The city needs civic-minded volunteers to sign up for openings on various boards and commissions that advise the City Council on everything from the airport to public art and historical landmarks.

Applicants have to live in San Jose and commit to terms of two to four years, depending on the post. The deadline to apply is 5pm on Friday, May 17. Click here to apply online if you’re over 18. Click here to apply for the Youth Commission if you’re a minor.

Here’s a look at the board and commission openings:

Airport Commission
This seven-member body plays watchdog to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. It issues an annual report to the council on airport operations and aims to promote development and protect air transportation to support the public interest.

Arts Commission
All matters related to the arts and culture of San Jose are under purview of this advisory board, which promotes beautification and arts education to make the city a pleasant place to live. The commission advises the council on how to distribute money for various arts and festival grants and public art projects. Its members act as liaisons with community groups, nonprofits and government organizations that promote art for the public.

Civil Service Commission
This group advises the council and city manager on how to manage administration of classified personnel. It reviews civil services rules and appoints members to the City Council Salary Setting Commission.

Council Appointment Advisory Commission
This used to be called the Diversity Screening Committee, which might have been a more descriptive name for the role of ensuring the city’s advisory boards are diverse and representative of the public.

Historic Landmarks Commission
Commissioners in charge of historic landmarks make recommendations to protect historically significant sites from development. They also decide what to add to the local Historic Resources Inventory and work closely with the Planning Commission on proposed development.

Library and Early Education Commission
A pretty large commission, with 15 members, this group reviews, evaluates and makes suggestions to the council about existing or proposed library buildings, programs, services and funding. It also oversees publicly funded services that promote early childhood education, childcare and child development.

Parks and Recreation Commission
Anything related to public open space, parks, recreation centers, community centers, recreation classes and community sports goes before this board. The commission also advises the council on matters related to any of the aforementioned sports, parks and other recreation, as well as monitors voter-approved parks bond spending.

Senior Citizens Commission
This body reviews and makes suggestions to the council on issues that affect the city’s elderly population, such as education, jobs, housing, transportation and recreation.

Youth Commission
The city formed a commission for youth to encourage them to get involved in civic affairs at an early age. Youth members advise the council on parks and recreation issues and organize forums and other public youth outreach events.

For more details, call the City Clerk’s office at 408.535.1260 or email

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