Asheville seeks Boards and Commissions members

Press release from the City of Asheville:

Unless otherwise stated, the application deadline for these vacancies is Friday, Aug. 7, at 5:00 p.m. Council will make appointments at the Tuesday, Aug. 25, Council meeting.

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: 1) Reviews internal audits reports; 2) Reviews with management and the external auditors the results of the financial statements audit; 3) Reports to City Council about committee activities, issues, and related recommendations as needed, but at a minimum, one time a year; and 4) 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 Thursday, Sept. 3.

HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION – Some duties of the Commission include (1) recommend to City Council and County Commissioners “historic districts” and “landmarks”; (2) restoring, preserving and operating historic properties; (3) recommend 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: (1) Make policy recommendations to the City Council which promote and improve human relations and advance equity in the City; (2) Support the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion; (3) Provide a forum where residents can raise issues and complaints relating to human relations in the City; (4) Engage the community regarding the utilization of City-funded programs and policies for the promotion of human relations; and (5) 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: (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.

GREENWAY COMMITTEE-  Notice: This vacancy is open until filled.
The Committee functions as an advisory board to the Multimodal Transportation Commission and City staff on implementation of a system of greenways within Asheville.  The Committee’s role is to function as an advisory committee to the City’s greenway program while educating and engaging the public and advocating for funding. The Greenway Committee consists of at least seven members and up to eleven members. All are appointed by the Multimodal Transportation Commission. The term of office is three years.  Notice: For an application form, please visit the Greenway Committee webpage, or contact Lucy Crown.

TRANSIT COMMITTEE – Notice: 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 Committees consists of at least seven members and up to eleven members. All Transit Committee members are appointed by the Multimodal Transportation Commission. The terms of office are three years.  Notice: For an application form, please visit the Transit webpage,  or contact Marcela Moreno for more information.