Join a city or county commission in your community.
Download a printable PDF brochure here:
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Learn how local government works.
Gain experience in public policy.
Make recommendations on local issues.
Create valuable networks.
Learn parlimentary procedure.
Build your resume.
Make a difference in your community!
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HOW OFTEN ARE MEETINGS?
Generally, meetings take place once every month for commissions. Meeting times and locations vary depending on the commission, and members are expected to attend all meetings.
CAN MY COUNCILMEMBER OR SUPERVISOR HELP ME?
Yes, they can assist you with the application process and close communication with them is highly recommended so that they are aware that you are applying. Most positions require their recommendation.
WHO APPROVES MY APPLICATION?
Generally, the city council or the Board of Supervisors decides whether to approve your application for a vacant position. Some positions are more competitive than others, and others are appointed by specific city council members or county supervisors.
WHERE DO I PICK UP AN APPLICATION?
Persons interested in joining a commission, committee or board should complete and submit an application to the designated person for the city or county.
City of Capitola
Attn: City Clerk
420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 475-7300
For more info and to apply on-line at:
www.ci.capitola.ca.us/capcity.nsf/CtyCnclComm.html
City of Santa Cruz
Attn: City Clerk
Phone: (831) 420-5030
809 Center Street, Room 9, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
For more info and to obtain an application on-line, see:
www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us (click on “Advisory Bodies”)
City of Scotts Valley
Attn: City Clerk
1 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: (831) 440-5600
For more info, see: www.scottsvalley.org/council.html
On-Line application at www.scottsvalley.org/Application.commission.PDF
City of Watsonville
Attn: City Clerk
215 Union Street, 2nd Floor, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (831) 768-3040. For more info, see:
www.ci.watsonville.ca.us/boards/boards.html
On-Line application at:
www.ci.watsonville.ca.us/forms/commission_application.pdf
County of Santa Cruz
Call the Board’s Office at (831) 454-2200 or apply on-line at sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/bds/comms
Santa Cruz LAFCO
Attn: Executive Officer
Phone: (831) 454-2055
701 Ocean Street, Rm 318-D, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
www.santacruzlafco.org/pages/contact.html
School District Commissions & Committees
Contact your local school district or the Santa Cruz County Office of Education to find out what commissions are available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY JOIN A COMMISSION?
One of the best ways to learn about city and county government is to join a commission, committee, board or task force. They play an important role in local government and advise cities or the county in regards to formulating and implementing policy. Being part of a commission gives you the following benefits:
1. Learn how local government works.
2. Gain experience in public policy.
3. Make recommendations and present information to city or county government on important issues that impact you and your community.
4. Make valuable networks with fellow concerned citizens, city or county staff, and elected officials.
5. Obtain leadership and collaboration skills.
6. Learn parliamentary procedure under Robert’s Rules that can serve you in the future.
7. Build your résumé by serving on a commission.
8. Make a big difference in your community.
HOW DO I VOLUNTEER FOR A COMMISSION?
Persons interested in joining a commission, committee or board should complete and submit an application to the designated person for the city or county.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Unless otherwise specified, applicants must usually be registered voters of a city or live within the county. Some positions require special qualifications while most do not. The term of the position also varies usually 2 or 4 years, and most positions allow for reappointment.
WHAT COMMISSIONS ARE THERE?
City of Capitola
Architectural & Site Review Committee
Art & Cultural Commission
Commission on the Environment
Finance Advisory Committee
Historical Museum Board
Planning Commission
Village Master Plan Advisory Committee
Wharf Working Group
City of Santa Cruz
Arts Commission
Board of Building Appeals
City Transportation Commission
Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women
Downtown Commission
Equal Employment Opportunity Committee
General Plan Advisory Committee
Historic Preservation Commission
Measure K Oversight Committee
Parks and Recreation Commission
Planning Commission
Public Art Committee
San Lorenzo River Committee
Sister Cities Committee
Water Commission
Watershed Management Task Force
Zoning Administrator Board
City of Scotts Valley
Planning Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of Watsonville
Library Board
Parks & Recreation Commission
Personnel Commission
Planning Commission
Other
Santa Cruz LAFCO Commission (Local Agency Formation Commission)
City General Plan Steering or Advisory Committees
Library Joint Powers Board
School Districts also have various commissions.
County of Santa Cruz
Agricultural Policy Advisory Commission
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Commission
Animal Nuisance Abatement Appeals Commission
Arts Commission
Assessment Appeals Board
Building & Fire Code Appeals Board
Child Care Planning Council
Civil Service Commission
Commission on Disabilities
Domestic Violence Commission
Emergency Management Council
Emergency Medical Care Commission
Energy Commission
Environmental Health Appeals Commission
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Fire Department Advisory Commission
First 5 Santa Cruz County Commission
Fish and Game Advisory Commission
Hazardous Materials Advisory Commission
Hazardous Materials Appeals Commission
Historic Resources Commission
Housing Advisory Commission
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
Human Services Commission
In-Home Supportive Services Commission
Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission
Latino Affairs Commission
Law Library Board of Trustees
Long-Term Care Interagency Commission
Mental Health Advisory Board
Mobile Home Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission
Planning Commission
Public Health Commission
Santa Cruz-Monterey Co. Managed Medical Care Commission
Seniors Commission
Soquel Village Parking & Business Improvement Area Advisory Board
Treasury Oversight Commission
Water Advisory Commission
Women’s Commission
Workforce Investment Board
* County commissions may have members from each supervisorial district and/or at-large positions. Some positions require special qualifications. See the county website for details.
Brochure Designed by Leadership Class XXII (2006-07) LSCC Project Team:
Luis A. Alejo, Leslee Long, Lynn Zephryna, Shebreh Kalantari, Susan True & Carmen Herrera.
