The Hillsboro Herald has been contacted by the City of Hillsboro to share the information with all citizens who may want to get involved by serving our City on a Board or Commission.
From the City:
The City of Hillsboro is now recruiting for volunteers to serve on the following boards and commissions starting in January 2023: Arts & Culture Council, Budget Committee, Finance Committee, Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee, Library Board, Parks & Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Planning & Zoning Hearings Board and the Public Engagement Committee.
I can tell you from personal experience, having served on the Historic Landmarks Committee and the Planning and Zoning Hearings Board, among others, this is a great learning experience and a great way to serve the people of Hillsboro. There is much good work to do, and YOU could be the most important person on a number of big and small decisions coming up! So follow the link below and get involved!
https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/commissions-committees-boards
This is encouraging to see promoted. Having served on several Washington County boards in the last 30 years, I want to share a few reflections:
1. Joining a B&C for any municipality requires getting educated on what the subject matter is, what the professionals on the office/department actually do, and what their challenges are. If you are already fully educated on the subject, offer your thoughts, otherwise be prepared to listen. You will be confused at first. Accept that. If there were easy answers to the complex problems the department faces, they almost certainly would have implemented them already. Ask questions. Be prepared for a Long Game.
2. Your ability to substantially contribute depends on the focus of the B&C. Commenting to the Arts & Culture Committee or the Historic Landmarks AC is much different than commenting to the Planning & Zoning Hearing Board or the Planning Commission. Arts and History are subjective; Planning is hemmed in by state law, policy and development codes. You must know these things to be productive in giving advice.
3. Most all employees of public agencies are sincere people who desire to do the right thing. Please be polite. Leading with anger will not get the results you hope to get. Form allyships even if you have to hold your thoughts at first.