Boards & Committees

SERVING ON A BOARD OR COMMITTEE

Serving on a board or committee is one of the best ways Easthampton residents can become active in their community. All residents committed to preserving the vitality of our democratic institutions are urged to volunteer their services. 

The City of Easthampton is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Board and committee members should have the ability to collaborate with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN SHAPING EASTHAMPTON'S CIVIC LANDSCAPE?

  1. STEP 1: CHECK FOR VACANCIES
  2. STEP 2: APPLY

Visit the boards and committees vacancy page and browse the list. Look for a board or committee for which your expertise is most relevant. Ask yourself whether you are passionate about the policy area to which that body belongs.

While some boards or committees must require types of expertise from candidates, most appointments do not have unusual educational or vocational requirements.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND - Serving on a board or committee allows you to voice your concerns and influence decisions that shape your communities. But, you will need to commit time and effort to be a successful member. Be ready!

APPOINTMENT PROCESS


The Mayor is responsible for the process of appointing residents to serve on Easthampton boards and committees. 

Recommendation 

First, the Mayor submits to the City Council the name of each person they want to appoint to serve.  Next, the City Council refers each person recommended for appointment to the City Council Appointment Committee.

Applicants will receive a letter of recommendation from the Mayor's Office electronically to the email address listed on their application. 

City Council/Appointment Committee 

The Appointment Committee then vets each candidate for appointment and may make a report, with recommendations to the full City Council at least seven (7) days but no longer than thirty (30) days following the referral from the City Council. The committee can require any candidate to appear before them either in person or virtually, before the City Council meeting, to answer questions about their appointment.

Candidates should ensure they are able to be reached by the committee for vetting. Listing the appropriate contact information on their application is critical. 

Approvals

Appointments recommended by the Maor, automatically become effective forty-five (45) days after the recommendation is brough to the City Clerk, unless the City Council votes to reject the appointment, or unless the City Council votes sooner to affirm the appointment. 

Candidates that are approved, will receive their welcome letter from the Mayor's Office with their certificate of appointment. Candidates must go to the City Clerk's Office upon receipt to swear-in before serving in their new capacity.