Ten City of Bismarck Advisory Boards Seeking Volunteers

Throughout November, the City of Bismarck will be accepting applications for openings on its various advisory boards, committees and commissions.

Board applicants must be residents of the City of Bismarck, except for the Planning and Zoning vacancy, which must be filled by someone residing in the Extraterritorial Area (ETA). Anyone who qualifies may apply through 11:59 PM on November 30 via an online form on the City of Bismarck website.

"Serving on one of the City of Bismarck's advisory boards, committees or commissions is a meaningful way for citizens to have a direct impact on the future of Bismarck," said Assistant City Administrator Doug Wiles. "These roles provide an opportunity to bring fresh ideas, diverse perspectives and a strong sense of community to decisions that affect us all. We encourage our residents to apply and help shape the city we call home."

Advisory boards, committees and commissions with openings:

• Animal Advisory Board - 3 terms ending in 2024
  • This seven-member board advises the Bismarck Police Department on companion animal policies, promotes collaboration between the City and private citizens, institutions and agencies interested in conducting activities relating to companion animals in the city. This board identifies proactive, creative approaches to engage and facilitate communication and education within the companion animal community and fosters and assists the development of companion animal programs in the community.
• Board of Adjustment - 2 terms ending in 2024 (1 for regular membership, 1 as an alternate).
  • This six-member board decides appeals from an order, requirement or determination made by an administrative official of the City of Bismarck. The Board of Adjustment is empowered to make interpretations and grant variances related to zoning regulations.
• Forestry Advisory Board - 2 terms ending in 2024
  • This 12-member board advises and assists the City Forester in the selection, planting, maintenance, protection and removal of trees on streets, parks and other public property in Bismarck.
• Historic Preservation Commission - 2 terms ending in 2024
  • This seven-member board carries out matters related to Bismarck's Historic Preservation Ordinance.
• Human Relations Committee - 3 terms ending in 2024
  • This nine-member board assists in creating an atmosphere of inclusion, equality and accessibility through education and outreach to recognize the value of a diverse community.
• Parking Authority - 1 term ending in 2024
  • This authority provides convenient, reasonably-priced parking to the Downtown Parking District via approximately 1,754 parking spaces spread across four ramps and two surface lots. Applicants must be property owners within the Parking Authority boundary.
• Planning and Zoning Commission - 1 term from the ETA ending in 2024. This appointment is provided by the Burleigh County Commission. The Burleigh County application can be completed online.
  • This 11-member advisory board hears requests for subdivision plats, zoning changes, zoning ordinance text amendments, annexations, special use permits and rural lot splits.
• Renaissance Zone - 1 term ending in 2024
  • This nine-member advisory board makes recommendations on requests for designation as a Renaissance Zone project. This board provides guidance on downtown design review and other activities impacting the core of the community.
• Special Assessment Commission - 2 terms (one from now until April 2025 and a six-year term beginning in April 2025)
  • This three-person committee helps the City's Engineering Department determine what work needs to be done and creates a special assessment district, which includes all property that will benefit from the improvement project. This position is open to any member of the Bismarck community with some financial background and not subject to property ownership conditions.
• Vision Fund Committee - 3 terms ending in 2024
  • This committee coordinates applications for economic development.

More information about each entity is available by calling the Administration Department at 701-355-1300, sending the Department an email, or visiting the City website.