Boards & Commissions
Serve on a citizen board
Most of the decisions that shape a neighborhood get made by residents who volunteered — zoning cases, historic designations, park priorities, police oversight. Here's every board, what it does, and which seats are open.
14 boards & commissions
12 open seats across all boards- Land Use1 open seat
Planning and Zoning Commission
Reviews and recommends changes to the city's comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances. Holds public hearings on rezoning requests and subdivision plats.
- Seats
- 9
- Term
- 4-year term
- Meets
- 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Land UseFully seated
Board of Adjustment
Hears appeals of zoning decisions and grants variances from the zoning code when strict application would cause undue hardship.
- Seats
- 5
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 3rd Wednesday, 4:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Land Use2 open seats
Landmarks and Historic Preservation Board
Designates historic landmarks and districts, reviews alterations to historic properties, and promotes preservation.
- Seats
- 7
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 1st Thursday, 5:30 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Quality of LifeFully seated
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Advises on the development, maintenance, and programming of city parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
- Seats
- 9
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 2nd Tuesday, 4:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- InfrastructureFully seated
Board of Public Utilities
Sets rates and policies for City Utilities, including electric, water, and wastewater services.
- Seats
- 5
- Term
- 4-year term
- Meets
- 3rd Thursday, 3:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Quality of Life1 open seat
Library Board
Governs the Springfield-Greene County Library District, sets policies, and oversees the library budget.
- Seats
- 7
- Term
- 4-year term
- Meets
- 2nd Wednesday, 5:30 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council and Greene County Commission
- InfrastructureFully seated
Airport Board
Advises on the operation, development, and capital improvements at Springfield-Branson National Airport.
- Seats
- 7
- Term
- 4-year term
- Meets
- 3rd Tuesday, 12:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Quality of Life2 open seats
Urban Forestry Board
Advises on tree planting, preservation, and management on public property. Promotes urban forestry education.
- Seats
- 7
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 1st Wednesday, 4:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Community & Equity1 open seat
Human Rights Commission
Investigates complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Promotes equal opportunity.
- Seats
- 9
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 2nd Thursday, 5:30 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Public Safety2 open seats
Citizens Police Review Board
Reviews complaints against police officers and makes recommendations to the Police Chief on policy and discipline.
- Seats
- 7
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 4th Tuesday, 6:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- InfrastructureFully seated
Traffic Advisory Board
Advises on traffic control devices, speed limits, and traffic calming measures. Reviews traffic studies and citizen requests.
- Seats
- 7
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 1st Tuesday, 9:00 AM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Quality of Life1 open seat
Sustainability Advisory Board
Advises on policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices.
- Seats
- 9
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 3rd Wednesday, 4:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Quality of Life2 open seats
Springfield Arts Council
Promotes the arts by advising on public art, funding grants, and coordinating cultural events.
- Seats
- 11
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 2nd Wednesday, 5:00 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
- Community & EquityFully seated
Housing and Community Development Board
Oversees the use of federal CDBG and HOME funds for affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community services.
- Seats
- 7
- Term
- 3-year term
- Meets
- 4th Wednesday, 5:30 PM
- Appointed by
- City Council
How to apply
- 1
Pick up to three boards
One application covers all of them. Say why each one interests you — a sentence is plenty.
- 2
Tell us what you'd bring
Lived experience counts as much as professional credentials. Boards work better when they don't all think alike.
- 3
Interview
Council members or the Mayor's office meet applicants for most boards. It's a conversation, not an exam.
- 4
Appointment
Appointments are made in public session. If you aren't selected, your application stays active for a year.
What it actually costs you
Most boards meet once a month for about two hours, with reading beforehand. Meetings are public and evening meetings are common. Board service is unpaid, but the City reimburses child care and transportation costs for members who need it — nobody should be priced out of serving.
Note: Seat counts, vacancies and meeting times shown here are illustrative placeholders for the concept.
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