The Montgomery County Council is currently on the lookout for applicants to join the Bethesda Urban Partnership (BUP) Board of Directors after a vacancy has appeared on their roster. The deadline to throw your hat in the ring is January 13, 2025, until 5 p.m., so those interested have a tight window to act. According to Montgomery County, this opening is reserved for a resident living outside the Bethesda Urban District, albeit near it.
The Board, which Vice Chair Dan Schlaff left after his term expired back in October this year, though he remains eligible to potentially re-up his seat, is known to oversee a range of local activities. From the maintenance of the local streetscape to orchestrating special events and marketing initiatives, the BUP Board's purview extends widely. Meetings are monthly, and while the position is unpaid, members may be reimbursed for travel and dependent care costs.
Comprising 11 members, the Board's lineup includes nominees from the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, representatives for small businesses, residential advisors within the Bethesda-Chevy Chase planning area, an adjacent neighborhood, and an ex-officio County Executive member. Reflecting Montgomery County's diversity is a key requirement, making sure all facets of the community, including races, ethnicities, and various socioeconomic statuses, are represented.
For those ready to diligently serve their community, the application process is straightforward. Candidates should submit a cover letter and a resume, outlining their background, both professional and civic. The email or mail must reach Council President Stewart by the January deadline. Post-deadline applications, it is to be noted, will not even be considered.
Following the application closure, the Council will review submissions and select candidates for interviews, a process that is open to the public and will be telecast. It's an opportunity to directly impact how the Bethesda Urban District shapes up in the years ahead, ensuring it continues to thrive and cater to the needs of its local inhabitants. With the council poised to recommend three candidates to the County Executive for the final decision, this is a chance to be at the core of local governance and planning for the Bethesda area.
