Civic Engagement Goes Beyond Voting, with Residents Encouraged to Take Part in Shaping Policy Through Board Service
As we observe daily life in underserved areas of our communities, we must define the processes and procedures that are available and beneficial to residents in those areas. We find that civic engagement and involvement often produce meaningful benefits once citizens get organized, develop plans, and begin to execute them, leading to improvements for entire communities.
Make Positive Change in Your Community
We, the People, are well aware of the power of getting out the vote for national, state, and local elections. What is also visible is the negative effect of citizens choosing not to vote, for whatever reason, weakening the positive impact of voter participation. What more can citizens do to have a greater impact in making positive changes in their communities?
We turn to one possibility: volunteering to increase participation on City Boards and Commissions. Citizens may submit an application to become a member of a City Board or Commission. One can apply for a Board seat up to 90 days before the current term’s expiration date, with details provided throughout the application process. Assistance with childcare costs is available upon request. Financial Disclosure Reports are required, as is regular attendance. Complete rules for Boards and Commissions are located in Article IX of the City Code, or by calling (210) 207-7253.
Fewer City Resources
Any increase in citizen engagement may lead to further expansion of community-based organizations, helping to strengthen the impact of policies designed to address community needs across several key areas. One of the most important is Bond Campaigns and subsequent elections. During a recent Mayoral Town Hall in District 2, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones reflected on the lower level of upcoming bond funding compared to 2022. Presently, proposed bond funding levels are about $600 million, compared to the previous $1.2 billion. Some federal funding sources have declined significantly, leaving the city with fewer resources to work with.
The 2022 Bond funding was approved for 183 projects, covering streets, drainage, parks, and, for the first time, $150 million dedicated to housing. All propositions passed with at least 60% of the vote, despite low voter turnout.
Each City Council district will have the opportunity for citizens to serve on anticipated committees that will help determine which projects take priority. From personal experience on the Streets, Bridges, and Sidewalks Committee in 2017, discussions focused on determining funding levels for each district’s projects. Committee members were provided cost estimates from Transportation and Capital Improvements to guide those decisions. Other committees covered Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, Libraries, and Capital Improvements. There is already anticipation around what has been described as “complete streets.”
What lies ahead for our communities, and for the City of San Antonio, will be crucial in addressing both growth and financial responsibility. Citizens may want to play a greater role in shaping policies and decisions that benefit their communities by voicing their opinions and stepping forward to become more engaged.
As noted in the past, elections carry both benefits and consequences. One would hope that citizens choose the former over the latter.
To view open board and commission positions or to apply visit the cities website here.
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