Applications for City boards and commissions are accepted year-round, but applications are only reviewed during the annual recruitment or when unexpected vacancies arise. Applications are retained on file for up to three years. 

Eligibility 

Eligibility for Mayor-appointed positions on City boards is limited to adult Ames residents. No one can serve on more than one board unless required by a board’s originating document. For example, all members of the Electric Utility Operations Review and Advisory Board also serve on the Project Share Committee. Additionally, City of Ames employees are not eligible to serve on City boards. 

Qualifications 

The City of Ames supports diversity of representation on its boards and commissions. While experience may be desirable, it is not a requirement. The characteristics listed below are guidelines intended to highlight the qualities that will facilitate effective service. Please note that some positions have more specific criteria required by the Code of Iowa or the Municipal Code, which can be found under the enabling legislation.  

Applicants should: 

• Be people of competence, good will, and sound judgment. 
• Be truly interested in the welfare of Ames and all its residents.
• Be sensitive to the short- and long-term impact of their decisions and recommendations. 
• Be willing and able to devote the time and energy necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. 

Selection Process 

The Mayor conducts an annual recruitment starting in the month of January each year to fill vacancies created by expiring terms. Most boards have term lengths of three years, and the expiration of those terms is staggered so that roughly one-third of the positions on the City's boards and commission open up each year. Often, eligible incumbents with expiring terms are interested in serving again. 

The application deadline for consideration in the annual recruitment is usually in early February. This allows time for the Mayor to review the applications and consult with City staff in determining a list of recommended appointees. The Mayor's recommendations are submitted to the City Council for approval at the first City Council meeting in March. After appointments are confirmed, staff reaches out to those who were appointed with orientation information and those who were not appointed with thanks for their interest. Most terms begin on April 1. 

At times, unexpected vacancies arise. To fill such vacancies, the Mayor typically reviews applications on file for the board or commission in question. A special, mid-year recruitment may be conducted in some cases to fill critical vacancies.