City of Santa Clara

The City's Commissions act in an advisory capacity to the City Council, providing a conduit for community input on issues relating to Santa Clara. From planning the City's festivities or its physical environment; to preserving its history and maintaining its parks or libraries, these positions are vital to a well-run and receptive City government.

Serving on a City Commission or Committee offers an opportunity for residents to be involved with the Santa Clara community and contribute to the public process. In addition, commissioners have opportunities to network, build their professional skillset, participate in special events and in some instances attend conferences.

Learn more about the Commission/Committee:

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 
• Board of Library Trustees
• Civil Service Commission
• Cultural Commission
• Historical and Landmarks Commission
• Parks and Recreation Commission
• Planning Commission
• Salary Setting Commission
• Senior Advisory Commission
• Youth Commission

View the current roster of all commissions:

• Board, Commissions and Committee Roster

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a commissioner, we recommend that you review upcoming openings, and/or attend meetings. Submit an application during a promotion for open vacancies.

Apply online below or apply in-person at to the City Clerk's Office at 1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara (M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). 

Qualifications

• Applicants must be a City of Santa Clara resident.
• Must be a registered voter or eligible to register to vote (Board of Library Trustees, Civil Service Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and Salary Setting Commission only)
• Must provide two forms of residency: Driver's License Identification, utility bill or similar
• Signed Post Service Limitation Acknowledgement (Salary Setting Commission only)
• Youth Commission is open to Santa Clara residents between the ages of 12-19 years old

Charter Review Committee (CRC)

• Recruiting for 13 members to serve on the CRC
• Seven (7) members shall be appointed by City Council/Mayor, six (6) representing each of the six (6) districts and one (1) “at large”
• Six (6) members shall be chosen by lottery
• All applicants must be a registered voter and resident of the district applying to represent
• Concurrent membership on another City Board, Commission or Committee shall be allowed
• Committee expected to commence in September 2025 and conclude in July 2026

Deadline to apply is August 29, 2025 by 5 P.M.

Maddy Act Requirement 2024 Local Appointment List

2024 Local Appointment List

Expected Openings

The City expects the following openings to occur due to term-limits of Board/Commission/Committee members in the next few years. Make sure to submit an interest form (below) with the City Clerk's Office and sign up for email to receive information regarding mid-year vacancies due to the resignation of board/commission members.

Interest Form and Email Notifications

If you would like to be added to the Board and Commissions contact distribution list, submit an Interest Form or sign up for emails from GovDelivery and select the Board or Commission of your interest to receive emails about future openings and other news. If you would like to serve the City in another capacity, there are opportunities to become a City volunteer.

History

The following links provide the roster history of the Board and Commissions, including the names of current and past appointees as well as term dates.

• Board of Library Trustees (PDF)
• Civil Service Commission (PDF)
• Cultural Commission (PDF)
  • Cultural Advisory Commission        
  • International Exchange Commission
• Historical and Landmarks Commission (PDF)
• Housing Rehabilitation Loan Committee (PDF)
• Parks and Recreation Commission (PDF)
• Planning Commission (PDF)
• Salary Setting Commission (appointed by Civil Service Commission)
• Senior Advisory Commission (PDF)
• Downtown Community Task Force (PDF)
• Youth Commission (PDF)

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