5 Ways Residents in Carrollton Can Take Part in the Local Government
Carrollton, Texas is a beautiful community that’s nestled in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Gorgeous architecture, plenty of amenities and a short commute to major employers in the metro area have put Carrollton on the map as one of the most preferred communities to call home.
At Taylor Morrison, we know that it takes more than a spacious floor plan and friendly neighbors to make a house a home. You also want to feel proud of the community that you live in, and great communities are built by citizens that care.
One of the most effective ways you can help build the community you live in is by participating and getting involved in the local government. In many ways, what happens on the local level in government significantly impacts the quality of the community as a whole.
It’s involved residents who care that make communities like Hamilton Park worth building a life in. If you’re new to Carrollton, or you’re just ready to take action, here are 5 easy ways to become more involved in Carrollton’s local government.
1) Make Your Voice Count
One of the first things any new resident at Hamilton Park should check off their to-do list is registering to vote at their new address. The outcomes of local elections are very important to the community, with many issues that hit close to home.
Taking the time to make sure your voter registration is updated with a current address is more important than many people realize.
Visit the City of Carrollton’s website for more information on how and where to register to vote, along with upcoming election information and local voters guides.
2) Get to Know Your City Council
If you’re interested in learning more about what makes Carrollton click, one of the best places to start is a local city council meeting.
By attending these meetings, you gain insights into the priorities and viewpoints of the people who influence the direction and success of the area.
At the meeting, you’ll hear members discuss and make policy decisions on some of the top priorities, including financial stability, community beauty and vitality, infrastructure, resident quality of life, community image and new developments.
City Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month on the second floor of City Hall. Work sessions begin at 5:45pm, followed by the meeting at 7pm.
If you’re unable to attend, but would still like to know what was discussed, minutes of the meeting are made available after the council adopts them.
3) Appointment to Boards and Commissions
The city of Carrollton, and the smaller communities within it, depending on local volunteers to fill a variety of local government needs as members of boards, commissions, and committees.
Opportunities for involvement exist on committees such as:
- The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
- the Library Board
- the Museum Board
- the Neighborhood Advisory Commission
- the Parks and Recreation Board
There’s a board or committee that’s well suited to practically every community interest.
City Council considers appointments once a year in October and November but accepts applications year-round that are considered for vacancies and additional opportunities.
There are a few qualifications that must be met, however. These include:
- Being a resident of Texas for at least one year and of Carrollton for at least six months
- No convictions of crimes of moral turpitude
- Not being an adversary party to a pending litigation against the city, with the exception of eminent domain proceedings.
4) Volunteer within the Community
While not directly connected to the local government, volunteering is an amazing way of meeting new people in the community, giving back and doing your part to keep Carrollton – and communities like Hamilton Park – one of the best places to live in Texas.
Many local city departments need volunteers. If you love spending time outdoors, consider adopting a flower bed or playground as part of the city’s beautification plan.
Other opportunities exist with Animal Services, Environmental Services, the Museum, and the Senior Center.
Carrollton proudly acknowledges the residents who help to take care of the community by presenting annual volunteer awards, where hard working and devoted residents are recognized for their contributions in leadership, involvement, and organization.
5) Become a Poll Worker
There’s an undeniable air of excitement that surrounds any election.
If you love the energy of optimism and hope, and want to have a more active role in the community, a tour of duty as an election poll worker might be just the right fit.
Election poll workers are responsible for greeting and assisting voters as they enter polling locations. Typical responsibilities include verifying voter eligibility and providing assistance to voters with special needs.
As an added perk, poll workers receive monetary compensation for their time, giving you a little bit of extra cash in your pocket for lunch at one of Carrollton’s finest eateries, or to indulge in a little retail therapy in the historic downtown area.
A Community You’ll Be Proud to Call Home
At Taylor Morrison, we pride ourselves on the quality and design that goes into each of our homes. Our new homes in Carrollton, Texas, are no exception. The moment you walk in and see our models, we know you’ll be won over.
Still, we’re devoted to providing you with more than spacious floor plans and incredible amenities.
We want to provide you with a community that you feel proud of, and that you’ll want to become involved in. We understand the little things that make the difference between just owning a home and truly living your life somewhere.
We can’t wait to introduce you to Hamilton Park! Contact Taylor Morrison today for more information.
