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

Buena Vista City Council

The Buena Vista City Council will be accepting applications for the vacant City Council seat until Friday, January 30, 2026. Please include a cover letter expressing your interest in the position along with any relevant background and why you would be a good choice. Please return your application and cover letter to Sarah Burch via email at sarah.burch@bvcity.org, or in person at the City Manager’s Office, 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista.

Note that applications received after the January 30, 2026, deadline will not be considered. You must be a qualified voter in the City of Buena Vista to qualify for this opening.

Buena Vista Board of Zoning Appeals

There is an upcoming opening on the Buena Vista BZA. This term will be effective January 1, 2026, and will expire on December 31, 2030. You must be a citizen of Buena Vista to qualify for this opening.

The board’s responsibilities consist of hearing and deciding appeals of zoning determinations and decisions. If an individual believes that a determination made by the Zoning Administrator, or a decision reached by the Planning Commission, is incorrect, they may appeal the decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals

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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 sarah.burch@bvcity.org. 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:

Mrs. Jody Fix - Chair - 540-319-0971

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. Ann Cundy – 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. Jason Tyree – Chairman – 540-261-8600

ROCKBRIDGE REGIONAL LIBRARY:

Ms. Julie Goyette - Director – 540-463-4324

BUENA VISTA PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY:

Mayor Tyson Cooper - Chairman – 540-784-8718

Ms. Sarah Burch - Secretary - 540-261-8601

MAURY SERVICE AUTHORITY:

Mr. L. Jordan Combs - Executive Director – 540-463-3566

BUENA VISTA PLANNING COMMISSION:

Mr. Dennis Hawes – Chairman – 540-461-5263

Mr. Thomas Roberts – Zoning Administrator – 540-261-8607

SHENANDOAH VALLEY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD:

Ms. Sharon Johnson - Chief Executive Officer – 540-442-7134 ext. 110

PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY:

Mr. Bill Fitzgerald – Chairman – 540-461-0099

ROCKBRIDGE AREA RECREATIONAL ORGANIZATION:

Mr. Joey Jones – Chairman – 540-377-5545

Mr. Chad Coffey - Executive Director - 540-463-9525

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