Do you care about environmental affairs? housing? development and sprawl? city/county appearance? human relations? public transportation? government effectiveness? Of course you do.

It may be time to up your TQ (Tractivism Quotient) and join a civic committee…

Serving on a local board is super educational, and for those of you who might one day run for office (yes, YOU), there’s no better way to get your feet wet. Sure, it can be frustrating, but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to ask me or other Tractivists who serve on civic boards. Best perk: instant legitimacy when you tell others to quit bitching and start doing.

Durhamites: check out this info-packed email from City Councilman Mike Woodard.
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If you are interested in making Durham city government better and can devote a few hours a month to that effort, please consider applying to one of the boards, committees, or commissions that advise city and county government. There are a number of openings now. Some of these groups carry a lot of weight in terms of policy, while others help advise the staff and administration on important day-to-day operations. If you have special skills or a particular interest in one of these groups, visit the City’s website for more information and for steps on applying.

Mike Woodard
Durham City Council

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Due to a resignation, there is currently one (1) vacancy on the CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE with the term to expire on June 30, 2009. This committee works to facilitate citizen participation in the planning and implementation of the Durham Community Development Block Grant Program for housing.

Due to a term expiring, there will be one (1) vacancy on the DURHAM AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY for an ALTERNATE MEMBER. The term will expire March 1, 2010. The appointments to the Authority will be made to ensure that the interests of various segments of the community including, but not limited to the following, are adequately represented on the Authority: Elderly, Disabled, Youth, Regular Bus Riders, Business, Employers, and Neighborhood Organizations.

Due to a resignation, there is currently one (1) vacancy on the DURHAM PLANNING COMMISSION to represent DISTRICT 3. The term will expire on June 30, 2008. The Planning Commission is a fourteen (14) member advisory board made up of residents appointed by the County Commissioners and City Council. The Commission reviews recommended plans, policies and reports of the professional planning staff and makes recommendations concerning them to the governing bodies on planning policy and planning implementation actions, including rezoning and zoning Ordinance changes.

Due to a resignation, there is currently one (1) vacancy on the DURHAM CITY-COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS BOARD to represent Biological Sciences. The term will expire June 1, 2008. The Board advises the City and County with regard to environmental policy, educates the public and local officials on environmental issues, performs special studies and projects on environmental questions as requested by the City or County, and other related functions.

There is currently one (1) vacancy on the AUDIT SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE for a member to represent the BUSINESS COMMUNITY. The term will expire April 1, 2010. This committee has been established as an advisory committee to the Department of Audit Services and to the City Manager.

Due to terms expiring, there will be three (3) vacancies on the CITY-COUNTY APPEARANCE COMMISSION with terms expiring on April 1, 2010. The purpose of the commission is to enhance and improve the visual quality and aesthetic character of Durham City and County.