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 nine committees or boards. For safety, during the COVID-19 pandemic boards and commissions are meeting remotely through the City’s Virtual Engagement Hub.
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.
Unless otherwise stated, the application deadline for these vacancies 5 p.m. Aug. 7.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION: The Commission is to advise the City Council and County Commissioners about the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of African American arts, history and culture.
AIR QUALITY AGENCY BOARD (WNC REGIONAL): The Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Agency monitors and regulates Buncombe County’s air quality to safeguard public health and the environment, while preserving the quality of life and economic vitality of the area.
AIRPORT AUTHORITY, GREATER ASHEVILLE REGIONAL: The Authority oversees the management and operation of the Asheville Regional Airport Audit Committee. The committee: reviews internal audits reports; reviews with management and the external auditors the results of the financial statements audit; reports to City Council about committee activities, issues, and related recommendations as needed, but at a minimum, one time a year; and provides an open avenue of communication between internal audit, the external auditors, and City Council.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: The City of Asheville’s Board of Adjustment has jurisdiction to hear cases regarding variance requests from the provisions of the Unified Development Ordinance. Additionally, the Board of Adjustment has jurisdiction to hear appeals regarding interpretations of the Unified Development Ordinance, Floodplain Ordinance, Housing Code Ordinance and Historic District Guidelines
BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – NOTE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT: This appointment is for an individual actively involved in the tourist business and who has participated in tourism promotion but who does not own or operate a hotel, motel or other taxable tourist accommodation. 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. The application deadline for this opening is Sept. 3.
HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION: Some duties of the Commission include: recommending to City Council and County Commissioners “historic districts” and “landmarks”; restoring, preserving and operating historic properties; recommending to City Council and County Commissioners that designation of historic districts to be revoked or removed for cause. Members shall have a demonstrated special interest, experience or education in history, archeology, architecture or related fields.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION OF ASHEVILLE: Eligible applicants are required to submit a Human Relations Commission Form, in addition to the Boards and Commission application. 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.
MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION: Please indicate multimodal interest and background in the application form. The mission of the Multimodal Transportation Commission (MMTC) is to assist the City in furthering, advancing, and promoting a comprehensive and integrative transportation system that incorporates multimodal concepts, including but not limited to transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, greenways, complete streets, and highways.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION: The application deadline for this opening is Sept. 3. Some duties of the Commission include: 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 Council for final action thereon; perform studies and surveys of the present conditions and 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; formulate and recommend to City Council the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan and other plans, as necessary.
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.
- Complete an application: Apply here for a board or commission. Note there is an additional 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 Deputy City Clerk Sarah Terwilliger by email or 828-259-5839 to make sure that your application has reached the City Clerk’s Office.
- 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.
- 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.