In Asheville, discussions are underway about potentially reshaping how citizens provide formal input to the city government. This initiative comes as the city focuses on navigating its recovery from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
City officials argue that this potential restructuring could enhance decision-making efficiency. However, there are apprehensions from community members who fear it might hinder public participation, especially during this critical rebuilding period.
The proposed changes could impact around 15 of Asheville’s advisory boards and commissions. These boards, established by council members and supported by city staff, focus on specific policy areas. Notable examples include the Asheville Downtown Commission, Multimodal Transportation Commission, and Sustainability Advisory Committee, with members often bringing professional expertise to the table.
Recently, the Research Triangle Park-based firm Fountainworks suggested restructuring these boards into four main “core advisory boards” during a worksession on June 16. These new bodies would focus on key areas aligned with the city council’s Helene recovery priorities: people, housing, infrastructure/environment, and economy.
Assistant City Manager Ben Woody explained, “What Council is really trying to do is stay hyperfocused on that piece — recovery — to make sure that we fully take advantage of and leverage all these federal, state, and municipal bond funds that are available and have to be spent.”
The future of the current advisory boards remains uncertain. Their activities have been on hold after the September storm, and no solid plans exist to restart their meetings. Woody mentioned that the council is considering a proposal for the new core boards and plans to release more information soon. Significant changes would require a council vote.
Nina Tovish, involved with the Realignment Working Group since 2022, expressed concerns that extending this pause could be detrimental to the city. During her run for City Council, she advocated for more inclusive governance and now warns that sidelining existing boards could weaken civic engagement. “It seems clear to us that any desire to spin all these back up is going to dissipate,” Tovish stated.
Past events during the COVID-19 crisis support Tovish’s worries. The city had halted all meetings due to health concerns. While most resumed, the Citizens/Police Advisory Committee and Recreation Board have not met since March 2020. Woody assured that disbanding existing boards is not currently planned.
Patrick Conant, a former member of the Human Relations Commission of Asheville and secretary of the Realignment Working Group, believes that revisiting the advisory board approach is wise. A report by the group in late 2023 indicated many members felt their influence was limited. He sees potential for the existing boards to serve as think-tanks alongside the new core boards, especially as city staff manage Helene recovery efforts.
Mayor Esther Manheimer shared optimism about finding a balance, with existing boards providing feedback to the new groups. She noted the productive discussions with the Realignment Working Group about a collaborative approach.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for July 29, but as of Friday, advisory board restructuring is not on the agenda.
