NEWS

This is your chance put your leadership skills to use! There are 26 positions on city and county boards, commissions and authorities that need to be filled by skilled, knowledgeable and dedicated professionals. These positions provide an opportunity to get involved directly in administration and participate in the governmental process. Leadership Savannah graduates are especially encouraged to apply, as you are well-oriented to make an immediate impact. Beginning Monday, October 14 through Friday, October 25 at 5 p.m., the mayor and aldermen of the City of Savannah will be accepting applications for appointment to the following boards, commissions and authorities:

• CHATHAM-SAVANNAH AUTHORITY FOR THE HOMELESS. Nineteen (19) members appointed to overlapping four-year (4) terms. Four (4) appointed by city council to develop and oversee implementation of comprehensive plan for public and private agencies to deal effectively with problems of the homeless in our community.
  • One (1) term available for appointment or reappointment (beginning 01/01/2020)

• CODE ENFORCEMENT APPEALS BOARD. Nine (9) members appointed to fill overlapping three year (3) terms by city council. Must be city resident; no term limits. Three (3) appointees must be qualified in the fields of architecture and/or structural engineering. Hear appeals where errors are alleged and other matters affecting property subject to procedures set forth in the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance.
  • Nine (9) terms available for appointment (vacancies)

• DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH AUTHORITY. Five (5) members, including mayor or member of city council serving his/her term of office and four (4) city residents appointed to 4- year terms by city council, as well as a member of Chatham County delegation to the state legislature. Encourages construction of new parking facilities and provides financial incentives for private projects which have economic benefits to the downtown area.
  • One (1) term available for appointment or reappointment (expired 05/31/2019)

• (NEW) HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. Nine (9) members, appointed by the mayor and aldermen, members must be city residents. Members shall serve three (3) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for an additional term of three (3) years. After serving for two (2) successive terms of three (3) years each, that member shall not be eligible for reappointment. Member shall serve until their successors are appointed. The purpose of the Historic Preservation Commission is to provide for the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of areas having a special historical, cultural, or aesthetic interest or value in order to promote the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people. The preservation of this heritage is of basic and vital importance for the development and maintenance of the community’s vacation-travel industry, its tourism, its culture, and for the protection of property values because of their association with history. The members must demonstrate a special interest in the preservation of historic resources.
  • Nine (9) terms available for appointment (vacancies)

• KEEP SAVANNAH BEAUTIFUL. Twenty-five (25) members appointed to three (3) year terms by city council. Shall include representatives from the news media, businesses, city government, civic associations, and neighborhood groups. No term limits. An advisory board that works with the city in developing a program to control litter and assist beautification efforts on streets, sidewalks, parks and private property.

• Three (3) terms available for appointment (vacancies)

• METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION. Twelve (12) members appointed to overlapping three (3) year terms with six (6) appointments made by city council and the city manager serving. No term limits. Aided by professional staff, this commission makes studies of present and future developments; assists local government in translating study results into plans, policies and programs; recommends zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations.
  • One (1) term available for appointment or reappointment (beginning 01/01/2020)

• SAVANNAH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. Seven (7) members appointed to overlapping three-year (3) terms by city council. No term limits; city resident. Members cannot hold public office, except for one appointee who must be a current member of the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Board hears and rules on appeals from decisions of the zoning administrator and hears and rules on requests for permits which require the board’s approval.
  • Two (2) terms available for appointment or reappointment (beginning 01/01/2020)

Applications can be found on the city’s website.The application process is only open for one week, meaning the final date to submit your application is Friday, October 25, so hurry and apply now!

Upon completion of the appointment process by the mayor and aldermen, all applicants and appointees will be notified. For further information, contact the office of the clerk of council at (912) 651-6441 or MMassey@SavannahGA.gov, fax: (912) 651-4260