It’s that time of year again — time to highlight opportunities for Ashevillians to join one of our city’s many influential boards and commissions.

If you’re looking to become more involved in the policies and planning that make the 828 great, there are dozens of open positions for business sustainability, downtown development, riverfront management, historical preservation, and more.

Any Asheville resident is eligible to apply to one of these vacant positions — applications are due Sunday, March 9, with appointments slated to begin on April 8.

While each of the city’s 30+ boards and commissions plays a valuable role, we couldn’t help but think, what’s missing?

Here’s a list of boards + commissions we think should definitely exist — and we’d be the first in line to apply for:

Neighborhood Bear Naming Committee

Since we've learned to embrace the presence of our fuzzy, transient neighbors, perhaps it's time to take a page out of Katmai National Park's book and start our own Fat Bear Week — or at least give them names like Bojangles or Banana Pudding.

Culinary Award and Nomination Management Board

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and with four James Beard nominations already under our belts, we have a feeling 2025 is going to be a big year for our local chefs and restaurants. Keeping up with the accolades is hard work — but someone has to do it.

The Commission to Chase Waterfalls

If sticking to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to has never been your style, you're in luck, because Asheville has hundreds of waterfalls to explore.

Asheville/Buncombe Craft Beer Taste Testing Board

A city doesn't earn the moniker "Beer City, USA" for creating bad brews. Think you have the nose and the mouthfeel to spot our city's next White Zombie or Gaelic Ale? Show your local pride by serving on this board.

Let us know your ideas for which boards and commissions Asheville should have.