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
- The Buena Vista Economic Development Authority: One (1) two (2) year term
- Meet on “as needed” basis
- The EDA is responsible for approving, financing, and executing economic development incentives. This includes owning real estate; the EDA currently owns multiple undeveloped industrial-zoned properties in the City. 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 and the Revolving Loan Fund.
- The Board of Zoning Appeals: One (1) five (5) year term
- Meet on "as needed" basis
- 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.
- The Buena Vista Planning Commission: One (1) four (4) year term
- Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each Month
- The Planning Commission is responsible for long-range land use planning, including the Comprehensive Plan; approval of zoning changes; and approval of development projects. This includes zoning map and text amendments, conditional use permits, site plans, and variances.
- The Planning Commission also serves as the Architectural Review Board of the Seminary Hill Historic District and reviews and approves Certificates of Appropriateness for projects within the District. Members of the Planning Commission serve four-year terms.
- Rockbridge Area Network Authority: One (1) three (3) year term.
For more information or to apply, please contact Dawn Wheeler, City Manager’s Office, 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista, VA at (540) 261-8601 or email dwheeler@bvcity.org. The application form can be found here: Boards and Commissions Application
Local and Regional Boards, Commissions, Authorities, and Committee
Guide to regional and local boards & commissions:
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:
Kim Shaw – Executive Director – 540-462-6600
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION:
Ms. Bonnie S. Riedesel – Executive Director – 540-885-5174
DABNEY S. LANCASTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
Dr. John Rainone – President – 540-863-2800
ROCKBRIDGE DISABILITY SERVICES BOARD:
Ms. Joan Manley – Chairperson – 540-463-9891
ELECTORAL BOARD:
Mrs. Emilie Staton – 540-261 -8605
ROCKBRIDGE REGIONAL JAIL BOARD:
Ed Hosken – 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:
Joey Jones – Chairman – 540-377-5545
BUENA VISTA CITY SCHOOL BOARD:
Teresa Ellison – Chairperson – 540-261-2129
ROCKBRIDGE AREA SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD:
Dinah Clark – Service Director – 540-463-1231