Throughout November, the City of Bismarck will be accepting applications for openings on its various advisory boards, committees and commissions.
Board applicants must be residents of the City of Bismarck, except for the Planning and Zoning vacancy, which must be filled by someone residing in the Extraterritorial Area (ETA). Anyone who qualifies may apply through 11:59 PM on November 30 via an online form on the City of Bismarck website at https://bismarcknd.gov/FormCenter/Administration-2/City-of-Bismarck-Board-Commission-Commit-253. ;
“Serving on one of the City of Bismarck’s advisory boards, committees or commissions is the most direct way for citizens to participate in the decision-making process in our community,” said Assistant City Administrator Doug Wiles. “We want people to bring fresh ideas to the table, and so we are always reaching towards a goal of a better Bismarck. An engaged and informed citizenry is a critical component to a strong community.”
Advisory boards, committees and commissions with openings:
- Animal Advisory Board – 4 terms ending in 2025
- This seven-member board advises the Bismarck Police Department on companion animal policies, promotes collaboration between the City and private citizens, institutions and agencies interested in conducting activities relating to companion animals in the city. This board identifies proactive, creative approaches to engage and facilitate communication and education within the companion animal community and fosters and assists the development of companion animal programs in the community.
- Board of Adjustment – 2 terms ending in 2025.
- This six-member board decides appeals from an order, requirement or determination made by an administrative official of the City of Bismarck. The Board of Adjustment is empowered to make interpretations and grant variances related to zoning regulations.
- Community Development Advisory Committee – 8 terms that will vary in duration as a new committee.
- This eight-member board serves as a voice for the community and acts in an advisory capacity for the current needs of the community. They also encourage community involvement in the development and review of the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan.
- Forestry Advisory Board – 2 terms ending in 2025
- This nine-member board advises and assists the City Forester in the selection, planting, maintenance, protection and removal of trees on streets, parks and other public property in Bismarck.
- Historic Preservation Commission – 2 terms ending in 2025
- This nine-member board carries out matters related to Bismarck’s Historic Preservation Ordinance.
- Human Relations Committee – 2 terms ending in 2025
- This seven-member board assists in creating an atmosphere of inclusion, equality and accessibility through education and outreach to recognize the value of a diverse community.
- Parking Authority – 2 terms ending in 2025
- This five-member authority provides convenient, reasonably-priced parking to the Downtown Parking District via approximately 1,754 parking spaces spread across four ramps and two surface lots. Applicants must be property owners within the Parking Authority boundary.
- Planning and Zoning Commission – 3 terms ending in 2025.
- This 11-member advisory board hears requests for subdivision plats, zoning changes, zoning ordinance text amendments, annexations, special use permits and rural lot splits.
- Renaissance Zone – 2 terms ending in 2025
- This nine-member advisory board makes recommendations on requests for designation as a Renaissance Zone project. This board provides guidance on downtown design review and other activities impacting the core of the community.
- Vision Fund Committee – 1 term ending in 2025
- This five-member committee coordinates applications for economic development. The primary purpose of the Vision Fund is to encourage and assist in the development of employment within the region by creating new jobs, expanding the regional tax base, increasing capital investment, improving the entrepreneurial climate of the region and generally expanding the financial base of the region.
More information about each entity is available by calling the Administration Department at 701-355-1300, emailing the department or visiting the City website.