Exercise your leadership through Scottsdale’s Commissions

By Jeff Jameson, Class 24
Principal – Jameson Associates

Over the past two and a half years I have had the privilege of serving the city of Scottsdale as a Human Relations Commissioner. Established in 2000, our charter is to recommend ways to encourage mutual respect and understanding among people, to discourage prejudice and to work toward cultural awareness and unity. Some of our duties include:

• Sponsor the Scottsdale Cross Cultural Communication Series – A multimedia platform for residents to learn and have dialogue about the various cultures and ethnicities in Scottsdale.
• Participate with other local cities in the Regional Unity Walk – A celebration of music, food and camaraderie with others from around the valley.
• Assist in the planning for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, an event that has gained national attention.
• Co-sponsor the Hispanic Heritage Festival that has now expanded to be part of the annual Scottsdale La Gran Fiesta.
• Provide a public forum to all citizens where they can voice their concerns and opinions about diversity in our community.

Over 200 residents are involved in Scottsdale’s 28 standing boards and commissions as well as a number of ad hoc committees. And, as I work with other city commissions, I often see other Scottsdale Leadership graduates carrying out their civic duty.

The responsibilities of these entities range from the mundane to the sublime.  Whether it’s developing a recovery scheme for the McDowell Corridor or deciding how best to attract tourists to Scottsdale, the members of these committees have our communities best interests at heart.

You may recognize many of the names of these groups: Budget Review, Airport Advisory, Planning, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Scottsdale Pride.  Then again, some of them you may have never heard about: Loss Trust Fund Board, Board of Adjustment, and Citizens Bond Review.  Regardless, the hours devoted to these efforts and the results that are achieved are critical to keeping Scottsdale one of the nation’s premier places to live.

I urge you to get involved too. There are a number of advantages of being on a commission – you get a firsthand look into the workings of the city; it gives you an opportunity to lead and contribute your skills; and you’re rewarded by the fact that you’ve had a hand in making Scottsdale a great place to live, work and play.

If you would like to find out how you can get involved, contact the City Clerk’s office at 480-312-2726 or go to the Boards and Commissions website at: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/boards.asp.