What are open appointments?
Open Appointments are volunteer service positions to advisory boards, commissions, councils and special task forces. The Hennepin County Board as a whole appoints individuals to these positions. Open Appointments appointees advise the commissioners on issues and programs and help set policy.
What is the purpose of open appointments?
The purpose of the Open Appointments process is to promote citizen involvement through volunteer service. The process allows Hennepin County commissioners an opportunity to tap into and select from the broad base of talent, diversity, knowledge and skills of its citizens to benefit county government. The process offers all interested citizens an opportunity to be considered for appointments.
What is the process?
The Open Appointments process is how the public is informed of and appointed to openings on various advisory boards, commissions, councils and special task forces. The County Clerk administers the process of announcing vacancies to the public, accepting applications, referring applications to the County Board and notifying appointees.
Who may apply for open appointments positions?
Hennepin County residents who meet the requirements of the positions for which they are applying.
How do I apply?
Applications for advisory committee positions are available on this Web Site. See "Downloadable Forms" on the right. Or you may call or email the Clerk of the Board's office using the Contact Info on the right. Completed forms may be mailed, faxed or delivered to the Clerk of the County Board at the address on the right.
Do committee members, once appointed, receive a salary?
These are volunteer positions. Some boards and committees pay small amounts for attending meetings and conducting authorized activities. However, some have no compensation. In general, expenses incurred in the course of committee service, subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, will be reimbursed by the county.
How many committees are there?
The membership of more than 15 county boards, councils, committees and task forces are selected through the Open Appointments process. These groups deal with a variety of issues and topics of concern to the county.
May a committee member be re-appointed?
Members may be re-appointed, unless prohibited by law, subject to the Hennepin County Board's policy on term limits. The reappointment process is the same as for new appointments.
Who conducts the Open Appointments interviews?
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners sitting as the General Government Committee interviews each applicant.
When and where are the interviews held?
Interviews are generally held during a regularly scheduled General Government Committee meeting. These meetings are held in the County Board Room on the 24th Floor of the Hennepin County Government Center. See the "Location" information on the right.
What can I expect at the interview?
It is an informal interview process. All applicants are together during the committee meeting. Each applicant is asked to stand and state his or her name, give a brief biographical history and the reason for seeking the appointment. An applicant may state any special interests he or she has that pertain to the appointment sought.
