How can I apply?

Contact the City Clerk’s office to request an "expression of interest form." Complete the form and return it, or send an up-to-date resume (if available). The City Clerk will forward the information onto the Mayor and Council for their consideration.

I don't have any expertise or experience in these fields; how can I serve?

The staff liaison assigned to each board or commission provides technical assistance. While some level of experience and expertise is desired for some positions on a few boards and commissions, the Mayor and Council are more interested in receiving input from the "average" citizen. You don't have to be a specialist in any field or even have any special experience. What is most important is that you are a Rockville resident willing to serve.

What about time commitments?

Most Boards and Commissions meet monthly. The meetings are usually held at the same time on the same day (e.g., the Human Rights Commission meets at 7:30 p.m., every fourth Wednesday). Most Boards and Commissions meet at City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue. A listing of locations can be found in Rockville Reports. Ample parking is available. Most meetings last approximately two hours, depending on the agenda. Sometimes the board and commission may hold a special meeting or sponsor an event that will take place in addition to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

The board/commission concept is one of group processing and decision-making. In order to ensure that the commission is most effective, it is important that all members attend as many meetings as possible. The official Policies and Procedures for boards and commissions states that three consecutive absences will be considered a resignation. However, members may take excused absences (illness, travel) from time to time.

I'm not involved in politics. Aren't these political appointments?

The Mayor and Council are nonpartisan. The Board and Commission members are not "political appointees." The Boards and Commissions serve an extremely important role in the decision-making process, thus it is imperative to the Mayor and Council that all Boards and Commissions be representative of the entire Rockville community.

The Mayor and Council are always looking for citizens who care about their government, regardless of their political affiliations.

All board and commission members are considered "appointed officials" and are prohibited from using the prestige of the office for their own private gain or that of another. Appointed officials of the Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and the Historic District Commission are required to file annual Financial Disclosure Statements.