Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for a position on a board or commission?
The process starts with you. Obtain and complete the Application for Mayoral Appointment to a Board or Commission. Many boards have similar names, so be sure to state the full and correct name of your board preference at the top of the application, or give us a call at (202) 727-1372. Upon completion, please forward the application, along with an updated resume or biography, to:
Director, Office of Boards and Commissions
Executive Office of the Mayor
441 4th Street, NW, Room 530-South
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: (202) 727-1372
Fax: (202) 727-2359
email
Your application must specify the board or commission in which you are interested, or you should provide some justification as to why you believe you are qualified for service on that particular board. After the appointment process for each board is completed, the resumes are maintained in a database file.
Q: Do I need to have other people recommend me?
No, it is not necessary. If there are people who would like to express their support for your consideration, you may request that they prepare and forward letter of endorsement to the Office of Boards and Commissions (OBC), Executive Office of the Mayor.
Q: What happens after I submit my Application?
You will receive acknowledgement that your letter has been received. In addition, your application and your qualifications will be considered for the preference that you expressed on the application form. When it's time for the Mayor to make an appointment to the board, the OBC staff will provide the Mayor with candidates for recommendation based on qualifications and experience; geographic, ethnic, and gender composition; and statutory limitation of the current board. We also provide information on professional or personal experience related to the board's function. For some boards and commissions appointments, a background security check may be conducted.
The Mayor reviews this information, as well as a summary of the correspondence received on each candidate, and makes his selections. Candidates and endorsers will be notified of the Mayor's decision by phone, mail, or electronic mail.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to be appointed?
There may be some legal restrictions associated with most of the seats, which are described in the Boards & Commissions Profile. The fact sheet for each board will help you determine whether you are eligible for a particular position. In addition to specific seat restrictions, you must be registered to vote prior to the last general election.
Description sheets on each board or commission are compiled in our annual Boards and Commissions Profile. This directory is available for review by the public in the Office of Boards and Commissions. Brief descriptions are available online. Call the OBC at (202) 727-1372 for more information.
Q: How do I find out about vacancies on a board or commission?
Information on upcoming vacancies can be obtained by contacting the OBC at (202) 727-1372 or though the list of current vacancies* which is updated regularly. For board or commission contact numbers, see the profiles page.
Q: Do I have to disclose my personal finances if I am appointed to a District board or commission?
Generally yes. District law requires that boards and commissions appointees comply with District financial disclosure laws. The description sheets identify which boards have this requirement by noting "Financial Disclosure" under the "duties" section. It is also a policy of the administration to require that potential nominees sign a waiver form allowing the OBC to verify compliance with District tax filing requirements.
Q: What is "legislative confirmation"?
The Charter of the District of Columbia, our state fundamental law, requires that certain boards and commissions receive approval by the Council of the District of Columbia of mayoral appointments. Confirmation generally requires: (1) transmittal of a nomination by the Mayor to the Council; (2) a possible hearing by a legislative committee of the Council where the nominee attends and reads a prepared statement detailing their qualifications and experience; (3) consideration and approval of the nomination by a Council committee: (4) consideration and approval by the full Council; (5) official appointment by the Mayor; and (6) being sworn-in to serve on the board or commission.
The description sheets identify which boards and commissions require this confirmation process. Resumes or biographies are also required to be forwarded to the Council.
Q: Do I need to be a registered voter?
Yes. All appointees must be registered voters prior to the last general election.
Q: Can District employees be appointed to boards and commissions?
Yes. Statutes provide for District employees to be designated appointees to boards and commissions, and District employees may also be appointed to serve as public citizens.
Q: Does the member of a Board or Commission receive any compensation?
As a general rule, members of boards and commissions are volunteers, serving without compensation. However, most members who serve are entitled to incidental stipend for parking or mileage travel expenses. For compensation information on a particular board or commission, refer to the Stipends/Paying Boards* page.
The District government issues 1099s to report certain reimbursements made directly to the member for expenses incurred as a board or commission member. These include such costs as airline fares, mileage and supplies. A per diem is not reported, nor is the cost of airline tickets, if the District government purchased the ticket on behalf of a member.
Q: Can I apply for more than one board?
Yes. OBC does recommend that you prioritize your choices. Additionally, in some cases an individual may only serve on one board at any given time.
Q: Whom do I contact for further information?
The description sheets will provide the most information on a particular board or commission. Further detailed description of the composition, function and duties of specific boards may be obtained from the board contact person or from the OBC. For more general information about the board process, please contact (202) 727-1372 or send an email.
