Citizens who seek a rewarding public service role in the community are encouraged to apply for the nine positions currently vacant on the city's boards, commissions, authorities or advisory committees.
 
These volunteer positions, requiring only a few hours each month, are designed to give citizens a voice in their local government and allow them to influence decisions that shape the quality of life for residents in the community.
 
Interested citizens have until Oct. 28 to review the membership requirements, complete an application and sign the Code of Ethics form. The Mayor and City Council will evaluate the applicants and appoint individuals at the Nov. 5 City Council meeting for the following vacancies:

·         Central Valdosta Development Authority/Downtown Development Authority – 3 Appointments
 
·         Valdosta Housing Authority – 1 Appointment
 
·         Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center & Tourism Authority – 1 Appointment
 
·         Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustments & Appeals (Electrician Slot) –1 Appointment
 
·         Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority – 1 Appointment
 
·         Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority – 1 Appointment ***
 
·         Valdosta Tree Commission – 1 Appointment
 
(***NOTE:  The VLPRA position, which is for an unexpired term, will be appointed at the Oct. 8 City Council meeting, and the application deadline is Sept. 30, at 5 p.m.)
 
The City of Valdosta advertises for BCAAC appointments on a quarterly basis, and appointments are made in February, May, August and November, or as vacancies occur. The city seeks to ensure all citizens are aware of opportunities to serve, to have a professional and structured process through which to seek appointments, to appoint qualified individuals who have a willingness and desire to serve, and to ensure diversity in the make-up of the entities.
 
“These are wonderful opportunities for people to give back to their community,” said Valdosta Mayor John Gayle. “BCAACs are designed to give citizens a voice in their local government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for the residents in our community.  Participation in these organizations is one of the most effective steps a citizen can take in becoming an active voice in their local government.”
 
The required documents are available for download at www.valdostacity.com, by clicking the “Boards & Commissions” tab from the “Administration” dropdown menu. To learn more about getting involved with your local government by serving on one of these entities now or in the future, contact Valdosta City Clerk Teresa Bolden at (229) 259-3503, or at [email protected].