Volunteer to be on one of a dozen boards and commissions to support your city.
Attention Alameda Residents: Your city needs you! There are a dozen different City boards and commissions whose members review a wide variety of City programs, projects, and policies, and make recommendations to the City Council. Volunteering on a City board or commission provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your city, and work with other residents and talented City staff to help shape our future.
Now’s the perfect time to apply because board and commission terms – generally four years – expire at the end of June, and interviews are starting soon. After submitting an application, you may be invited to a Zoom interview with the Mayor and the City staff member who oversees the board or commission you’ve applied for. The Mayor nominates potential board and commission members, and the full City Council votes to approve each nomination.
More information about boards and commissions is available on the City’s website where you can also watch a meeting in real time, view videos of past meetings, and review meeting agendas, minutes, and related documents. AlamedaCA.gov.
Here’s a brief overview of the meaningful work that each of our boards and commissions is doing. Find one or more that resonates with you and apply today! It’s easy to complete and submit your application online at: AlamedaCA.gov/application.
The Civil Service Board (CSB) works to ensure that recruitment, selection, and retention of City employees is based on merit and done in a fair and unbiased manner. The CSB also reviews job classifications and acts as a hearing board for certain disciplinary actions and grievances.
The Commission on Persons with Disabilities advises the City Council, other boards and commissions, and City staff on issues impacting people with disabilities, including traffic safety, planning new residential developments, climate action, and more.
The Golf Commission receives and disseminates information and input among golfers, City staff, and golf course operator, Greenway Golf. Currently, the Commission is providing input on the renovation of the Fire Tower at the entrance to Corica Park.
The Historical Advisory Board (HAB) reviews and makes decisions regarding historic buildings, sites, and districts, such as the Historic District at the former Naval Air Station Alameda and the Park Street Historic District. The HAB also recommends policies to the City Council regarding preservation of local historic resources.
The Housing Authority Board of Commissioners advises the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda which is currently building hundreds of new affordable homes, supporting 1500 low-income Alameda households with rental assistance, providing housing vouchers to chronically homeless individuals, and offering supportive social services.
Library Board members help shape policies governing activities at Alameda’s three library locations, and preview upcoming library programs.
The Planning Board (PB) makes important policy recommendations to the City Council regarding land use, City requirements for affordable housing, zoning, height limits, and parking, and the new Housing Element. The PB also makes decisions about the design of new buildings, such as those at Alameda Point and along the Northern Waterfront.
The primary role of the Public Art Commission is to make decisions and recommendations to City Council regarding the selection and installation of public art, and the quality, quantity, scope, and style of art in public places.
The Public Utilities Board (PUB) oversees the work of our locally owned electric utility, Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) that provides Alameda residents and businesses 100% carbon-free power, and helps the City meet its ambitious climate goals. Some business experience or utility industry background may be useful for PUB members.
Recreation and Parks Commission members review new playground and park designs, provide input on recreation programs and policy, and attend fun community events! Soon the Commission will be reviewing a possible BMX Park and expanded skatepark design, and recommending names for four new Alameda Parks.
The Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) will work closely with the City on implementation of the City’s Homelessness Strategic Plan, and other homelessness-related initiatives. SSHRB‘S 2022 Annual Work Plan also includes creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all Alameda residents, and developing a Community Needs Assessment.
The Transportation Commission advises the City Council on transportation projects and policies to improve the quality of life through enhanced safety and mobility for all who use our roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and people with disabilities.
Please consider sharing your time and talent with your city by serving on a City board or commission.
Be engaged! Be involved! Be Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected].
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