Boards, Commissions & Committees

Serving on a Board, Commission, or Committee

As a member of one of the City's boards, commissions, or committees, you will focus upon community needs that require your understanding, dedication, vision, enthusiasm, and experience. Your appointment to a position signifies the Council's desire to have the benefit of your input during the decision-making process. While Council has the ultimate political and legal responsibility for the conduct of local government and the welfare of the entire community, you have an important role in assisting the City Council to fulfill its obligations to our citizens.

Participation on a board, commission, or committee can be a gratifying and challenging experience. It provides an opportunity to develop firsthand knowledge of the operating policies and issues of a municipal government. It personifies citizen participation in policy determination. It gives you an opportunity to play a vital role in the communication process between citizen and elected representative. It must be known that not all of the recommendations made by the boards, commissions, or committees will be accepted. The rejection of advice in a given situation does not imply lack of confidence or disinterest on the part of the City Council. Elected officials must weigh all advice, information, and considerations as they reach the decisions for which they are responsible.

Eligibility Requirements

Generally, applicants must be eligible electors and reside within the Iowa City, City limits. Some vacancies are for specific representation. Please review details of the vacancy announcement for specific requirements.

Can I Apply for More than One Board, Commission, or Committee?

It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two boards, commissions, or committees at the same time.

How Do I Know if I Was Appointed?

You will receive a letter from the Mayor indicating whether or not you were appointed, along with a request to fill out and return a business listing information sheet. You may also be contacted by the staff liaison for the board, commission, or committee.

What Happens if I'm Not Appointed

Your application is kept on file in the City Clerk's Office for 90 days (3 months). If you are not interested in a future vacancy, you need to contact the City Clerk to be removed from the applicant pool during the 90 days (3 months). Do not be discouraged if you are not selected to serve on a board, commission, or committee at this time.