When it comes to citizen involvement in the process of making public policy, few communities can match the number of opportunities offered by the Village of Oak Park. More than 150 volunteers serving on 19 separate boards, commissions and committees advise the Village Board on a wide range of important issues.
From proposals for new developments to plans to better manage Oak Park’s limited supply of parking, the residents who participate on these bodies play key roles in making sure policy enacted by the Village Board has had thorough public review and is in the best interests of the community as a whole.
Boards, commissions and committees conduct in-depth studies, evaluate research and hold meetings that create the public record for citizen sentiments on possible future policies set by the Village Board. Recommendations are made to the Village Board whose members have the statutory authority to make new local laws and regulations.
When vacancies occur on these advisory bodies, the Citizen Involvement Commission interviews those Villagers who have volunteered to serve. The commission then makes recommendations to the Village president, who makes the formal appointments with the consent of the Board of Trustees.
A varied group of volunteers is sought to represent the Village’s diversity, and renters as well as homeowners are encouraged to apply. Some commissions even include a member of high school age.
For more information on volunteering to serve, call 708.358.5670 or e-mail clerk@oak-park.us. To review a complete list of the advisory bodies and to apply to serve, visit www.oak-park.us.
Congratulations to 2012 – 2013 Commission Service Award Recipients
- Outstanding Chairperson – Christina Morris, Historic Preservation Commission
- Outstanding Commissioner – Dr. Ravi Gravois-Shah, Board of Health
- Outstanding Commission – Disability Access Commission