2022-025 Board and Commission Recruitment and RetentionApril 8, 2022 Report No. 2022-025
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Boards and Commissions Recruitment and Retention
DISCUSSION:
During the March 22, 2022 City Council meeting, Council Member Byrd presented a two-minute
pitch regarding the recruitment and retention of board and commission members. This report
outlines communication and outreach efforts to promote service on boards and commissions.
The primary location to find information about serving on a board or commission is available on
the City’s Boards and Commissions webpage. On the page, individuals can learn about the
requirements to serve on a board or commission and descriptions of the various boards and
commissions including meeting frequency, membership rosters, and current vacancies. Additional
resources available on the website include the Boards and Commissions Handbook and the Boards
and Commissions Training Video.
Public Affairs has promoted service on a board or commission during spring and summer editions
of the Resident Update, which are mailed to every household in Denton. This effort is accompanied
by social media posts to promote the opportunities and any applicable application deadlines. These
promotions are historically scheduled for the spring and early summer, to coincide with the
election and appointment cycle.
Denton 360 (formerly the Denton Citizens’ Academy) is another opportunity to promote Boards
and Commissions applications. Denton 360 is a unique opportunity for the community to
experience behind-the-scenes learning opportunities during eight interactive in-person sessions.
Each session of this program gives participants an in-depth look at the City’s functions, including
public safety, infrastructure, community services, development, and more. During the section
about Denton’s government and organization, participants receive a presentation about the
different serving opportunities and the process to apply. Throughout the program, board and
commission opportunities are reinforced as the staff talks about which board provides input to
different areas (utilities, airport, development, etc.) throughout the City that they may find
interesting.
The City Secretary’s Office sends reminders to board/commission members whose terms are set
to expire in the applicable year requesting they review their existing application and
update/resubmit as applicable. This ensures existing members are afforded the opportunity to
confirm they are seeking reappointment and gives an indication of the vacancies that might be
expected. Communication and promotion are then tailored toward the expected vacancies.
Throughout the Boards and Commissions application and appointment process, staff from Public
Affairs and the City Secretary’s Office coordinate efforts to quickly promote applications through
social media if the quantity of applications is lagging or there is not a large enough pool of
candidates to fill the vacancies. In the event that additional applications are needed, staff can
April 8, 2022 Report No. 2022-025
promote the opportunities very efficiently through the City’s social media channels, news flashes,
and reach out to specific civic groups that may have interest in serving on a particular board or
commission. The City Secretary’s Office is available for assistance with the application process at
(940) 369-8309 or by emailing citysecretary@cityofdenton.com.
STAFF CONTACT:
Stuart Birdseye
Deputy Director of Customer Service and Public Affairs
Stuart.Birdseye@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8009
REQUESTOR: Council Member Byrd
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Customer Service and Public Affairs, City Secretary’s Office