Calling all civic-minded Saint Paul residents: your city council needs you. In a notice released to the public, the Saint Paul City Council Audit Committee has announced a vacancy for a Community Advisor, asking interested locals to step up and apply. According to the City of St. Paul announcement, the mission of the Audit Committee is "to evaluate the performance of City functions, programs and processes to build public trust and ensure outstanding service delivery, transparency and accountability."

With a vacancy waiting to be filled, the Council encourages Saint Paul residents who carry a vested interest in the transparency and efficiency of their local government to apply via their online form. The new community advisor, who must be deeply invested in the city's well-being, is expected to meet once monthly and provide counsel over the complete annual audit process, as detailed in the recent city council announcement. They are set to serve a three-year term, witnessing first-hand the inner workings of their city’s budget and governance.

Co-chair Rebecca Noecker highlighted the importance of the role, emphasizing the council's duty to residents. "As a Council, it is our responsibility to ensure that we’re making the best use of every dollar to provide outstanding public services. The audit function is a crucial way to accomplish this oversight," Noecker told the Saint Paul City Council press release. This sentiment speaks to the pivotal position the community advisor will hold in bridging city governance with its constituents.

The call comes after the Audit Committee successfully presented its second study to the City Council on October 23, 2024. Created as part of the City Council Organizational Committee's 2019 work plan, the Audit Committee has continually aimed to enhance the functionality and trustworthiness of city operations. Interested members of the public have until Wednesday, April 2, at 4:30 PM to apply through the form provided on the committee's page, stepping into a role that showcases a commitment to civic engagement and the stewardship of Saint Paul's future.