LIVE @ City of Asheville Boards and Commissions Realignment Working Group 8/19/24

City Working Group Focuses on Diversity & Accessibility of Boards and Commissions

On August 19th, the City of Asheville’s Boards and Commissions Realignment Working Group (RWG) convened to continue its work on improving diversity and accessibility within the city’s advisory boards and commissions. The meeting, attended by working group members Jack, Ted, Nina, Patrick, Alan, and Stacy (with Elise absent), centered on refining recommendations aimed at ensuring a more inclusive civic engagement process for all Asheville residents.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around how to best ensure adequate representation of people of color on city boards. Concerns were raised about a previous proposal to allow residents of Buncombe County (outside Asheville’s city limits) to serve on these boards, with some members questioning whether this change might inadvertently make it more difficult for people of color within Asheville to be selected. Given the demographic shifts occurring in the city, a consensus emerged that further discussion on county resident eligibility is needed. The group agreed to defer this decision until Elise, who brings valuable perspective on the issue, can participate in a future discussion.

Beyond eligibility, the RWG delved into effective recruitment and outreach strategies. Participants strongly emphasized the need for proactive measures beyond simply posting openings on the city website. Ideas floated included targeted outreach to community centers, faith-based organizations (particularly Black churches), and local media outlets like Urban News. The group agreed to refine its recommendations around recruitment, reframing the goal as "Representation and Participation" – a more accurate reflection of their aims. The group also acknowledged the importance of considering meeting accessibility, recognizing that evening or weekday schedules can create barriers for potential participants.

Public comments provided valuable insights and highlighted key concerns. Stacy voiced discomfort with an all-white group discussing diversity recruitment, emphasizing the need for consistent outreach and addressing participation barriers. Alan stressed that city council and staff should take primary responsibility for ensuring diverse representation, advocating for a "one-on-one ask" approach to encourage qualified candidates. Ted and Jack echoed the importance of targeted outreach, drawing parallels from successful models used by organizations like the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization. Jack also emphasized that the city needs to actively promote board opportunities and make it easier for residents to learn about them.

What's Next?

The RWG has several key action items moving forward: Jack, Ted, and Elise will collaborate to revise background sections of the report, incorporating findings from recent surveys. Patrick is tasked with creating a centralized online resource – a "one-stop shop" – containing all relevant reports, surveys, and documents related to the realignment effort. Nina will draft a revised introduction for the report, incorporating insights from this meeting. The group plans to reconvene in two weeks on September 9th to continue discussions and potentially vote on recommendations, with a possible second meeting in late September to finalize all proposals.

Why This Matters to You:

The RWG's work is crucial for ensuring that Asheville’s boards and commissions reflect the diversity of our community. These advisory bodies play a vital role in shaping city policies and providing valuable input on important decisions. By focusing on diversity, accessibility, and proactive recruitment, the RWG aims to create a more inclusive civic engagement process that empowers all residents to participate in shaping the future of Asheville. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the group's progress and upcoming opportunities for public input.