City of Asheville August board and commission opportunities

Press release from 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, August 9 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 three vacancies. One is for an owner or operator of a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or vacation rental management company with 100 rental units or less. Two are for an owner or operator of a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast or vacation rental management company with 101 or more rental units. Please note which category you are applying for on your 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.

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.

HOUSING AUTHORITY: 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 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. Candidates must submit a Human Relations Commission Form, in addition to the Boards and Commissions application.

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION: There are four current openings; two are to represent transit interests and two are to represent greenways interests. Please indicate specific interests on application. Please note that commission members assigned to represent transit or greenway interests may also be required to attend sub-committee meetings in addition to commission meetings. 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.

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.
Note: For an application form, please visit the transit webpage, or contact Eunice Lovi (elovi@ashevillenc.gov) for more information.