Although City Council is the governing body of the City of Buena Vista, there are multiple boards, commissions, authorities, and committees that focus on specific issues. These volunteer entities, some of which are local and some of which are regional, perform important work advancing the Rockbridge area.
Current Board and Commission Vacancies
- There is an opening on the Buena Vista Planning Commission. This term will be effective January 1, 2025, and will expire on December 31, 2028. You must be a citizen of Buena Vista to serve on this board.
The Planning Commission is responsible for long-range land use planning, including the Comprehensive Plan; approval of zoning changes; and approval of development projects. This includes zoning map and text amendments, conditional use permits, site plans, and variances. The Planning Commission also serves as the Architectural Review Board of the Seminary Hill Historic District and reviews and approves Certificates of Appropriateness for projects within the District. Members of the Planning Commission serve four-year terms.
- There is an opening on the Rockbridge Area Network Authority Board. This term will be effective January 1, 2025, and will expire on December 31, 2028. You must be a citizen of Buena Vista to qualify for this opening.
This authority was formed by the local jurisdictions under the Virginia Wireless Services Authorities Act to provide community owned, open access, open services, high-speed communication infrastructure for the area. Members serve four-year terms.
- There is an opening on the Rockbridge Area Recreational Organization Board. This term will be effective January 1, 2025, and will expire on December 31, 2028. You must be a citizen of Buena Vista to qualify for this opening.
RARO is a non-profit, educational-athletic organization. The board is in charge of the management of the property and affairs of RARO. The board employs an Executive Director, and is responsible for the oversight of said Director, and shall review the budget set forth by the Executive Director prior to submission of the budget.
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For more information or to apply, please contact Sarah Burch, City Manager’s Office, 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista, VA at (540) 261-8601 or email [email protected]. The application form can be found here: Boards and Commissions Application
Local and Regional Boards, Commissions, Authorities, and Committee
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Mr. Dennis Hawes – Chairman – 540-261-3382
Mr. Tom Roberts - Zoning Administrator - 540-261-8607
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Mr. Brent Styler - Chairman - 571-246-2340
Ms. Kristina Ramsey – Secretary, Economic Development Coordinator - 540-261-8616
ROCKBRIDGE AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD:
Ms. Kim Shaw – Executive Director – 540-462-6600
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION:
Ms. Bonnie S. Riedesel – Executive Director – 540-885-5174
MOUNTAIN GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
Dr. John Rainone – President – 540-863-2800
ELECTORAL BOARD:
Mrs. Emilie Staton – 540-261 -8605
ROCKBRIDGE REGIONAL JAIL BOARD:
Mr. Jim Halasz – Chairman – 540-463-2840
ROCKBRIDGE REGIONAL LIBRARY:
Ms. Julie Goyette, Director – 540-463-4324
BUENA VISTA PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY:
Mayor Bill Fitzgerald – Chairman – 540-461-0099
Ms. Dawn Wheeler - 540-261-8601
MAURY SERVICE AUTHORITY:
Capt. John E. Riester – Chairman – 540-817-0235
BUENA VISTA PLANNING COMMISSION:
Mr. Dennis Hawes – Chairman – 540-461-5263
Mr. Thomas Roberts – Zoning Administrator – 540-261-8607
SHENANDOAH VALLEY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD:
Mr. Jeff Stapel – Chairman – 540-828-2536
PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY:
Mayor Bill Fitzgerald – Chairman – 540-461-0099
ROCKBRIDGE AREA RECREATIONAL ORGANIZATION:
Mr. Joey Jones – Chairman – 540-377-5545
BUENA VISTA CITY SCHOOL BOARD:
Ms. Teresa Ellison – Chairperson – 540-261-2129
ROCKBRIDGE AREA SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD:
Ms. Dinah Clark – Service Director – 540-463-1231