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 is an opening on the Buena Vista Board of Zoning Appeals. This term will be effective immediately after appointment and will expire on December 31, 2026. You must be a citizen of Buena Vista to serve on this board.
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, he or she can appeal the decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals. In Buena Vista, it is solely a judicial body and possesses no legislative or ministerial authority. Each member of the board serves five-year terms and is appointed by the Circuit Court. This board meets on an "as-needed" basis.
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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 [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. Jim Halasz – Chairman – 540-463-2840
ROCKBRIDGE REGIONAL LIBRARY:
Ms. Julie Goyette, Director – 540-463-4324
BUENA VISTA PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY:
Mayor Bill Fitzgerald – Chairman – 540-461-0099
Ms. Dawn Wheeler - 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:
Mayor 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