LIVE @ City of Asheville Boards and Commissions Realignment Working Group 7/17/23

City of Asheville Boards and Commissions Realignment Working Group Meeting Recap – July 17, 2023

The City of Asheville Boards and Commissions Realignment Working Group (RWG) met on July 17, 2023, to finalize a draft report examining the city’s various boards and commissions. This ongoing effort aims to analyze how these advisory bodies function, with a potential eye towards future recommendations for improvement. The meeting focused primarily on refining the draft report and outlining next steps in the realignment process, emphasizing transparency and inclusivity.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and polishing the draft report, ensuring clear language and consistent terminology throughout. Members discussed clarifying how public input will be considered and finalized the report's overall structure. A key decision made was to aim for completion of all final edits by Friday, July 21st. Importantly, the group reaffirmed that this report is currently an analysis only and will not include formal recommendations. These recommendations will be considered after conducting interviews with former staff liaisons, which the group decided to streamline by using a survey format for efficiency.

Discussions also centered on how best to present the report to Asheville City Council, with options including a formal agenda item or presentation during general comment. The RWG will consult with city staff (Ben and Sarah) to determine the most effective approach, a decision expected soon. A concerning topic raised was the inactivity of the Citizen Police Advisory Committee (CPAC), prompting discussion about its implications for minority representation on boards and commissions. Members, including Nina, emphasized the need to investigate demographics of inactive boards to assess potential equity concerns.

During the meeting, no direct public comments were received. However, a comment from Nina underscored the importance of clearly communicating to residents that the current report is preliminary and does not contain recommendations, managing expectations appropriately. Several members highlighted the value of the group’s work in potentially improving city governance, and a shared sentiment emphasized the need for accurate and accessible language throughout the report.

Looking ahead, several key action items were assigned. Elise (Working Group Lead) will continue refining the report incorporating feedback received. Jack is tasked with drafting sections on "Key Takeaways" and explaining why recommendations are not included in the current report. Stacey will coordinate with city staff to determine how best to present the report to City Council. All RWG members are asked to review and provide feedback on edits as they're made, while Nina and others will investigate the demographics of inactive boards, particularly CPAC.

This realignment process is important for Asheville residents because it aims to ensure that the city's advisory boards and commissions are functioning effectively and equitably. While this meeting concluded with a focus on finalizing the preliminary report, the work of the RWG will ultimately contribute to improved governance and potentially lead to recommendations that enhance citizen engagement in city decision-making.