Asheville Downtown Improvement District Board of Directors Application

About the Asheville Downtown Improvement District

The City of Asheville has contracted with the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) to execute the scope of work associated with the newly established Business Improvement District following a thorough Request for Proposal (RFP) process. As ADID moves forward with its mission to enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of Downtown Asheville, the Interim Board of Directors is now accepting nominations for individuals interested in serving on the inaugural ADID Board of Directors.

"The Downtown Improvement District Board is intended to have diverse representation from local businesses, residents, and key community groups," said Hayden Plemmons, Executive Director. "Voting members will include commercial property owners, business renters, residential property owners and renters, along with representatives from The Block, the Continuum of Care, and at-large members."

Successful applicants will represent key industries such as food and beverage, entertainment, hospitality, office, and retail, and will come from all four of Downtown Asheville's geographic districts. The Board will guide the operations of the district, oversee the implementation of initiatives, and ensure that Downtown remains a thriving and accessible destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

ADID will administer the nomination process for the initial Board of Directors, submitting nominations to the Asheville City Council for review and approval. The Board will operate transparently, with applications made available to the public, and will adhere to North Carolina public records and open meetings laws as outlined in the proposal submitted to the City.

More information can be found at ashevilledowntown.org.

Apply to Serve on the Board of Directors

Thank you for your interest in serving as a member of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) Board of Directors. Your involvement will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Downtown Asheville, ensuring it remains a vibrant and thriving community for all.

Before submitting your application, we encourage you to thoroughly review the board expectations, including the position description, board terms, and participation requirements. These items can be found on the second page of this form, prior to signature. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, actively engage in committees, and contribute to the overall success of ADID’s initiatives. Additionally, please familiarize yourself with the applicant qualifications and selection process.

As per City Council Resolution 24-119, all members of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) Board are required to reside within Buncombe County.

We appreciate your commitment to strengthening our Downtown community and look forward to reviewing your application.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are amongsth the guiding principles of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District. Information provided by applicants gives us important data to help us improve our board and commission inclusion efforts. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, prior experience, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, geographic identification, socio-economic status, etc.

You will be required to respond to every question in order to submit your application. However, there is an option “Prefer not to disclose” for every question so you may answer any or all questions based on your comfort. Please note that complete application forms are subject to NC public records laws and are posted online for the City Council and public review to honor our guiding principle of transparency.

The Asheville Downtown Improvement District is looking for diverse representation from people who can bring their unique experiences and expertise to their board. Please consider any community involvement, volunteerism, occupational, educational, and lived experience in your responses. 

Position Description for Board Member – Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID)

As a member of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) Board, you will play a vital role in guiding and shaping the future of Downtown Asheville. Board members are entrusted with ensuring effective governance, providing strategic leadership, and supporting the mission of ADID in maintaining a vibrant, safe, and sustainable downtown. Your involvement will be crucial in overseeing the district's operations, advocating for the community, and ensuring that downtown remains a thriving space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership & Governance:

• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the ADID staff and stakeholders.
• Help develop and review policies that align with the district’s goals and mission.

Financial Oversight:

• Oversee the district’s budget and ensure its financial health.
• Monitor and assess fiscal decisions to ensure resources are used effectively.

Program Oversight & Evaluation:

• Review and evaluate district activities and initiatives to ensure they meet the community’s needs and support ADID’s goals.
• Provide feedback on current and upcoming programs.

Community Engagement:

• Actively promote and advocate for ADID’s work within the community.
• Serve as a representative and ambassador for the district.

Quarterly Reporting:

• Regularly review quarterly reports to track the ADID’s progress, performance, and alignment with goals.

Meeting Attendance & Participation Expectations:

Meetings: Board meetings will be set by the Board and will take place at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Attendance at these meetings is critical for active involvement in decision-making and governance.

Absence Policy: Members are allowed no more than two absences per year. Consistent attendance ensures that the board functions smoothly and efficiently, with members contributing meaningfully to discussions and actions.
Board Service Terms:

Initial Terms: The first group of Board members will serve either a 3-year term (for 8 Directors) or a 2-year term (for 9 Directors). After these initial terms, all subsequent terms will be 2 years.

Term Limits: Board members can serve for two consecutive terms. After completing their terms, they must take a two-year break before being eligible for re-election.

Additional Expectations:

• Active Engagement: Members are expected to participate in committees and task forces, providing their expertise in specific areas.
• Community Representation: Board members should represent the interests of the community, engaging with both business owners and residents within the ADID.
• Advocacy: Advocate for the policies, programs, and needs of the downtown district to support its ongoing development and well-being.

Your service as an ADID Board member is a commitment to the continued success and vitality of Downtown Asheville. By bringing your unique skills and insights to the table, you’ll play an essential role in shaping the future of this important community space.

Board Terms
For the first group of board members, eight people will serve for 3 years, and nine people will serve for 2 years. After this, all board members will serve for 2 years at a time.

Term Limits:

• Board members can serve two consecutive terms (so, a total of 4 years).
• After serving two terms, members must take a 2-year break before they can serve on the board again.
• If someone fills a vacancy for less than a year, they can still serve two more consecutive terms after that.

Conflict of Interest:

As part of the application process, all selected Board members will be required to sign a Conflict of Interest Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that all decisions made by the ADID Board are in the best interest of the organization and the community it serves. If you have any personal, professional, or financial interests that may present a potential conflict with your role as a Board member, you must disclose them. This includes, but is not limited to, relationships with businesses, organizations, or entities that could benefit from Board decisions. Your commitment to transparency helps maintain the integrity and trust of the ADID Board and its mission.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) Board expectations, including the position description, board terms, and attendance requirements. I also acknowledge that I have reviewed the Conflict of Interest Policy and agree to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise during my service. By signing, I confirm my commitment to adhere to these expectations and policies if selected to serve on the ADID Board of Directors.