by County Commissioner Hal Valeche

The Palm Beach County Commission develops and approves policies, programs and initiatives through an open process that draws on extensive input from government agencies, county staff, local municipal partners, industry representatives, non-for-profit organizations, and members of the public.

One of the valuable ways the public can have input into the government process is by volunteering on one of the county's advisory boards or committees.  This is an opportunity for you to apply your professional experience and special qualifications to enhance discussions on matters affecting government services.

The boards cover a wide variety of issues, from airport noise, to consumer affairs, to environment control, groundwater and natural resources, internal audit, libraries, personnel appeals, and more.

You can view a directory of the boards and committees from a link on the Palm Beach County home page http://discover.pbcgov.org.  To the right side of the page is a column titled "Open Government" and within that column is a link to the Boards & Committees Directory.  You can search the link for information on board description and function, members currently serving and history, diversity and gender composition, upcoming term expirations, seat vacancies, and ethics training. 

The number of members and terms of service varies between boards and committees.  Most of the boards meet monthly, but some meet less frequently, perhaps once a quarter.  Generally, each board or committee is composed of district seats appointed by each of the seven county commissioners, along with at-large seats.

The County Commission recognizes Palm Beach County's diverse community and is committed to achieve diversity on all 61 County advisory boards as well as Commission appointees to outside boards, committees, and commissions.  

Serving on an advisory board can be a very fulfilling experience, especially if you see yourself as a lifelong learner.  Those considering a run for office would no doubt find this volunteer service an important tool for developing a broader view of the role of local government in quality of life issues.

I hope you will peruse the information on boards and committees and contact me with your areas of interest, along with your resume or biography of background and experience.  As vacancies become available, my staff will contact you to discuss if a particular board might be a good fit for you.

As always, if there is any way I can assist you, please contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org.