Haywood Street. Chris Corl -828-259-5452 ccorl@ashevillenc.gov Civil Service Board This meeting takes place at 2:30 p.m. on the 1st Thursday of each month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Shannon Barrett 828-774-8564 Community Reparations Commission This meeting takes place at 6:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Banquet Hall – 87 Haywood Street. Brenda Mills (828) 232-4517 Design Review Committee This meeting takes place at 12:15 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Will Palmquist 828-259-5525 Downtown Commission This meeting takes place at 8:30 a.m. on the second Friday of the month. Meetings are virtual. Dana Frankel 828-273-5248 Environment and Safety (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 10:00 a.m. on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Meetings are virtual. Katie Noun 828-259-5721 Equity and Engagement (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 1:00 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Meetings are virtual. Katie Noun 828-259-5721 Firemen’s Local Relief Fund This meeting takes place at 9:00 a.m., in February and September. Meetings are at the Wells Fargo Bank Building. David Anders 828-255-8650 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 9 a.m., on the last Friday of the month. Location TBD. Emily Ball 828-747-8510 Housing and Community Development (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 10:00 a.m., on the third Tuesday of the month. Meetings are virtual. Katie Noun 828-259-5721 Human Relations Commission of Asheville This meeting takes place at 6 p.m., on the third Thursday every other month at City Hall, first floor North Conference Room. Alayna Schmidt 828-232-4595 Mountain Community Capital Fund This meeting takes place the 1st Friday of each month. Meetings are virtual. Frank McGowan 828-259-5811 Multimodal Transportation Commission This meeting takes place at 3 p.m., on the fourth Wednesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Nicole Hart 828-259-5402 Neighborhood Advisory Committee This meeting takes place at 6 p.m., on the fourth Monday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Kristina Israel 828-712-4229 Noise Advisory Board This meeting takes place at 1 p.m. on the 2nd Monday quarterly. Meetings are virtual. Haley Mahoney/Todd Justice 828-259-5587 Planning and Economic Development (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 4 p.m., on the second Monday of the month. Meetings are virtual. Katie Noun 828-259-5721 Planning and Zoning Commission This meeting takes place at 5 p.m., on the first Wednesday of the month at City Hall, in the first floor North Conference Room. Will Palmquist 828-259-5525 Policy, Finance and HR Committee (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Meetings are virtual. Katie Noun 828-259-5721 Public Art and Cultural Commission This meeting takes place at 4 p.m., on the third Thursday every other month. Meetings are virtual. Karli Stephenson 828-259-5627 Public Safety Committee (City Council Committee) This meeting takes place at 11 a.m., on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings are virtual. Jenna Miller 828-450-0383 Recreation Board Not currently meeting. Recreation Department Riverfront Redevelopment Commission This meeting takes place at 4 p.m., on the second Thursday of each month. Meetings are virtual. Stephanie Monson Dahl 828-337-4111 Soil Erosion/Stormwater Review Committee This meeting takes place on an as needed basis. Amy Deyton 828-259-5547 Sustainability Advisory Committee This meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m., on the third Wednesday every other month. Meetings are virtual. Bridget Herring 828-259-5558 Urban Forestry Commission This meeting takes place at 1 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings are virtual. Nancy Watford 828-259-5404 For meeting information on other Boards or Commissions not managed by the City, but to which City Council appoints members or liaisons, please visit the specific Board or Commission website. Resource Pages Remote Meeting Policy for Advisory Boards – Adopted September 2022 2022-2023 Meeting & Contact Information – Updated December 2022 Meeting Rules of Decorum: Public Comment Ethics Policy for Advisory Boards – Adopted June 2021 Orientation Handbook Chair Manual New Member Orientation Video 2021 Rules on Boards & Commissions FAQ’s for Interested Volunteers Annual Reports – 2022 Annual Reports – 2021 Annual Reports- 2020 Annual Reports – 2019 Annual Reports- 2018 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.