The Open Appointments process is used as a clearinghouse for public openings on state agencies. It is administered by the Secretary of State, who announces vacancies to the public, refers applications to those who make the appointments, and maintains records of the memberships on the various state boards and councils. The Minnesota Open Appointments Act was authorized by the legislature in 1978 to simplify and open up the appointment process. Information about the functions of the various state boards and councils and their membership is made available to the public.
All persons have an equal opportunity to apply and be considered for appointment.
Through participation on state boards and councils, individuals can get directly involved in the policies and services of state government. The Minnesota Open Appointments process has become a nationwide model for citizen participation. The complete text of the act is located in Minnesota Statutes 15.0597. Besides the vacancies, it lists the qualifications for membership, the functions and duties of the agencies, and the application deadlines. The monthly announcements also appear on this Web site.