The Pasadena Chamber told the City Council on Nov. 5 that Pasadena lacks an accessible online application or centralized instructions for residents who want to serve on boards, commissions and committees.

Christina Womack, speaking for the Chamber, said Pasadena is the second-largest city in Harris County and "unlike most cities in Harris County, Pasadena doesn't have anywhere on its website how to apply, how to engage, or information about how to do that." She urged the city to publish a transparent, user-friendly online application process and offered the Chamber's assistance, saying the organization has compiled samples and a list of committees to streamline implementation.

Womack said the change would broaden the pool of qualified volunteers and support recommendations in the Pasadena EDC strategic plan to develop a pipeline of civic leaders. "We stand ready to partner and support our members' request for this change," she said.

The Chamber proposal, as presented, requested a city-designated staff liaison and an accessible web page describing appointment timelines, eligibility and application steps. The Chamber offered to provide a representative to work with city staff on templates and sample materials to reduce administrative burden.

Ending: Council did not record extended debate on the request in the meeting minutes. The Chamber's presentation establishes a formal, on-the-record request for a streamlined volunteer-application process; any formal staff response or implementation timeline was not stated in the transcript.