City Council adopts policy on Boards and Commissions
As part of the city’s Strategic Plan, the Temple City Council has been working on initiatives to equip board members with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective governance. This policy establishes clear goals and work plans for each City board, commission and committee.
“As part of our strategic planning process over the past year, we committed to evaluate and discuss the city’s boards and commissions policy to review their structure and plan of work,” City Manager Brynn Myers said. “We are recommending modifications, including the creation of new boards and commissions and changes to others to ensure that we are best representing our public with a diverse group of citizens advising on issues and topics that are relevant to our community.”
The policy will provide direction for the city’s 17 boards and commissions and establishes seven new boards including:
- Citizens Police Advisory Commission
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission
- Emergency Services Advisory Board
- Historic Preservation Board
- Main Street Advisory Board
- Neighborhood Revitalization Advisory Board
- Youth Advisory Commission
Police Chief Shawn Reynolds believes the Citizens Police Advisory Commission will create more opportunities for collaboration between the police department and the public.
“As I’ve said before, encouraging and having healthy and productive conversations concerning police and public issues is one of the ways we will foster relationships between the community and our police department,” Reynolds said. “The Citizen’s Police Advisory Council creates that opportunity to strengthen community-police relations and build more intentional and engaging connections.”
The council appoints members to boards and commissions twice annually, in March and September. Applications will be available online.
“The city’s boards and commissions give residents a voice in their local government and allows citizens to influence public policy and the future of our city,” Myers said. “It also helps officials and city leadership make informed decisions based on citizen needs and priorities. I highly encourage interested residents to learn more and apply.”
For more information, contact the City Secretary’s Office at 254-298-5700.