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
There are three upcoming openings on the Economic Development Authority. These terms will begin on April 1, 2025, and expire on March 31, 2029.
The EDA is responsible for approving, financing, and executing economic development incentives. This includes owning real estate. The EDA has the legal authority to transact money, own property, and issue debt. The EDA also reviews and approves applications for the Façade Improvement Grant Program.
You must be a citizen of Buena Vista to serve on the EDA and you are not eligible to serve on any other city boards or commissions while serving on the EDA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 [email protected]. 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:
Mr. Brent Styler - Chairman - 571-246-2340
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. Bonnie S. Riedesel – 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 - 540-261-8601
MAURY SERVICE AUTHORITY:
Capt. John E. Riester – Chairman – 540-817-0235
BUENA VISTA PLANNING COMMISSION:
Mr. Dennis Hawes – Chairman – 540-461-5263
Mr. Thomas Roberts – Zoning Administrator – 540-261-8607
SHENANDOAH VALLEY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD:
Mr. Jeff Stapel – Chairman – 540-828-2536
PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY:
Mr. Bill Fitzgerald – Chairman – 540-461-0099
ROCKBRIDGE AREA RECREATIONAL ORGANIZATION:
Mr. Joey Jones – Chairman – 540-377-5545
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