ARLINGTON, Texas—The City of Arlington is in the midst of an open call for residents to apply for its many boards and commissions.
Residents will have the opportunity to play a pivotal part by actively participating in the local government. Applications are due by May 15, offering applicants a chance to contribute their ideas to the city’s decision-making processes.
“Members of boards and commissions assist the Mayor and City Council by making recommendations on general policy matters impacting the city. Most boards and commissions function in advisory capacities and some have final decision-making authority,” the city’s Office of Communication said.
City seeks people from all backgrounds
The city is looking for people from all backgrounds to make sure that the needs and thoughts of the entire community are met and represented. Anyone with a civic passion is urged to apply.
After applications close, the City Council will review submissions and make appointments for those chosen.
“Most board and commission positions have a requirement for the volunteers to live in Arlington, be eligible to vote (except for the youth appointees), hold no publicly elected office, and not owe money to the City (such as being delinquent on property taxes, water bills or library fines),” Susan Schrock, managing editor for the Office of Communication said in an email.
“Some have an exception to the residency requirement,” Schrock continued. “For example, the Animal Services Center Advisory Board has a veterinarian role, and the Emergency Physicians Advisory Board has a role for a physician who practices in Arlington but does not have to live in Arlington. City employees and relatives of the Mayor and Council are not eligible to serve on boards and commissions. Persons who are candidates for elected public office are also not eligible.”
Some positions require specialized knowledge
Some boards may require additional qualifications for jobs requiring technical or legal expertise. But most are open to individuals with a desire to contribute to Arlington.
Schrock said that the Board and Commission members provide assistance to the City Council and mayor to make recommendations on city policy matters. Members are tasked with a range of responsibilities such as “responsible pet ownership outreach, recommended parks improvement, and the promotion and protection of historical landmarks within the city.”
Schrock added, “Most boards and commissions function in advisory capacities, and some have final decision-making authority.”
Most of the terms will be two years, but the number of terms a person serves varies by board, Schrock said. Most of the terms start on July 1, and end on June 30 of the last term year. Some boards are limited to two-year terms, while boards like the Parks Board and Library Board have youth positions that serve one-year terms.
“These are volunteer positions that provide appointees a deeper connection to the community they live and work in,” Schrock said. “The City is grateful to our residents and community and business leaders who lend their time and expertise to our boards and commissions.”
Helping shape Arlington’s future
Arlington’s boards and commissions cover a wide range of different civic matters. Residents appointed to these positions will advise the City Council on important policies and initiatives that will shape Arlington’s future.
There are 13 boards and commissions seeking applicants. The boards and commissions include:
- Animal Services Center Advisory Board
- Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors
- Arlington Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors
- Building Code Board of Appeals
- Citizens Bond Committee
- Emergency Physician’s Advisory Board
- Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
- Landmark Preservation Commission
- Library Advisory Board
- Parks and Recreation Board
- Planning & Zoning Commission
- Unity Council
- Zoning Board of Adjustment
Residents who are interested can apply online through the City of Arlington’s website. The application requires applicants to provide their personal information, qualifications and explain why they want to serve. Applicants can also choose up to three boards or commissions they want to be considered for.
“The Arlington City Council is expected to appoint board and commission members by the end of June, since many of the appointed terms begin July 1,” Schrock wrote. “Potential appointees should hear from Council members in early June. Applicants or those who are considering applying can reach out to the Mayor and Council Office for more information or to speak with their Council representative or an at-large Council representative.”
For more information, residents are urged to call the Mayor and Council Office at 817-459-6122.
