Get Involved

How to Get Involved in a City of Bridgeport Board or Commission

If you are interested in being considered to serve on a City board or commission, it is important to understand the multi-step process. All individuals who serve on boards or commissions serve as volunteers and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. There is no guarantee that, because an individual expresses interest in a board or commission, they will be placed on that commission.

The following is a checklist of all required steps in the application process:

1. Please complete the boards and commissions application, found here. The form must be completed in its entirety and notarized. Applications should be returned to:

   Office of the Mayor

   Attn: Boards and Commission

   Margaret E. Morton Government Center

   999 Broad St

   Bridgeport, CT 06604

   Or boardsandcommissions@bridgeportct.gov

2. The application will be reviewed by the administrator of the boards and commissions approval process. If the applicant is a good fit for a particular vacancy, an interview will be set up with a staff member relevant to the respective commission and a representative from the Mayor’s office.

3. If the Mayor’s office agrees to move forward with the applicant, a background check inclusive of criminal, civil, and tax history will be completed. All City of Bridgeport taxes must be current to serve on a City board or commission.

4. If the background check provides no areas of concern, the Mayor’s office will submit the applicant’s name and paperwork to be reviewed by the Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted on the City website. The Ethics Commission will review the application, background check and interview the applicant regarding potential conflicts of interest or any other areas of concern.

5.  If approved by the Ethics Commission, the Mayor will refer the applicant to the City Council for consideration. Most applicants will be referred to the Miscellaneous Matters committee, except the Police and Fire Commissions who will be referred to the Public Safety & Transportation committee for review. The respective committees will review the applicant’s paperwork and conduct an interview.
   

6. If approved by the respective City Council committee, the applicant will be referred to the full City Council body for a final vote on the appointment.

7. If approved by the full City Council, a swearing in of the applicant to their respective board or commission will be organized.

8. Commissioners serve in their terms, even if expired, until they resign or are replaced with a new candidate.