The City of Fairbanks holds an annual Citizens’ Engagement Academy to provide a deep dive into all things City-related to a group of about two dozen members of the community over a ~3 month period. These folks get the “drink from a firehose!” learning experience and come away with a greater awareness of the local government closest to home.
But! The CEA is NOT the only way to learn about or otherwise be involved with your municipality here in the Golden Heart City.
In local government, boards, committees, and commissions are groups established to focus on specific policy areas or responsibilities. These bodies provide a crucial communication channel between the community and elected officials.
The City of Fairbanks currently has several vacancies on a variety of these bodies. To view current or upcoming vacancies, visit https://bit.ly/4svTOB6
Some positions require specific expertise in a particular field while others are open to general community members. A brief description about each of the groups with CURRENT openings is included further below. See the link above for specific details on open seats.
Interested in getting involved and serving your community in a new way? Complete an application to serve here: https://bit.ly/4uNo0Jw
The Building Code & Landscape Review & Appeals Commission is tasked with duties such as:
• Review the codes for building, electrical, plumbing, fire prevention, residential, mechanical, fuel gas and abatement, along with related provisions of the Fairbanks Code of Ordinances, to make recommendations regarding building construction and housing codes adopted by the City.
• Investigate and review all operations of the building department of the City, to submit recommendations on policy to the City Council, and to make recommendations on administration to the mayor.
• Hear and determine in the first instance all appeals from final staff decisions relating to building construction within the city including the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings; any decision of the board may be appealed to the superior court in accordance with the appellate rules of the state court system.
• Review any disputes arising from the building official's application of the prescriptive design method, an applicant's election to use the professional design method, or an applicant's election to use the alternative compliance method.
The Fact Finding Commission’s purpose is to assist the City Council in the investigation, collection, assessment and analysis of any issue referred to the commission where facts are in dispute or are unknown. The commission shall endeavor to establish facts and issue findings to the City Council, which shall reject or approve the commission's findings. Matters shall be referred to the commission at the City Council's or mayor's discretion as the City Council deems appropriate.
The Board of Plumber Examiners exists to oversee the City’s Master Plumber licensing program.
Fairbanks Diversity Council. The purpose of the Fairbanks Diversity Council is to provide a citizens’ forum to the City Council and Borough Assembly, with the following adopted Mission Statement: “The City of Fairbanks recognizes that our community is a diverse one, with a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and orientations, and recognizes this diversity as an asset and resource for our community. The establishment of a Fairbanks Diversity Council can provide the City Council and Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly with advice and recommendations to promote equal opportunity for all members of the public.”
The Historic Preservation Commission is a joint body with the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Its purpose includes:
• Prepare and maintain an inventory of building and sites of historic, cultural, architectural, geographic, and archaeological significance located in the Borough
• Develop a local historical preservation plan
• Develop and review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
• Review and make recommendations on local projects with historical connections
• Develop a plan for the continuing education of residents regarding historic preservation and the history of the community
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In addition to the groups listed above, other Boards and Commissions at the City which do not have a current or upcoming vacancy include:
Clay Street Cemetery Commission
Discretionary Fund Committee
Finance Committee
FNSB Planning Commission (City recommends select representative)
Chena Riverfront Commission (Joint with FNSB)
Permanent Fund Review Board
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For more information about a certain City Board or Commission, contact the City Clerk at 907-459-6774 or email cityclerk@fairbanks.gov
