The city of Longmont is looking for members of the community interested in joining a board or commission.
The city has 22 citizen-based boards, committees, and commissions on which more than 170 citizens serve, according to the website.
“The volunteer board member is a vital part of local government and of the democratic process because serving in this capacity is a way for residents to engage productively by providing recommendations to (the) city council and ensuring all voices and opinions are heard at the local level,” stated City Clerk Dawn Quintana in an email.
Through its bi-annual recruiting process, the city council is receiving applications from Longmont residents that would like to be considered for an opening this spring.
Applicants must have been living in the city of Longmont for one year prior and have been a registered voter for one year prior to appointment, and can only serve in one board, committee or commission position at a time, according to the website.
“Board members help shape the future of the city of Longmont and the community’s quality of life, which is incredibly important to all of the residents and businesses here,” stated Quintana in an email. “The city of Longmont is fortunate to have community-minded citizens who generously volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of others,” she stated.
The purpose of these boards and commissions is for elected and government officials to better understand the community they are serving, said Adriana Perea, community relations specialist at the City of Longmont, in Feb.
Responsibilities vary depending on the role and the board, some help inform the work that is happening in the city, some allow for more educational opportunities and others allow residents to be involved in the design of programs or be a part of the leadership team, Perea said.
Glenda Robinson, a longtime Longmont resident, has served in various boards and commissions locally for over 30 years.
In Feb. she said the roles in these positions can be as simple or complex as community members want it to be, depending on the level of engagement.
“The point is to get involved in your community and you can do that by going to city council meetings or going to the County Commissioners office and say ‘here are my thoughts, this what I would like to see happen in my community.’ There is always something to be done,” she said in Feb.
To apply for a vacant spot, visit the City’s website and click on the board name to fill out an application online.
Applications will be open until 5 p.m. on May 28. For questions, call the City Clerk’s Office at 303-651-8649.
