Citizens who seek a rewarding public service role in the community are encouraged to apply for the 10 opportunities available on the city's boards, commissions, authorities or advisory committees.

These volunteer positions 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 Wednesday, Nov. 1 by 5 p.m. to review the membership requirements, complete an application, sign the Code of Ethics form, and return to City Clerk Teresa Bolden at Valdosta City Hall. The Mayor and City Council will evaluate the applicants and appoint individuals at the Nov. 9 City Council meeting for the following BCAAC opportunities:

Central Valdosta Development Authority/Downtown Development Authority—3 Appointments

Greater Lowndes Planning Commission—1 Appointment

Valdosta Housing Authority—1 Appointment (The Mayor will make this appointment.)

Valdosta Housing Board of Adjustments & Appeals—2 Appointments

Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center & Tourism Authority—2 Appointments (One of these slots is for a City Council appointee.)

Keep Lowndes-Valdosta Beautiful—1 Appointment to fill an unexpired term.

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 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” drop-down 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].