Oro Valley has been blessed with residents who are active in the community. One way residents do this is as an appointed member of a Town of Oro Valley volunteer board or commission. (“Boards”). There are seven open positions on six of the town’s seven volunteer boards (see panel).
Candidates do not need to have prior experience
...in the board’s area to be selected as a member. What one does seem to need is volunteer experience. That’s our interpretation based on the application one completes for the position. Indeed, the town stated qualifications for board membership don’t even list that. What they do list are three things: “…must be residents of the Town of Oro Valley, be available to attend the designated meetings and be committed to completing the Town’s Community Academy within their term.”
Time commitment varies
The town press release states that there are monthly meeting requirements for each board. This is true of some boards but not all. To date, the town’s boards have met 44 times for a total of about 61 hours. The number of meetings and time commitment per meeting for each does vary so you will want to consider that in deciding which Board you would like to join. We’ve prepared the table at right with pertinent information regarding the boards and the openings.
.. but experience would be valuable to the individual and to the town
Though prior experience seems to not be a requirement, it would be very helpful for the individual to have. This is because the discussions can be technical. How does an individual sit on the budget and finance committee without understanding finance? How does one even begin to understand a zoning code change request passing through the Planning and Zoning Commission without any prior knowledge of zoning requirements? How valuable could their input be?
The town press release states that there are monthly meeting requirements for each board. This is true of some boards but not all. To date, the town’s boards have met 44 times for a total of about 61 hours. The number of meetings and time commitment per meeting for each does vary so you will want to consider that in deciding which Board you would like to join. We’ve prepared the table at right with pertinent information regarding the boards and the openings.
Could be a "stepping stone"
A board position is a way to become familiar with the town and the challenges it faces. Many of those who have served on town council have also served on a board. Vice Mayor Barrett, for example, was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Winfield worked on special assignments for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Board membership is also a way to get to know one of the current members of town council. A council member serves as liaison to a board.
Community Academy "included"
With the commitment to join the board comes a requirement that the new member attend the "Community Academy" at some time during the term of office if they have not already attended it. The academy is a multi session briefing on all aspects of town operations. It is worth attending even if one is not going to apply for a board seat.
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