What to Know Before Serving on a Local Board or Committee
Are you ready to volunteer on a public sector committee or business advisory board? Here are 7 Questions to Ask Yourself before you apply.
Are there any openings on the board you want to serve on?
When applying for a City appointed board, you will need to follow up with the City Clerk’s office. Inquire if there’s an opening on the Board/Commission you are interested. View the local Vacancies announcements. you can even sign up to receive notification of when vacancies occur.
For a business advisory board, make sure you’re in touch with a current board member or Chair. Ask them to let you know when a seat becomes available.
When is the City Council voting on the board appointments?
City Councils typically vote for board and committee appointments at least once per month. Visit the City Council’s website to learn about their meeting times and how you can listen on their decision-making.
Do you know how to write a self-advocacy letter?
Call &/or email each Council Person to advocate for yourself for that Board/Commission.
Here’s a short guide on how to write a self-advocacy letter
Are you willing to follow up?
If you don’t get appointed the first time you apply, continue to follow up with the City Clerk’s Office & City/County Government emails list for Board/Commission Vacancies.
Do you meet the requirements?
Many of the Board/Commissions have requirements or prerequisites in order to be nominated.
Example: Citizens Review Board; Citizen must have gone through the Citizens Academy before being considered to apply, also not a current employee or have a Family Member employed by CMPD or the City.
Check the requirements for all open seats on boards and commissions before choosing one to apply to.
Are you ready to make the commitment to be a public servant?
Make sure you can dedicate the required amount of time and value. Many of these boards are a part of important decisions in the city. Be sure to do your homework, which could include reading many pages of reports and agendas to come prepared to have detailed discussions with your fellow board members. Your decision on a board like the Community Safety Committee or Affordable Housing Committee could truly make a difference in someone’s life.
Do you know which boards actually do the kind of work you’re interested in?
Examples of Local Boards and Committees
Airport Advisory Committee
Bechtler Arts Foundation Board of Directors
Bicycle Advisory Committee
Business Advisory Committee
Charlotte Area Fund Board of Directors
Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) Committee
Charlotte Community Capital Loan Fund
Charlotte Housing Authority
Charlotte International Cabinet
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Access Corporation Board of Directors
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission
Charlotte Water Advisory Committee
Citizens’ Review Board
Citizens Transit Advisory Group
Civil Service Board
Community Relations Committee
Domestic Violence Advisory Board
Firemen’s Relief Board of Trustees
Historic District Commission
Historic Landmarks Commission
Housing Advisory Board of Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Housing Appeals Board
Keep Charlotte Beautiful Committee
Mint Museum Board of Trustees
Neighborhood Matching Grants Fund Review Team
Passenger Vehicle for Hire Board
Planning Commission
Privatization/Competition Advisory Committee
Public Art Commission
Storm Watered Advisory Committee
Transit Services Advisory Committee
Waste Management Advisory Board
Zoning Board of Adjustment
