City Clerk's Office

Criteria for appointment to the City of Ames' boards and commissions as understood and considered by the Mayor are mentioned below. It should be emphasized that these are guidelines, not minimal qualifications that should be adhered to rigidly or blindly. The intent is to help focus on those qualities and characteristics in board members that will facilitate the important and necessary work the boards/commissions do.

People invited to serve the City by becoming members of its important, non-elected boards, commissions, and committees should:

• Be people of competence, good will and sound, objective judgment;
• Be drawn from new and long-time City of Ames residents alike;
• Be truly interested in the welfare of Ames and all its residents;
• Be sensitive to the long-term as well as immediate impact of their decisions and recommendations;
• Be willing and able to devote the time and energy necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.

Where more specific criteria are necessary--either by the Code of Iowa or the Municipal Code--they are found under the enabling legislation. It should be noted that "experience", while desirable, is not a requirement. That is more than a deliberate omission; the Mayor and Council would like to encourage people who have not come forward before to let their interests be known. This criteria sheet was developed to seek out and recruit the active participation of townspeople with talent and dedication.

The Mayor's Office maintains a registry of people interested in being considered for appointment when openings on existing boards occur or when new boards are formed.  You may follow these links for applications to download and print or to submit on-line, or you're welcome to stop and pick one up at the City Clerk's Office or the Ames Public Library.

The form is for our convenience. Please include information that will make it possible to identify both your interests and your talents: for example, your professional and/or educational background; job history and responsibilities; community, civic, religious, cultural, service, athletic, or other activities; and, who you are and how we can reach you as well. Let us know if your interests are limited to a specific field or committee.

If you are interested in a specific board/commission, it might be useful to contact the chairperson and attend a meeting. All meetings are posted at least 24 hours in advance. A Notice of Public Meetings for the upcoming week is updated every Friday.

Please contact the City Clerk's Office to inquire about the filing deadline as it varies year-to-year. Most terms begin on April 1 of any given year.

Ann H. Campbell, Mayor

On-line Application for Appointment to a City Board or Commission.

Printable Application to complete and submit by mail or in person.