LIVE @ City of Asheville Boards and Commissions Realignment Working Group 11/17/22

City of Asheville Boards & Commissions Realignment Working Group Meeting Recap – November 17, 2022

The City of Asheville’s Boards and Commissions Realignment Working Group (RWG) held a meeting on November 17th to discuss ways to improve how Asheville’s advisory boards and commissions operate. This group was formed to evaluate the current system, gather feedback from residents, and ultimately recommend improvements to City Council. The meeting focused on initial survey data, potential changes to the RWG’s own structure, and how to best engage with the community.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on analyzing preliminary results from a recent survey assessing resident satisfaction and effectiveness with Asheville’s advisory boards. While the data provided valuable insights, discussion arose regarding a particular survey question that seemed to generate confusing responses. Members debated whether to revise the wording, weighing this against concerns about disrupting existing data collection. A concerning finding emerged from the survey: approximately 97% of current board and commission members identify as white, a statistic that sparked concern given Asheville’s diverse population. This highlighted the need for greater efforts to ensure equitable representation on these important advisory bodies.

A key debate revolved around the RWG’s own operational structure. Alan and Sharon proposed adopting Robert’s Rules of Order, or a simplified version, to introduce elected leadership roles (Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary) and provide more structure to meetings. This suggestion generated considerable discussion, with some members like Grant raising concerns that a formal structure could inadvertently exclude community voices and hinder innovation. Others, including Nina (Speaker 4), advocated for a "Robert's Rules light" approach that balances structure with flexibility. Ultimately, the group voted in favor of adopting either Robert’s Rules or a modified version to establish elected leadership roles.

Several residents offered public comments during the meeting, echoing Grant’s concerns about inclusivity and emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach that prioritizes community engagement. These comments underscored the desire for a process that is accessible and welcoming to all Asheville residents, regardless of their familiarity with formal parliamentary procedures.

Looking ahead, the RWG has several key action items: discussions about nominations for leadership roles (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary) will continue on the group’s Google Group. The group also needs to clarify how they'll define quorum and establish clear guidelines for operating under Robert’s Rules (or a modified version) if they proceed. Crucially, the RWG will explore strategies for broader community outreach and engagement to encourage more diverse participation in future discussions. Patrick is also beginning work on a report outlining the group’s assessment and recommendations, which will be presented to City Council.

This ongoing review of Asheville's advisory boards and commissions is important for all residents because these groups provide valuable input to the City Council on a wide range of issues, from parks and recreation to affordable housing. The RWG’s efforts aim to ensure that these advisory bodies are representative of the community they serve and effectively contribute to a more equitable and responsive local government. Residents can follow the RWG’s progress and participate in future discussions by visiting the City of Asheville website.