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The City of Johnson City with host a speed dating-like mixer to introduce prospective volunteers to the variety of boards and committees that play a role in city government. Are You Ready to Serve? will take place 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at the outdoor tennis courts at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St.

During the event, board representatives will be stationed at tables around the tennis court. At 15-minute intervals, small groups of participants will rotate around the court, listening to representatives explain the roles and responsibilities of their respective boards. After completing the rotation, participants will have additional time to return to the tables of the boards that interested them most to ask additional questions. By end of the night, participants will have gained some knowledge about many of the volunteer boards that serve the city and, hopefully, found their perfect match.

“The city has numerous opportunities to serve, and we want those interested to find the way that best suits their interests and expertise,” said Director of Public Affairs Keisha Shoun. “This event will offer a fun way to learn more about each of our volunteer boards and will provide an opportunity for board representatives to court new members.”

The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to make appointments to 11 boards with vacancies in July 2022.

– Board of Dwelling Standards and Review: Determines action regarding substandard housing and/or commercial structures within the city limits.
– Two appointments; one for a three-year term and one for a term expiring January 2024. City residency required.
– BrightRidge Board of Directors: Serves as a liaison between BrightRidge’s customers and management.
– One appointment for a four-year term. City residency required.
– Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors: The CVB showcases the uniqueness of and develops increased civic interest in Johnson City as an attraction to tourists, visitors and individuals; to solicit special events to take place in Johnson City; to promote the distinctive resources of Johnson City; and to increase the economic contribution of tourism in order to grow Johnson City and relieve the burdens of government.
– Two appointments, each for three-year terms. One position requires management level employment within the lodging industry. Applicants for the remaining position must be directly associated with tourism, hospitality, entertainment, retail, finance, or special events. City residency or employment within the municipal limits required.

– Emergency Medical Service Board of Directors: Manages Emergency Medical Services.
– Two appointments, each for three-year terms. One position must be held by a healthcare professional. City residency required.
– Health and Educational Facilities Board: Aids medical and educational facilities in obtaining tax-free loans as allowed by a combination of Federal and State of Tennessee Statutes.
– Two appointments, each for six-year terms.
– Housing and Community Development Advisory Board: Advises and makes recommendations concerning housing, community, and economic development issues.
– Two appointments, each for three-year terms. City residency required.
– Johnson City Development Authority: Promotes and assists with the development and redevelopment of Johnson City, with specific emphasis on the downtown district and support for the local business community.
– At least four appointments, with term length not to exceed three years.
– Johnson City Public Library Board: Governing body and controlling fiscal authority for the public library. For information, contact Julia Turpin at julia.turpin@jcpl.org, 423-434-4457.
– Two appointments, each for three-year terms. City residency required.
– Johnson City Regional Planning Commission: Administers the city’s subdivision regulations and advises the City Commission on matters of long-range development policy, zoning and annexation.
– One appointment for a three-year term. City residency required.
– Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Makes recommendations regarding recreation services and facilities.
– Up to four appointments, each for three-year terms. City residency required.
– Public Art Committee: Considers matters concerning public art, monuments, murals, or other creative efforts of individuals or groups.
– Six appointments, each for three-year terms.
Any citizen interested in serving may submit an application online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/boards. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 3. Applications are kept on file for one year. Descriptions of each board and committee may be found online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/boards_and_committees.

Appointments to the remaining boards will not be made until next January but, in order to give participants a comprehensive understanding, other boards will be represented at the Are You Ready to Serve? event. Registration is not required to participate. Please call 423-434-6019 for more information.