Boards and Commissions - Realignment Project

The City of Asheville staff is working with stakeholders to realign the advisory boards to address challenges within the current system.

Why review the structure?

Continuous Improvement: City leadership is constantly reviewing if we can do things more effectively. Many of our boards and commissions have been around for a long time, even dating back to the 1960s. In that time there has not been an overall assessment of this important City support system.

Why now?

Accessible government: We’ve heard from the community that we need to improve the accessibility of government.
Staff capacity: The size and complexity of the current structure has put a strain on staff and is unsustainable as it currently is. Staff would like to explore ideas to maximize and diversify support.

What are the goals of realigning?

Inclusive: The system would maximize opportunities for City Council (and staff) to hear from a diverse representation of our community.

Efficient: The system would have 1) a clear path for items to flow from the community to City Council; and 2) a transparent way for Council to request community input on policy decisions.

Strategic: Connect the work of advisory boards to Council-identified priorities while maintaining opportunities for the addition of new ideas through Council Committee guidance.

Happening Now:

The Realignment Working Group (RWG) meets regularly on the 3rd Monday from 5:30-7:00 p.m. these meetings are held virtually.

The Realignment Working Group will virtually meet next on Monday, May 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please see the Realignment Working Group Tab for more information and meeting materials.

Additionally, the RWG has Sub-Groups. Click here for RWG Sub-Group(s) meetings and information.

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Make Recommendations to City Council

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Realignment Working Group - Group coordinated and lead

Current: The Realignment Working Group is meeting monthly to analyze the survey results and make recommendations to City Council.

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Working Group - created by Staff

Staff created and hosted a Working Group with facilitator Aisha Adams. Five monthly meetings were held and per feedback from the group;

The proposal was removed from consideration and the focus shifted to improving upon what was in place and the need for more data before recommendations could be accepted or made.

As an actionable result, the Working Group began drafting the survey to be sent to current and past board members.

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Community Workshops

March-April 2022: the City hosted four workshops with community members; and the City Council held a Work Session to hear an update and provide feedback. The proposal was revised based on feedback.

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Proposal Introduced and Shared

February 2022: the City hosted two focus groups: 1) all board chairs and vice chairs; and 2) identified stakeholders. The proposal was discussed and revised based on feedback.

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Challenges identified and a proposal was created

May-December 2021: challenges were identeid and staff workshopped a proposal to address some of the challenges to get feedback from City Council, staff liaisons, and the community.

The proposal was presented to each Council member individually. The proposal was revised based on feedback.

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