Boards and Commissions Recruitment

The City of Palo Alto has eight Boards and Commissions, each of which focuses on a specific issue area. Members volunteer their time and expertise to review items and make recommendations to staff and the City Council. Individuals interested in serving are encouraged to apply through the online applications listed below. The City holds regular recruitments in the spring and fall and also accepts applications continuously, regardless of current vacancies.

Open Recruitments

Recruitment for the Human Relations Commission has been extended through September 16, 2026. As of 9/8/2026, there is one unscheduled vacancy. We are currently accepting applications for 2 full term (11/1/2026 - 10/31/2029) and 1 partial term (11/1/2026 - 10/31/2028) positions.

Applications

Board or Commission	Application
Architectural Review Board	Architectural Review Board Application
Historic Resources Board	Historic Resources Board Application
Human Relations Commission	Human Relations Commission Application
Parks and Recreation Commission	Parks and Recreation Commission Application
Public Art Commission	Public Art Commission Application
Planning and Transportation Commission	Planning and Transportation Commission Application
Storm Water Management Oversight Committee	Storm Water Management Oversight Committee Application
Utilities Advisory Commission	Utilities Advisory Commission Application

Resources

For more informational resources, visit our Board, Commissions, and Committees Webpage.

Interested in future vacancies? Join our Boards & Commissions Recruitment Mailing List.

Please contact the City Clerk's Office at City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov for further inquiries.

Maddy Act

The City of Palo Alto complies with the Maddy Act(PDF, 134KB) (Government Code Section 54970). As such, all scheduled vacancies on the City Boards and Commissions for the following year are listed and posted annually by December 31st.

Other Ways to Volunteer

Become an Emergency Service Volunteer

Other City Volunteer Opportunities