Boards and Commissions
The City is Recruiting for One (1) Open Seat on the Human Relations Commission (HRC)
Learn more about HRC and apply by July 27 at 4:30 p.m. Explore more on our Recruitment page!
Hybrid meetings for boards, commissions, and committees began March 1, 2022.
Participate in-person at City Hall (Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room) and virtually. Ad Hoc Committees remain virtual only. Check out our Resources for Hybrid Meeting Attendance.
The City of Palo Alto has eight Boards, Commissions and Committees. The City Council appoints each to focus on specific areas within the City. Board/Committee Members and Commissioners volunteer their time and expertise to review items. The items are then reviewed by the City Council. For more details, please review our Boards, Commissions and Committees Handbook(PDF, 2MB). Visit our City Meetings Agendas page to explore other meeting groups.
If interested in applying to a Board, Commission or Committee, the City always accept applications to have on file for the next open recruitment. Applicants will be notified when recruitment opens to confirm their continued interest. Applications can be completed on our Boards and Commissions Recruitment page.
Boards, Commissions and Committees Workplans
On November 30, 2020, the City Council adopted the Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) Handbook, which implemented an annual review and approval of BCC workplans. Each BCC is required to prepare an annual workplan for review and approval by the Council by second quarter of the calendar year.
2022-2023 Council Approved Workplans
Board and Commission Resources
Board Members and Commissioners can use these resources to learn best practices for conducting and participating in public meetings.
Boards, Commissions and Committees Handbook
On November 30, 2020 the City Council adopted a Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) Handbook. The handbook standardizes and streamlines the BCC protocols. The work of the BCC supports and clarifies the City Council’s priorities and expectations. For more information, please review the Boards, Commissions and Committees Handbook(PDF, 2MB).
Brown Act
The California State Legislature passed the Brown Act in 1953. The Brown Act ensures the public's rights on attending and participating in meetings of local legislative bodies.
Meeting Management
The City of Palo Alto strives to have effective discussion in public meetings. Understanding the roles and procedures in a meeting are important for informed discussion and action.
Ethics Training
Local officials in California are required by law (AB 1234, Chapter 700, Stats. of 2005) to complete an ethics training. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has made the AB 1234 Local Ethics Training available to satisfy the local officials ethics training requirement.
Statement of Economic Interest Form (FPPC Form 700)