Council Considers Training Program to Expand and Diversify Boards and Commissions

Council members reviewed staff and volunteer proposals aimed at expanding the pool and diversity of applicants for city boards and commissions. Lisa Keller, an intern who helped develop the outline, described program goals including candidate recruitment, diversity and preparing appointees with the skills needed to serve effectively.

Proposed approaches included running the program out of the neighborhood office, partnering with organizations (United Way, Chamber of Commerce), offering a low fee or subsidized seats, and bringing program sessions to civic groups. Council members urged caution about costs and said any program should complement existing training (neighborhood college, planning‑commission courses) and not create a closed pool from which only graduates may be chosen. Staff agreed to refine recommendations and return with more detailed proposals.