Lynchburg Boards & Commissions FAQs

Volunteerism and citizen participation is perhaps most evident on the local government level.  Hundreds of concerned citizens volunteer their time each year to assist the City in finding solutions to problems, effecting positive change, and planning for the future. These boards and commissions provide valuable service to the City.

Lynchburg City Council maintains a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the large number of Boards and Commissions established by City Council.  Some have special membership requirements but most do not.  All appointees are required to take an oath of office.

The City Council is grateful to the many dedicated citizens who volunteer their time to serve as members of these groups. 

What are the requirements for membership on a board or commission?

  • Membership is open to all Lynchburg citizens. Unless otherwise noted, the only requirement for service is that the applicant  lives within Lynchburg City limits.  County residents may serve on boards and commissions that represent the Central Virginia region: Lynchburg Regional Airport Commission and Business Development Centre Board.

  • All members of City boards and commissions are required to attend at least 75% of the yearly committee meetings.  Absences may be excused because of personal illness or serious illness of members of the immediate family, death of a family member, unscheduled or unforeseen business trips, and emergency work assignments only.  All other absences are recorded as unexcused.

What is the appointment process?

  • A citizen interested in serving on a board completes an application and returns it to the Clerk of Council, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg, VA  24504.
  • As an application is received, it is reviewed and then the individual’s name is added to the appropriate volunteer waiting list. The Clerk of Council maintains a list of applicants for each board.  
  • When a vacancy occurs, the Clerk forwards the names of the applicants to City Council for consideration.
  • Following appointment to a board, the individual is notified in writing of the appointment along with the term expiration date. All appointees (including those re-appointed) are required to take an oath of office, and some boards require financial disclosure forms.

When are appointments made?

Appointments to boards and commissions are generally made during the months of June, September, October and December, but may be necessary as vacancies occur for a variety of reasons.  The names of individuals who are appointed will be posted on the City’s individual boards and commissions web pages.

How long are the terms?

The length of term for board appointments varies from 1 to 5 years, depending upon the board, with most having a 3-year term.

In 1979, City Council established a maximum length of service in that no member of a City board, commission, or committee may serve continuously for more than three terms.  Some boards may have different maximum length of service requirements via State Code, By-Laws, etcetera.

How do I find out about vacancies?

 Clerk of Council (434) 455-3995. Review the City Source newsletter supplement to the News & Advance.

The individual Board pages under the Boards & Commissions section of the City website also indicate the appointment month.

 

updated 12/30/16