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. More than 250 people serve on 35 advisory boards and help guide policy decisions for the City of Asheville. Put your perspective, leadership and knowledge to work by serving on one of many City advisory committees.
Currently there are openings on 10 committees or boards.
For an application form, please visit of City’s Boards and Commissions webpage or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 828-259-5839 or sterwilliger@ashevillenc.gov.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. June 3, unless otherwise noted.
Current openings
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION — Duties include, but are not limited to: (1) 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 (2) 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.
CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE — Duties include, but are not limited to: (1) serving as liaison between the police and community over concern; (2) to mediate problems or conflicts; (3) to serve as an advocate for programs, ideas, and methods to improve the relationship between the police and the community; and (4) to disseminate information to the community and to the government officials in Asheville.
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD — 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.
CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION — Duties include, but are not limited to: (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; and (4) reviewing and making recommendations on proposals for changes in the fees and charges for use of Civic Center facilities.
HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION — Duties include, but are not limited to: (1) recommending to City Council and County Commissioners “historic districts” and “landmarks”; (2) restoring, preserving and operating historic properties; (3) recommending to City Council and County Commissioners designation of historic districts to be revoked or removed for cause; and (4) reviewing and acting upon proposals for alterations, demolitions, or new construction within historic districts, or for alteration or demolition of designated landmarks. Members shall have a demonstrated special interest, experience or education in history, archeology, architecture or related fields.
HOUSING AUTHORITY (appointment by Mayor) — The Commissioners are the policy-makers and governing body of the Housing Authority. They review and approve all budgets for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, approve plans and specifications, award contracts and appoint the Executive Director.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION OF ASHEVILLE — Duties of the commissions include, but are not limited to: (1) Making policy recommendations to the City Council that promote and improve human relations and advance equity in the City; (2) Supporting the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion; (3) Providing a forum where residents can raise issues and complaints relating to human relations in the City; (4) Engaging the community regarding the utilization of City-funded programs and policies for the promotion of human relations; and (5) Promoting and improving human relations and advancing 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 Form, in addition to the Boards and Commission application.
MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION — Current vacancies include: 1) transit interest; 2) greenway interest; and 3) bike and pedestrian interest. Please indicate demonstrated interest and qualifications on the application form. The person(s) appointed to these seats may also be appointed to related subcommittee. 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) recommending policies for the development/ integration of multimodal transportation planning and education to the City; (2) assisting with the development of a multimodal transportation system; and (3) assisting the City with the implementation of best management practices for educating the public on the benefits of multimodal transportation.
NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE — Duties include, but are not limited to: (1) Developing a plan to strengthen neighborhood identity and resilience, and to facilitate communication and cooperation between Asheville’s neighborhoods and City offices; (2) Developing benchmarks and standards by which progress towards implementing the plan can be measured; and (3) Working on special projects that are consistent with the goals of the committee, as assigned or directed by Council.
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. Duties of the commission include, but are not limited to: (1) facilitating public art in public buildings and public spaces; (2) engaging the creative sector as a major attraction for artists, cultural tourism and economic development; (3) encouraging public confidence for and appreciation of the arts in Asheville; and (4) works to build partnerships and collaborations throughout Asheville’s creative community.
Please visit of City’s Boards and Commissions webpage or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 828-259-5839 or by e-mail at sterwilliger@ashevillenc.gov for more information.