Be a local leader: City of Asheville boards and commissions vacancies

Press release from the City Clerk’s office

The city of Asheville has various openings on various committees. 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? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then take that initial step forward and put your perspective, leadership and knowledge to task by serving on one of the many committees the city has to offer.

Please visit the City’s Boards and Commissions webpage for a Boards and Commissions Application or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 259-5839 or by email to boards@ashevillenc.gov.

CURRENT VACANCIES

The deadline for applications for these openings is Monday, July 12 at 5:00 p.m.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION:  The commission shall have the following powers and duties: (1) Develop rules for the conduct of its business, including but not limited to meeting schedules, election of officers, voting, subcommittees, et al.; (2) 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 (3) 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 ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS: This vacancy is for a journeyman electrician. Please note experience on application. The Board of Electrical Examiners consists of five members all appointed by City Council. The board examines applicants for licenses and for the transaction of other related business.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: There are two vacancies. Both are for an owner or operator of a hotel, motel, bed-and-breakfast or vacation rental management company with more than 100 rental units. Please note this on application. The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority is the public authority created in 1983 by an act of the North Carolina legislature to oversee the collection and investment of occupancy taxes paid by travelers who stay overnight in commercial lodging establishments, such as hotels and motels, bed-and-breakfast operations, and vacation rentals. The members of the Buncombe County TDA Board have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the tax dollars are spent in accordance with the specific legislation governing their use.

CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: There are two vacancies; one to represent the western part of Asheville and one to represent the east. Please note residency on application. The responsibilities of the committee include serving as liaison between the police and community over concern; to mediate problems or conflicts; to serve as an advocate for programs, ideas and methods to improve the relationship between the police and the community; and to disseminate information to the community and to the government officials in Asheville.

HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION: The Historic Resources Commission (HRC) 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.

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION: There are three current openings; two are to represent transit interests and one is to represent greenways interests. Please indicate specific interests on application. 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) recommend policies for the development/integration of multimodal transportation planning and education to the city; (2) assist with the development of a multimodal transportation system; (3) assist the city with the implementation of best management practices for educating the public on the benefits of multimodal transportation; (4) assist in the sustainability, development and implementation of the multimodal transportation plan; and (5) assist in the prioritization of the Capital Improvement Plan as it relates to multimodal transportation projects.

NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The current vacancy is for a representative who resides in the 28803 or 28704 zip code; 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:  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 Council for final action thereon; (2) 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; (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.

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 11 members. All Transit Committee members are appointed by the Multimodal Transportation Commission. The term of office is three years. Note: For an application form, please visit the Transit webpage, or contact Eunice Lovi (elovi@ashevillenc.gov) for more information.