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Mayor Gloria Launches New Tool to Encourage Resident Participation on Boards and Commissions

NEW WEBSITE MAKES IT EASY TO APPLY AND HAVE DIVERSE VOICES HEARD ON KEY CITY ISSUES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 19, 2021

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO To improve diversity and encourage participation in the City of San Diegos 46 Boards and Commissions, Mayor Todd Gloria has launched a new website called OnBoard, which offers residents an opportunity to more easily volunteer their services on matters important to improving the City.

Boards and commissions advise and help make important policy decisions on topics including arts, finance, public parks, policing and more.

Creating a city for all of us is not the job or responsibility of one person; we need the help of everyone, Mayor Gloria said. I know there are many passionate San Diegans who want to make our city a better place. Theres no better way to express that passion than to step forward, volunteer your talents, and make a real difference as we work together to chart a new course for San Diego.

The Office of Boards and Commissions, in partnership with the Office of the City Clerk, implemented the OnBoard website and management tool in an effort to save staff time and increase transparency.

Prior to the launch of the website, those who expressed an interest in wanting to join a board or commission would experience a response wait time of up to two years, said Director of Boards and Commissions Mathew Gordon. With a new website and management tools, we are able to effectively build out a system that allows us to collect data and move expeditiously in getting vacancies filled ensuring that the seats filled reflect the diversity of our city.

I am happy to be working with the Mayor to implement OnBoard, a Boards and Commissions management software, said City Clerk Elizabeth Maland. OnBoard improves board management and makes it more efficient while meeting our Office's goals of access and transparency.

At onboard.sandiego.gov residents can learn about the Citys many Boards and Commissions, view vacancies and expiration dates, and apply for open positions. The management tool will allow staff to receive and manage applications online, track membership over time and across boards, generate reports related to term expirations and vacancies, and securely store and manage membership data.

The City of San Diegos Office of Boards and Commissions serves as an access point to the volunteer members appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

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