Volunteer for Boards & Commissions

City Boards and Commissions are the underpinnings of our community - they are how the community navigates the daily and weekly decisions that make Riverside run smoothly to become the kind of community we all want. Your Mayor and City Council members encourage your participation. These are voluntary positions and to be eligible a citizen must reside in Riverside and be a registered voter. The terms of office are four years and members may serve as many as two consecutive terms.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to check which City of Riverside Ward you reside in by entering your address in the Ward Look-up search box.

The City Charter now requires each board or commission to have at least one member from each Council Ward. Current vacancies are listed above.

What Happens When You Apply?

When you express an interest by phone or in writing, the City Clerk's Office will forward an application. Applications are taken on an annual basis and vacancies are filled as they become available. The City Clerk's Office will let you know if you qualify and when vacancies will occur on the Board or Commission you are interested in.

How Do I Apply?

Applications may be picked up at the City Clerk's Office, 7th floor of City Hall, 3900 Main Street or by calling 826-5557.  You may also download the application by selecting:

• The General Application.
• If you are interested in applying to the Cultural Heritage Board, please also complete the Supplemental Application.
• If you are interested in applying to the Commission on Disabilities, please also complete the Supplemental Application.
• Riverside Youth Council has a separate application.

Is There A Deadline?

Applications for current vacancies are due December 2, 2011.  Applications are also accepted year-round, except for the Riverside Youth Council which only accepts applications from February 1 through May 1 for membership to commence August of the following school year.

There are current mid-year vacancies for several boards and commissions.  If there are no vacancies this year for the board or commission of your interest, your application will be kept on file for one year for consideration should a mid-year vacancy occur. The various boards and commissions meet at different times, generally once or twice a month.