Volunteers make the wheels of government go round

Do you have a passion for affordable housing, recycling, public transit or weed eradication? If so, consider applying to serve on these government boards: Affordable Housing Supply, Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling, START or Weed and Pest.

One of the best ways to have a voice in the valley’s future is to volunteer for a municipal government board.

Ten appointed boards that provide government guidance and seek to improve quality of life are looking for applicants to fill roughly two dozen seats. The deadline to apply is racing up on us: 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Other boards needing volunteers are Jackson Hole Airport, Parks and Recreation, Pathways, Board of Health, Building Appeals and Planning Commission.

Public service is a great way to examine where our tax dollars are invested, learn the intricacies of the process and meet people from every corner of the community.

When a diverse group of people with deep knowledge of their community get involved in shaping the valley’s future, great things can happen. Unique viewpoints, an understanding of challenges and opportunities, and new expertise bring information to the table that our elected officials and government administrations wouldn’t otherwise have.

These roles must be filled for our county government to function.

Whether you’ve lived here for decades or have recently arrived, your insight and energy is valuable.

Visit TetonCountyWy.gov to find out more and put your name in the hat. Click “How do I …” then “apply for” and “volunteer board application.”