Essex Junction residents have the opportunity to get involved with their local government by serving on open committee spots. The City of Essex Junction has 12 openings on its various boards, commissions, and committees. Applicants must be residents of the City of Essex Junction. All positions receive a $50 per meeting stipend to provide financial assistance for their participation.
Becoming a committee member is a great way to positively impact the community and gain valuable experience in leadership and public service. Members are responsible for attending regular meetings and working collaboratively with other members to develop recommendations for addressing important community issues.
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for open committee spots by filling out an online application here. In the form, please tell us why you are interested in joining the committee, what education, experiences, and background you bring to the committee, and what you hope to accomplish during your term. For more information on these boards, commissions, or committees, please visit their webpage under Boards and Meetings or contact Ashley Snellenberger, Communications and Strategic Initiatives Director, at asnellenberger@essexjunction.org.
This is an exciting opportunity for community members to get involved and make a difference in their local government. Apply today and become a part of the solution!
Open positions include
Bike/Walk Advisory Committee
Number of Openings: 2
Role: The purpose of the Bike/Walk Advisory Committee is to advance Essex Junction as a friendly neighborhood community where bicycling and walking are encouraged and where sidewalks, bike paths, multi-use paths, and other facilities are provided and maintained to enhance the year-round safety, accessibility, convenience, enjoyment, and health of all citizens.
Meeting Frequency: 1x/month; 7 p.m. on 3rd Monday
Term Length: 3-year term
Capital Review Committee
Number of Openings: 1
Role: The Capital Program Review Committee examines the City of Essex Junction’s municipal capital needs (streets and highways, water, vehicles, buildings) and develops a prioritized list of capital improvement projects. The Capital Program Review Committee is comprised of a member of the Board of Trustees, one member of the Planning Commission, and three citizen volunteers.
Meeting Frequency: As needed, approximately quarterly
Term Length: 3-year term
Development Review Board
Number of openings: 1
Role: The Development Review Board has legally binding authority over building and development projects in Essex Junction. The Board approves or denies applications for development projects by interpreting and applying the rules spelled out in Essex Junction’s Land Development Code, zoning regulations, and Comprehensive Plan. The Board also settles appeals from builders, developers, and property owners of decisions made by the Essex Junction Zoning Administrator regarding requests for variances from zoning and land use regulations. Development Review Board meetings are considered ‘quasi-judicial hearings,’ similar to court proceedings, and the Board’s decisions are expected to be narrowly focused and well-reasoned. The Essex Junction staff provides technical and legal assistance to the Board, but Board members must be able to competently interpret and apply the logic and reasoning of Essex Junction’s Development Code and other applicable regulations.
Meeting Frequency: 1x/month; 6:30 p.m. on third Thursday;
Term Length: 3-year term
Housing Commission
Number of openings: 2
Role: The purpose of the Essex Junction Housing Commission is to “Advise the City Council, Planning Commissions, and other municipal boards and committees on the housing needs of the community, including review and consultation of policy and zoning changes related to housing. The Commission maintains and analyzes the community’s demographic and housing stock information and provides periodic updates to elected officials. The Commission also works to educate the public on housing topics and develops partnerships with developers, non-profits, state agencies, and social service organizations to advance the community’s housing goals.” The ultimate responsibility of each Commissioner is to fulfill that purpose for the greater Essex Junction community.
Meeting Frequency: TBD
Term Length: 3-year term
Planning Commission
Number of openings: 1
Role: The Planning Commission writes and revises Essex Junction’s Comprehensive Plan, which is the overarching document that embodies the city’s strategic vision and long-term growth objectives. Within that framework, the Commission also formulates changes to the City’s Land Development Code and Zoning Regulations which contain the rules and technical specifications that builders and developers must follow to have their projects approved.
Meeting Frequency: 1x/month; 6:30 p.m. on first Thursday
Term Length: 3-year term
Police Community Advisory Board (PCAB)
Number of Openings: 3
Role: As an independent board, the Police Community Advisory Board’s (PCAB) purpose is to facilitate communication between the Essex Junction community and the Essex Police Department (EPD) and provide feedback and support to the EPD on strategies and policy, especially around issues of equity. Central to this stated purpose is an emphasis on ensuring the voices and needs of systemically marginalized, disenfranchised, and oppressed members of the community are heard with regard to public safety. The PCAB is a committee with equal representation from the Town of Essex and the City of Essex Junction.
Meeting Frequency: TBD
Term Length: 2-3 year term
Tree Advisory Committee
Number of openings: 2
Role: The Tree Advisory Committee is an advisory organization that works with the City Tree Warden to promote the improvement and preservation of a healthy environment as it relates to public trees. The committee provides a mechanism for the planting, maintenance, protection, and removal of trees on public streets, parks, and City-owned properties.
Meeting Frequency: 1x/month; 5:00 p.m. on 3rd Tuesday
Term Length: 3-year term