Do you want to have a voice in the City’s growth and future? Do you want to influence decisions regarding policy, service and education?
If you’ve answered yes, 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 boards/commissions The City of Asheville has to offer.
On March 14, 2023 the Boards and Commissions Committee voted to move appointments from monthly to four times a year (January, April, June and October) in an effort to allow more time for outreach and consideration of applicants for appointments.
What are Boards and Commissions?
Boards and commissions are designed to give residents a voice in their government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for the residents of our City. Participation on a board or commission is one of the most effective ways people can have an active voice in their local government.
The City of Asheville has more than 30 Boards & Commissions to which City Council appoints members. For a list and description of each board, please visit the Boards and Commissions homepage under the Clerk’s office department at www.AshevilleNC.gov.
What is the typical role of a board/commission member?
While City Council appoints members to regional boards and quasi-judicial boards, the vast majority of appointments are for City advisory boards. As such, we will address the role of an advisory board member. Most boards meet monthly, while some meet every other month or quarterly. Some boards also have task forces or sub-committees that may meet in between regular full board meetings. Members may be asked to bring information to their communities and to gather information that may be of interest to City Council. Boards are requested to advise Council on policy matters, not on operations.
Who can serve on a Board or Commission?
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. Some boards also have more specific requirements for particular seats. In addition, some boards have County appointed members. Please contact the Buncombe County Clerk for more information.
Why would I want to be a member?
Appointment to a board or commission gives residents an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the governance of the City . Board members help shape the future of Asheville by lending their lived experience, judgment, and expertise.
APPLICATIONS
How do I become a member?
An application is required for consideration of an appointment to a board or commission. An application form can be found on the Boards & Commissions webpage. It is a one page form that will automatically be sent to the City Clerk’s office once submitted electronically. Applicants are also welcome to send a resume or cover letter directly to the Clerk’s office at boards@ashevillenc.gov.
All information in an application becomes public information and is therefore subject to public records requests. Once an application for an appointment has been filed with the City Clerk, it is placed on file and remains active for one year. When vacancies occur, City Council reviews the list of names on file automatically. Sometimes an appointment requires special consideration such that Council may conduct interviews or request essay questions be answered. If you are in that type of grouping, you will be notified.
I submitted my application, now what?
You should receive a confirmation e-mail that your application was received within 48 hours. If you do not receive an e-mail, please contact the Clerk’s office at boards@ashevillenc.gov or by calling Assistant City Clerk, Jerri Goldberg at 828-713-1934.
Your application will be placed on the resource list for consideration of appointment.
MORE FAQS:
Where can I learn more about a particular Board?
Please visit the Board’s individual web page located on the left-hand side of the main Boards and Commissions webpage. You may contact the Board’s Chairperson for information about the Board’s mission and current goals and/or contact the Staff Liaison for information related to the agenda, past minutes, and upcoming meetings. All City Boards and Commission meetings are open to the public.
Can I apply to more than one Board at a time?
Yes, you may apply for up to three boards at a time.
How many Boards can I serve on at a time?
No person shall be eligible to hold concurrently more than two Mayoral or City Council appointments to standing boards or commissions; This limitation shall not apply to ad hoc (task force) committees appointed by Council.
How long does my application stay on file?
One year.
Do Board and Commission members get paid for their duties?
The majority of boards and commissions are volunteer positions and members do not receive compensation for their duties.
What time commitment is expected of a board member?
Time commitment varies depending on the board or commission. Most boards and commissions meet monthly, while others meet bi-monthly or only for hearings or appeals. Additionally, board members must be able to dedicate time outside of meetings to participate in working groups, do reading, research, etc.
What are the terms for members serving on a Board or Commission?
The term for most boards and commissions is three years, but may vary for different boards and commissions. A member may serve two consecutive terms, after which the member would need to be off the board for one year before being considered for additional terms.
stions about this change, please email boards@ashevillenc.gov.