So You Say You Want to Serve?

The recent municipal election demonstrated that more residents are interested in becoming involved in local government, whether by seeking elected office or finding other ways to serve their community.

For those who want to make a difference but are not interested in running for office, city leaders say one of the most direct opportunities is serving on one of Columbus Consolidated Government's approximately 40 boards, commissions and authorities.

The volunteer bodies advise city leaders and help shape decisions on a broad range of issues affecting residents, including public safety, recreation, housing, health care, planning, economic development and historic preservation.

Board and commission members play an important role by reviewing policies, making recommendations and providing community input on matters that influence the daily lives of Columbus residents.

Some residents, however, say meeting schedules can present a barrier to participation. Many boards meet during traditional business hours, making it difficult for individuals with full-time jobs, family responsibilities or other daytime commitments to serve.

Several community members have suggested the city explore hybrid or virtual meeting options to make service more accessible while maintaining public participation and transparency.

Supporters of the idea say advances in technology provide an opportunity to modernize the process and potentially broaden participation by allowing members to attend meetings remotely when appropriate.

If implementing virtual participation would require changes to the city charter or local ordinances, some residents believe the issue should be presented to the local legislative delegation for consideration during a future legislative session.

Residents interested in serving on a board, commission or authority are encouraged to review available opportunities and appointment requirements through Columbus Consolidated Government.

The following is a list of Columbus Consolidated Government's boards, commissions and authorities:

 1.     Airport Commission of Columbus

2.     Animal Control Advisory Board

3.     Board of Elections and Registration

4.     Board of Family & Children Services

5.     Board of Health

6.     Board of Honor

7.     Board of Tax Assessors

8.     Board of Water Commissioners

9.     Board of Zoning Appeals

10.  Building Authority of Columbus

11.  Charter Review Commission

12.  Civic Center Advisory Board

13.  Columbus Aquatics Commission

14.  Columbus Golf Authority

15.  Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center Authority

16.  Commission on International Relations and Cultural Liaison Encounters (CIRCLE)

17.  Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC)

18.  Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners (CVB)

19.  Crime Prevention Board

20.  Development Authority of Columbus

21.  Downtown Development Authority

22.  Employee Benefits Committee

23.  Employees' Pension Fund, Board of Trustees

24.  Historic & Architectural Review Board (BHAR)

25.  Hospital Authority of Columbus

26.  Housing Authority of Columbus

27.  Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission

28.  Land Bank Authority of Columbus, Georgia

29.  Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board

30.  The Medical Center Hospital Authority

31.  New Horizons Community Service Board (New Horizons Behavioral Health)

32.  Personnel Review Board

33.  Planning Advisory Commission (PAC)

34.  Public Safety Advisory Commission

35.  Recreation Advisory Board

36.  Region Six Regional Advisory Council (Dept. of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities)

37.  River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC)

38.  Tree Board

39.  Uptown Façade Board

40.  Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority