On July 2, 2019, City Council adopted the priority to Reimagine Boards and Commissions
Better structure the board and commission system to set up success into the future, align with Outcome Areas and allow for integrated perspectives. Explore models that allow for greater use of ad hoc meetings, diverse stakeholders and additional community participation.
To carry out the intention of this priority, staff explored ways to enhance advisory groups to ensure value for board members and Councilmembers, so that City Council receives timely and useful advice from diverse perspectives. This included as much public engagement as allowed during the COVID-19 health crisis, multiple Council work sessions, several rounds of input and discussion with current board members, peer city research, and careful review of current City Code and board functions.
On April 20, 2021, City Council Adopted Ordinance No. 049, 2021, Repealing and Reenacting Chapter 2, Article III of the Code of the City of Fort Collins Relating to Boards and Commissions.
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Previously boards and commission had to meet in person. COVID-19 required adaptation to online remote meetings and proved to be a positive asset for the program. Now boards and commissions can meet remotely whenever board members with support of staff deem it appropriate.
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Renaming all quasi-judicial bodies as “commissions” and the others as “boards”.
Quasi-Judicial Commissions are decision making bodies for City Council whereas Boards are advisory groups that advise council in their specific areas of subject matter expertise.
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New code language promotes and encourages collaboration through joint meetings. Now boards and commissions can get together to discuss and share ideas that stretch beyond the boundaries of just one board.
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For all advisory boards, terms were improved from all 4-year terms to a mixture of term lengths on boards. Advisory boards will have 4-, 2- and 1-year terms. This change is to help reduce a potential barrier to participation as we recognize 4 years is a long commitment. Shorter terms are intended to help folks get their toes wet and try out the board before committing to longer length terms. All quasi-judicial commission remained at 4-year terms. A graphic explaining the new mixture of terms is forthcoming.
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In order to properly stagger this new term structure, the 2022 appointments will need to be manually staggered to set up future appointments for success. This means that a member may get appointed to a seat that is technically a 4 year term, however the appointment may only be 1, 2, 3 or 4 years this first time in order to set up the staggering. An example of manual staggering for a 7-member advisory board is forthcoming.
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A board member will be dismissed, and a vacancy created, after missing 25 percent of the regularly scheduled meetings for that board with or without notice, unless temporary impediments to attendance are discussed with the board Chair prior.
This policy was created to encourage attendance and foster a positive dynamic between staff and fellow members dedicated to the program.
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Previous Title
New Title
Building Review Board
Building Review Commission
Commission on Disability
Disability Advisory Board
Community Development Block Grant Commission
Human Services and Housing Funding Board
Economic Advisory Commission
Economic Advisory Board
Landmark Preservation Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
Planning and Zoning Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
Water Board
Water Resources Commission
Women's Commission
Women's Advisory Board
Land Use Review Commission
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Previously applicants had to reside in the growth management area for 1-year prior to service. That requirement has been reduced, now members just must reside in growth management area during their service on a board or commission.
What Changes Mean for Prospective Volunteers
The 2021 annual appointment process for terms starting in 2022 included manually staggered terms to set up future appointments for success
These changes were implemented to help prospective volunteers find a role on the boards and commission program that allows members to thrive and wholeheartedly contribute to the Fort Collins community.
Please apply to any board or commission through the Engage volunteer platform by clicking the “Apply Here” button below. Engage requires users to create a profile prior to completing the application.