Comités, juntas y comisiones

La ciudad cuenta con una serie de comités, juntas y comisiones que formulan recomendaciones al Ayuntamiento o al personal administrativo municipal. Algunos de estos grupos son permanentes y están establecidos por ley. Otros son ad hoc, lo que significa que son específicos para un proyecto y de corta duración.

Below are standard definitions of the roles commonly found on a City of Bend advisory body. These roles may be adjusted to meet the needs of a specific board, committee, or commission.

Presidente

The Chair is responsible for leading advisory body meetings and helping them run smoothly and effectively. The Chair works with the staff liaison to prepare meeting agendas, coordinate documents and correspondence, and assign tasks to other members when needed. They help guide discussions, build consensus, and ensure the group stays focused on its purpose and goals. The Chair often serves as the primary spokesperson for the advisory body and may communicate with the City Council, other agencies, elected officials, and community members.

Vicepresidente

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair and works closely with them to help the advisory body operate effectively. When the Chair is unavailable, the Vice-Chair takes on the Chair’s responsibilities. In some advisory bodies, the Vice-Chair may also lead specific topics or subcommittees.

Miembro

Members actively participate in discussions and decision-making and may vote on advisory body matters.

Alternate Member

Alternate members serve as a pool of potential candidates who may fill vacancies on an advisory body if needed. With a few limited exceptions, such as the Landmarks Commission, alternate members do not participate in meetings, discussions, or decision-making until they are formally appointed to the advisory body by City Council.

Ex-Officio Member

Ex-Officio members serve on an advisory body because of another position they hold, such as Mayor, City Council member, representative of another public agency, or staff expert. They share valuable knowledge and insights based on their role or expertise. Ex-Officio members do not have voting rights, but they may generally ask questions and provide input during discussions.

Staff Liaison

The City of Bend assigns a staff liaison to each board, committee, and commission to provide support and resources. Responsibilities may include preparing materials, coordinating meeting spaces, providing administrative support, connecting members with City resources and processes, helping with new member orientation and training, and sharing subject-matter expertise when needed. Many advisory bodies also have additional staff support, and these responsibilities may be shared. In general, advisory bodies do not direct the work or program responsibilities of the staff who support them.

City Attorney’s Office Liaison

Most advisory bodies are also assigned a liaison from the City Attorney’s Office. That attorney should be consulted when meeting agendas are being developed and can assist with reviewing or drafting language for advisory body actions, reports, and other materials. Any item that may lead to City Council action, as well as any recommendation or decision being presented to the City Council, should be reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.