The skinny on the comp plan board/committee

We also learned a bit about the status of comp plan committee (I guess it's being called a committee now, not a board?) at the meeting tonight. People have been asking me what's up with it, so here's the word:

It seems that the deadline for resumes/letters of interest was extended a couple times in order to get a sufficiently diverse pool of applicants (and it's still open!), as the response by the first two deadlines was a little anemic. They have about 80 applicants now, and are just starting to interview people.

The planning department is hoping the Council will be able to approve the final membership by January, although Doug was careful to say that might be optimistic.

Wow. On the one hand, you want to do it right, and rushing together a non representative committee would not have been the way to go. But it does also seem like there's a danger of losing the momentum from the SDAT, tonight's meeting, etc. if the committee isn't even seated until more than six months after the enabling legislation passed. I guess as long as the committee is able to shoot out of the starting gate and get going it will be able to rekindle things. But only a small number of people, even devoted citizens, have unlimited attention spans.

Guess we'll do our best. In the meantime, take your last chance to apply for that committee! Send a letter to your councilperson, or [email protected].

Comments

[Emma]

So what do you know about what they're looking for in committee/board members?

Has that ever been made public? And if someone expresses interest without submitting a formal application are there folks around who will help them get a formal app. together? That might get more non-professional-activist types feeling less intimidated about putting themselves forward. Maybe...

[Miriam Axel-Lute]

I think they are looking for a balance of people representing different parts of the city and different constituents, as well as people who are willing to commit the time to being on the committee. But you're right, no list of qualifications has been released. Maybe that's good, as it might end up too narrow if people had to put it to paper, but you're right it could also be daunting or make people assume "they wouldn't want me."

There is no formal application; you just have to write a letter saying why you're interested.

[Richard Conti]

There are no particular qualifications, accept people who have an interest and the time commitment to the process.

The Call for Nominations included the following --

"Members of the Board should be individuals who have a demonstrated interest in the City of Al-bany, a record of community involvement and who are able to commit a substantial amount of time to the process. It is expected that the Comprehensive Plan Board, including subcommittees, will meet for approximately 8-12 hours per month. Meetings will most likely take place during evenings and weekends."

What's most important, applicants should submit a strong cover letter in their own words explaining why they want to be a part of this process, what they bring and what they hope to achieve.

[Miriam Axel-Lute]

Thanks Richard!