Looking for a way to get involved in local government and play a part in shaping the future of Asheville? Serving on a City of Asheville board or commission is a great place to start.
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 an array of issues.
Put your perspective, leadership and knowledge to work by serving on one of many City advisory committees. 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.
Currently there are openings on eight committees or boards.
For an application form, please visit of City’s Boards and Commissions webpage, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 828-259-5839 or email sgross@ashevillenc.gov.
Unless otherwise stated, the application deadline for these vacancies is 5 p.m. September 6.
Current openings
African American Heritage Commission – The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
- Develop rules for the conduct of its business, including but not limited to meeting schedules, election of officers, voting, subcommittees, et al.;
- 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
- 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 Adjustment – This vacancy is for an alternate seat. The Board functions as a quasi-judicial board to:
- Hear and decide applications for approval of variances from the terms of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), except where the UDO places responsibility for hearing or considering such variance from another body;
- Hear and decide appeals from any order, requirement, permit, decision, or determination issued or made by an administrative officer of the City in enforcing any provisions of the UDO;
- Serves as the City’s Housing Code Appeals Board; and
- Performs such additional powers and duties as may be set forth elsewhere in the UDO and in other laws and regulations.
Civil Service Board – There are currently two vacant seats that are elected by employees of the City of Asheville who are members of the Classified Service.
The Civil Service Board works with the City of Asheville Human Resources Department to resolve employee grievances on an as needed basis and meets on a periodic basis 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. For elected members of the Classified Service appointments, candidates should submit their intent to seek membership on the Civil Service Board by submitting a completed Board and Commissions Application, a qualified candidate checklist, and a letter of intent. See Boards and Commissions Application for candidate eligibility requirements.
Civic Center Commission – Some duties of the Commission include:
- Reviewing and making recommendations on programming goals and objectives for each venue in the Civic Center;
- Establishing a method for handling of customer service complaints;
- Developing and making recommendations regarding long range plans for the Civic Center;
- Reviewing and making recommendations on proposals for changes in the fees and charges for use of Civic Center facilities;
- 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
- Performing other such tasks and functions as the City Council may direct.
Human Relations Commission of Asheville – Duties of the commission include, but are not limited to:
- Make policy recommendations to the City Council which promote and improve human relations and advance equity in the City;
- Support the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion;
- Provide a forum where residents can raise issues and complaints relating to human relations in the City;
- Engage the community regarding the utilization of City-funded programs and policies for the promotion of human relations; and
- 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.
Candidates must submit a Human Relations Commission Form, in addition to the Boards and Commissions application.
Noise Advisory Board (2021) – The deadline for applications to this board is October 4 at 5 p.m. with appointments scheduled to be made October 12.
The Board is advisory to the Council and shall meet when called upon. Duties include:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Ordinance No. 4390 regarding Noise Regulation and related city policies with the goal of developing recommendations regarding amendments, additions, or deletions;
- Evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement of this article, including but not limited to response times, compliance rates, distribution of complaints, and ensuring equitable outcomes;
- Propose long-term objectives for achieving reduction of sound levels in the community, and propose means for implementing such objectives;
- Develop rules relative to the conduct of its meetings in accordance with City rules and policies governing advisory boards and commissions.
See flyer – Please specify which seat you are applying for.
Transit Committee – 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 Committee consists of at least seven members and up to eleven members. All Transit Committee members are appointed by the Multimodal Transportation Commission. The term of office is three years. This vacancy is open until filled.
Notice: For an application form, please visit the Transit webpage, or contact Eunice Lovi at elovi@ashevillenc.gov 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.
Confirm receipt, after your application is received, you will receive a receipt of application e-mail. 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.
Interview
When vacancies occur, the City Council will review the resource list and schedule interviews. You will be contacted directly if it is necessary for you to interview for an appointment.
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. Want to be notified when new vacancies are announced? Contact boards@ashevillenc.gov to be added to the distribution list.