City of Asheville Boards and Commission opportunities

Press release from the city of Asheville:

BE A LOCAL LEADER

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, May 31 at 5 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 – There are vacancies for the following positions: electrical contractor, journeyman electrician, utility representative, licensed engineer, and layman. 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.

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.

CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION – Some duties of the Commission include (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; (4) reviewing and making recommendations on proposals for changes in the fees and charges for use of Civic Center facilities; (5) encouraging promotion of sports, recreation, entertainment and cultural events and activities, and to facilitate the use of the services and facilities of the Civic Center; and (6) performing other such tasks and functions as the City Council may direct.

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.

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION OF ASHEVILLE – Vacancy is for a resident of public housing. 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 two current openings; one is 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 vacancies are for one at-large representative, one representative who resides in the 28801 zip code, and one 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.

NOISE ORDINANCE APPEALS BOARD – This Board will advise the City on matters related to noise and noise control, and will hear and decide appeals and complaints from citizens.

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. In addition the Commission (1) facilitates public art in public buildings and public spaces; (2) engages the creative sector as a major attraction for artists, cultural tourism and economic development; (3) encourages public confidence for and appreciation of the arts in Asheville; (4) works to build partnerships and collaborations throughout Asheville’s creative community; and (5) aids in strengthening the organizational structure of public and cultural arts delivery. The Public Art and Cultural Commission shall follow its Public Art Policy and Implementation Guidelines as modified and/or amended every five years; and (6) recommends to City Council the acceptance of works of art.

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.