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ALEXANDRIA, Va - City Council is looking for residents willing to weigh in on everything from zoning appeals to the George Washington Birthday parade, opening applications this month for more than 70 seats across roughly 30 boards, commissions and committees.
The vacancies, announced April 16 by the city clerk's office, will be filled at the May 12 council meeting. Applications must be submitted electronically through the city's website by 5 p.m. May 1. Late submissions will not be forwarded to council, and applicants may apply for only one committee at a time. Duplicate submissions will not be considered.
The openings span nearly every corner of city government. The Board of Zoning Appeals has two citizen seats open. The Transportation Commission is seeking a representative from the Alexandria Transit Company board and one from the Planning Commission, both to fill resignations. The Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee has three vacancies, including two council-designated seats and one reserved for a Chamber of Commerce appointee.
Several bodies focused on housing, public safety and social services are also short members. The Alexandria Housing Affordability Advisory Committee needs a commissioner from the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority board and a finance professional. The Independent Community Policing Review Board has two seats open, one for a citizen member and one for someone affiliated with an organization that advocates for communities affected by disparate policing. The Community Criminal Justice Board has four vacancies, including two citizen seats.
Other openings reflect the city's historic and cultural portfolio. The Historic Alexandria Resources Commission has seven seats to fill, drawing from groups including the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage, the Historic Alexandria Foundation and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee has five vacancies, among them a seat nominated by the City of Alexandria Pipe and Drums and another by the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society. The Archaeological Commission is seeking a Visit Alexandria representative and a citizen member from Planning District II.
Health and human services panels round out the list. The Public Health Advisory Commission has three vacancies, including seats nominated by the Medical Society of Northern Virginia, the Alexandria City School Board and Inova Alexandria Hospital. The Social Services Advisory Board has five openings, including two parent members and a seat reserved for a current client of the Department of Social Services. The Commission on Aging, Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Commission on Employment and Community Services Board all have seats open as well.
Under city ordinance, appointees generally must live in Alexandria unless council grants a residency waiver. Terms range from two to five years depending on the body.
