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Citizen participation is vital to a democratic government. The City of Orlando recognizes the unique contributions made by volunteers and encourages involvement in the policy-making process through service as an advisory board member.
Definition
Most City Boards are created by Ordinance to provide advice and recommendations to City Council on diverse matters of public concern. Included are zoning, municipal planning, housing codes, downtown development, the park system, public art, historic preservation, building and fire codes.
Application for Appointment
The Citizen Board Application form is available to
print here or to complete on-line.. Any person interested in serving on a Board must complete and file
a form with the City Clerk.
* Acrobat Reader is available free of charge.
Dual Office Holding
The Florida Constitution, in Section 5(a) of Article II, prohibits simultaneous "dual office holding." Service on most City of Orlando Boards constitutes the holding of an "office" under Florida law. If you accept an appointment to a City board, you may have to resign
from any other board, commission or authority to which you were appointed by the City of Orlando or by another governmental agency.
Requirements for Board Membership
Board members should have the expertise necessary to accomplish the Board's objective; a reputation for integrity and community service interest or experience in the area of Board service desired. All Boards, unless otherwise noted, have a majority of members who are City of Orlando
residents. Some Boards require financial disclosure; and if appointed to one of these Boards, Section 112.3145, Florida Statutes, requires that you file a Form 1, Limited Financial Disclosure, with the Supervisor of Elections in the county of your permanent residence within 30 days of your
appointment.
Terms of Office
Most Board members are appointed for two-year terms. Chairmen are elected for a one-year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Attendance
Most Boards meet monthly with meeting times varying in length according to agenda items to be addressed. Regular attendance is required. If a Board member's absences exceed 25% of the scheduled Board meetings in a Fiscal Year (Oct. 1 - Sept. 30), the appointment is terminated. A Board
member is considered absent if not present for at least 75% of a scheduled meeting.
Appointment
All Appointment Information Forms are reviewed by the Nominating Board. References may be contacted and prospective appointees may be interviewed. Recommendations are forwarded to the Mayor for appointment or reappointment, subject to confirmation by City Council.
Nominating Board Functions
In addition to appointment recommendations, this Board recruits individuals for Board consideration, plans orientation programs for Board members, serves in a liaison capacity to all other Boards to become familiar with specific issues and responsibilities so as to better serve the
appointment process, and suggests policy or procedure changes in the City Board structure to the City Council.
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