April is National Volunteer Month
“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” — Lily Tomlin
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the people who give their time and energy to strengthen their communities. Here in Fulshear, that includes residents who serve on local boards and commissions, roles that may not always be visible but play a meaningful part in how our city grows and evolves.
These boards and commissions are made up of community volunteers who review proposals, discuss priorities, and help guide decisions that shape Fulshear’s future. Some serve in an advisory role to City Council, while others are entrusted with overseeing specific programs and investments within the city.
Each board focuses on a different aspect of the city:
Economic Development Corporation (Type A & B) – Supports business growth, job creation, and economic vitality in Fulshear.
Parks & Recreation Board – Focuses on maintaining and expanding parks, trails, and recreational opportunities for residents.
Planning & Zoning Commission – Reviews development proposals, plats, and zoning changes to help guide how the city grows.
Capital Improvements Advisory Committee – Reviews infrastructure needs and helps plan for long-term improvements tied to growth.
Zoning Board of Adjustment – Considers variances and special exceptions to zoning regulations when unique situations arise.
Youth Advisory Commission – Gives students a voice in local government and encourages civic engagement at a young age.
As City Manager Zach Goodlander shared, “What makes Fulshear ‘Fulshear’ is its people. Getting to work with our boards and commissions has always been a real joy, because these are residents who bring fresh ideas and a genuine commitment to shaping the future of our community.”
What makes this kind of service unique is how close it is to home. The discussions and recommendations made at this level aren’t abstract, they have a direct influence on the streets we drive, the businesses we visit, and the overall character of the place we’ve chosen to live.
Right now, the City of Fulshear is accepting applications for residents interested in serving on boards and commissions, with the current application window open through April 17 at 5:00 PM. There are opportunities across several areas, each offering a different way to get involved and make a difference.
And that spirit of involvement doesn’t stop with boards and commissions. As Mr. Goodlander also shared, “There are a number of ways to get involved beyond boards and commissions,” including opportunities such as volunteering with Keep Fulshear Beautiful, which he himself has been part of for the past seven years.
Volunteering is not new to Ramona Ridge, who founded Keep Fulshear Beautiful in 2011 and started Fulshear’s Farmers Market in 2014. Through efforts like these, she has helped create spaces where neighbors can connect, serve, and take pride in the place they call home. The next Keep Fulshear Beautiful event is coming up on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00 AM at the Irene Stern Community Center, an easy and meaningful way to get involved.
You can see that same impact in smaller, everyday ways too, serving on an HOA board, organizing neighborhood events, or stepping in to create programs like Fulshear Little League. These roles may not come with a title or a meeting agenda, but they are just as important in shaping the experience of living here.
In a fast-growing community like Fulshear, every kind of involvement matters. Growth is happening all around us, and these boards help ensure that growth reflects the priorities and values of the people who live here.
If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the conversation or are simply looking for a way to give back, there are more opportunities than ever to get involved. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to show up, listen, and contribute.
Because at the end of the day, a strong community doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built by people who step forward, raise their hand, and help shape what comes next.
Bonnie Tyler Buell is a dedicated community advocate and engaged resident of Fulshear, Texas. Demonstrating a strong commitment to local governance and the strategic growth of her city, Bonnie recently ran as a nonpartisan candidate for the Fulshear City Council At-Large position in the May 2025 municipal elections. Passionate about civic involvement, she is focused on ensuring that the voices of Fulshear’s residents remain at the forefront as the area continues its rapid development.
Bonnie is an occasional contributor to the “About Fulshear, Texas” Substack.
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