Serving on a Board or Commission

Learn the basics of being a board member and find links to resources for current board members.

Applying to a board or commission

Each year, we recruit members in the spring (March 1 to 31). Both new applicants and returning members must complete an application for appointment.

We post openings on the City's Legislative Information Management System (LIMS).

See current openings

See our guide to applying

Getting started

All appointees, including returning members, must complete the following within 90 days of their appointment:

  • Take an oath of office
  • Complete ethics training

Learn more about the City's Ethics Code

Some boards require members to complete the Statement of Economic Interest. This form discloses any financial interests members may have in city-related business.

Bylaws

Each boards or commission has bylaws which govern how they conduct business. Bylaws will tell you how the board is organized and how meetings are run.
 
 

Open Meeting Law

Board meetings must follow the Open Meeting Law. This law requires all meetings to be open to the public. Members cannot meet outside of public meetings.

See Minnesota Statutes § 13D.020

A meeting must have a quorum. Quorum is the smallest number of board members present to conduct business. If there aren't enough members present, the board can't meet.

Additional requirements include:

  • The public must be given notice of meetings
  • All votes must be recorded
  • Any written materials the board considers must available to the public.

Some meetings may be closed to the public. For example, if the meeting involves disciplinary proceedings, labor negotiations, or law suits.