Residents Encouraged to Join City Boards and Commissions

For residents looking to make a difference in their community, one of the most direct ways is by volunteering to serve on one of the city’s 43 boards, commissions, or authorities.

City officials say serving on a board or committee offers citizens a valuable opportunity to contribute to local decision-making and help shape policies that impact everyday life in Columbus. The boards address a wide range of issues, including public safety, recreation, housing, health, and economic development.

However, one of the challenges deterring some residents from serving is the timing of the meetings. Many board sessions are held during traditional work hours, making participation difficult for those with daytime jobs or family obligations.

“With today’s technology, there’s an opportunity to modernize,” said one local official. “Perhaps an effort can be made to allow meetings to be held virtually as well as in person.”

If such a change requires amending the city charter, some community members suggest that a formal request should be presented to the legislative delegation for consideration during the 2026 session.

Below is a snapshot of four key commissions currently accepting or maintaining community members:

Airport Commission of Columbus The Airport Commission oversees the operation of the Columbus Metropolitan Airport. The commission nominates three individuals for each vacancy, with Columbus Council selecting one to fill the seat. Members serve five-year terms.
(Ordinance No. 11-23 removes the previous two-term limit.)

Current Members: Art Guin, Dannell M. Marks, Delois “Dee” Marsh, James Barker, Phillip A. Badcock
Meeting Schedule: 4th Wednesday each month, 9:30 a.m.
Location: Columbus Airport, 2nd Floor Conference Room

Board of Elections and Registration Created through Act No. 149 (H.B. 941) in 1991, this board carries out duties related to voter registration, absentee balloting, and the conduct of elections and primaries in Muscogee County. It includes five members — one each from the two major political parties and three appointed by Columbus Council. The executive director is also appointed by Council. Members serve four-year terms.
(Ordinance No. 11-23 removes the two-term limit.)

Current Members: U.D. Roberts, Annette M. Williams, Diane Scrimpshire, Linda G. Parker, Edwin C. Roldan
Meeting Schedule: 1st Thursday of each month, 2:00 p.m.
Location: Office of Elections and Registration, 2nd Floor City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way

Board of Family & Children Services This five-member board oversees the operations of the Columbus Department of Family and Children Services and is appointed by the Columbus Council.
(O.C.G.A. 49-3-2 and Columbus Charter Sec. 4-602)

Current Members: Darlene P. Smalls, Rev. Johnny H. Flakes, Gwendolyn McIntosh, Jennifer Melvin, Chandler Padgett
Meeting Schedule: 4th Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.
Location: 3rd Floor, Family & Children Services Building, 2100 Comer Avenue

Crime Prevention Board The Crime Prevention Board evaluates and recommends service agreements for local agencies that deliver crime prevention programs. It also reviews proposals and makes funding recommendations to City Council. The seven-member board includes representatives appointed by the mayor, local law enforcement, educational institutions, Fort Moore, and three citizen members appointed by Council.

Current Members: Angela Florence, Ralph King, Dr. Michael Forte, Richard J. Kelly, Erika N. Cottingham, Rocky R. Marsh, Danny Arencibia
Meeting Schedule: 3rd Wednesday of February, April, July, and November, 2:30 p.m.
Location: Annex Building, Ground Floor Conference Room, 420 10th Street

For more information on how to apply or view available vacancies, residents can visit the City of Columbus website or contact the Clerk of Council’s office.

— Courier Eco Latino continues to highlight opportunities for civic engagement and community leadership across Columbus and the surrounding area.