Here’s how to join a city board or commission

Your guide to getting involved with local government.

asheville-city-county-plaza-board-commission-avltoday

Make a local contribution.

Photo by @avltoday

Table of Contents

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but how many members of the community does it take to make a city prosper? From deciding on the art on our public streets to the expansion of greenways, Ashevillians like us are integral to creating our city.

How?

On 30+ city boards and commissions focused on transportation, arts, sustainability, recreation, and more.

Who’s eligible?

Residents of the City of Asheville, plus some county-appointed seats.

How much time?

Time commitment varies, but most commissions meet monthly or bi-monthly. Generally, a term is held for three years.

How can I apply?

Submit applications online here or visit the city clerk’s office and request an application. You can specify the board or commission you’re interested in — or when vacancies occur, City Council will review the applicants on file already. Once you apply, your application will stay live for a year.

Are there any openings?

Yep, currently, there are vacancies in the following groups:

  • Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
  • African American Heritage Commission
  • Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission
  • Audit Committee
  • Board of Electrical Examiners
  • Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority
  • Civic Center Commission
  • Historic Resources Commission
  • Housing Authority
  • Multimodal Transportation Commission
  • Neighborhood Advisory Committee
  • Planning and Zoning Commission
  • Public Art and Culture Commission
  • Active Transportation Committee
  • Transit Committee

Note that some boards and commissions have specific application and appointment processes.

What’s the deadline?

Applications for this round of vacancies are due Sunday, April 28 at 5 p.m. Asheville City Council is scheduled to make appointments at its Tuesday, June 11 meeting.

Don’t see anything that lights your fire? Keep checking. Appointments are made four to five times per year.

More from AVLtoday
Don’t just throw it all away — give your old clothing, furniture, and miscellaneous items a second life at one of these donation sites.
For 24 years running, Asheville is the canvas for this celebration of experimental art.
Local business advocacy group Merchants of Downtown Asheville are helping you plug into Asheville’s creative energy with four hands-on workshops during Maker’s March.
Explore designs for French Broad Riverfront Parks + Azalea Park and share your feedback to inform the final designs.
Take the survey to share your input, which will inform recommendations for the future of the site.
Share your vision for the next 20 years of the city’s green space during a March 21 workshop at the NC Arboretum.
Fresh off a statewide honor, the Market Place chef dishes on Asheville dining.
Get a look into how Asheville built its architectural identity brick by brick through the 1920s.
The Thompson Street venue will host Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mavis Staples, and Hurray for the Riff Raff for its first show in August.
Whether you prefer pitching your tent by the river or glamping amongst the treetops, there’s a Hipcamp with your name on it less than an hour from home.