Apply for Boards and Commissions | City of Grand Rapids, MI

1. Read the City Commission Policy about serving on Boards and Commissions

The policy explains our attendance policy and other important parts of serving on a board.

2. Decide which boards and commissions you want to apply for

You can read about our boards and commissions here before you apply.

3. Apply early

Most openings are filled in December and January, but we start vetting candidates well before that. If you're looking to get appointed, it's a good idea to apply before August. That's when we start the vetting process.

Applying later in the year doesn't necessarily mean you won't get appointed. It just helps to apply early so that we can complete the vetting process in time for the year's appointments.

Some openings happen on a different schedule. Check the Current List of Openings(PDF) if you're looking to apply for a board now.

4. Apply using the online form

Online form

Some boards have more requirements than others. We'll guide you through this process if you apply online.

Apply Online in English

Print and fill out the boards and commissions form

Download the Application in English(PDF)

Mail, email, fax, or drop off your completed form

Send the form to the address, email, or fax number in the Contact Us section of this page.

Call our office to get a copy of the form

We can mail, email, or fax the form to you. Call the number in the Contact Us section of this page.

Mail, email, fax, or drop off your completed form

Send the form to the address, email, or fax number in the Contact Us section of this page.

Come to our office and fill out the application

We're happy to help you fill out an application. We're located in City Hall on the second floor. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.

5. Make sure you're in good standing with the City

We check with a few departments to make sure you're in good standing: the City Attorney, the City Treasurer, and Income Tax. Contact these departments to make sure your application is approved. You can call us, and we'll connect you with these departments. Our number is in the Contact Us section of this page.

6. Wait for a decision

This process can take some time. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

We review your application as soon as we get it. But we don't make appointments until we have openings on specific boards and commissions.
Most openings are filled in December and January, but sometimes there are openings at other times. You an check Current List of Openings(PDF) at any time.
If you applied for a board that doesn't have openings, don't worry. Your application is good for at least a full year.

7. Go to board and commission meetings

If you want to sit on a board, it's a good idea to go to meetings. You can get familiar with the board's duties and meet current members.