Governance
Board of Directors
The VDRA board of directors normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings start at 5:30 pm and usually take place over Zoom. Meetings may be rescheduled from time to time, in consideration of holidays and other commitments. VDRA members and those who are interested in joining the VDRA are welcome to attend.
Our board helps to set the direction of the organization and also operates a number of committees. We currently have vacancies on our board, so if you are interested in joining, please click on the button below and we will get in touch with details about what specific skill sets we are currently seeking.
Join a Committee!
The VDRA has a variety of committees, each chaired by a member of our board. Joining a committee is a great way to getting involved in making Downtown a better place to live.
Find out more about our committees below and contact us if you are interested in joining a committee.
The Communications and Membership Committee maintains membership records, works to grow the membership of the VDRA, and supports staff in communicating to VDRA members.
The Community Engagement Committee seeks to engage Downtown residents in their community, building and deepening relationships with other residents while making a positive impact Downtown.
The Climate Solutions Committee is focused on Downtown climate crisis mitigation and adaptation in buildings, waste, transport, and the urban forest. The committee overseas the Victoria Coolkit program.
The Governance Committee develops, reviews, and supports the VDRA’s policy framework, including its bylaws and strategic plans so that the board of directors can operate effectively. It is also responsible to develop key policies to help define and govern the way the board functions, and for the supervision of and reporting relationship with any staff. The committee welcomes and encourages diversity and inclusion in the board structure and operations.
The Land Use Committee participates in the public consultation process developed by the City of Victoria for developers and community associations, acting as a liaison between multiple stakeholders through direct dialogue and public meetings regarding various Downtown projects.
The Urban Ecology and Agriculture Committee works to make nature an important part of improving the quality of life of Downtown residents. The major project of this committee is the Yates Street Community Garden.
The Urban Livability Committee is focused on issues related to the quality of life in the core of Victoria, and works with relevant community groups to support a wide range of initiatives.
Committee Chairs
Land Use: Jordan Royer
Community Engagement: Furkan Kucukdurmaz
Governance: Jeremy Zhao
Urban Ecology and Agriculture: Michael Demakiling
Communications and Membership: Mano Majumdar
Urban Livability: Michael Demakiling
Climate Solutions: Dawn Moorhead