a microphone in focus, with a board room, table and chairs for an audience in the background.

Local governments rely on more than a governing body to carry out the work of the community. In addition to a council, board of selectmen, or commission , municipalities often establish boards, committees, and commissions to address specific responsibilities.

These groups bring additional expertise, public participation, and oversight to areas such as planning, economic development, environmental stewardship, and community services. At the same time, they create structured ways for residents to participate in local government.

Although people sometimes use the terms interchangeably, boards, committees, and commissions usually serve different roles. State law, municipal charters, and local ordinances define their authority. However, many communities organize these bodies in similar ways.

What’s the difference between boards, committees, and commissions?

In local government, boards, committees, and commissions are groups established to focus on specific policy areas or responsibilities.

However, their roles often differ.

  • Boards and commissions often make decisions or apply regulations within their authority.

  • Committees usually study issues and provide recommendations.

Local Government Boards

Local governments often create boards to oversee defined areas of municipal responsibility. A charter, ordinance, or state statute typically establishes each board and outlines its authority.

Depending on the jurisdiction, members may be elected or appointed. In many municipalities, the governing body appoints members and sets their terms.

Boards frequently review applications, interpret local regulations, and make determinations within their jurisdiction.

Common examples include:

  • Planning boards

  • Zoning boards of appeal

  • Harbor management boards

  • Conservation boards

  • Housing or redevelopment boards

Because these boards review recurring applications or regulatory issues, they provide subject-area expertise and continuity over time.

Local Government Committees

Local governments often form committees to study issues, gather information, and develop recommendations.

Committees may include elected officials, staff members, residents, or subject-matter experts. As a result, they often bring broader perspectives to policy discussions.

Depending on how a municipality establishes them, committees may:

  • review proposals before they reach the governing body

  • research policy questions

  • gather public feedback

  • recommend programs or initiatives

Many communities maintain committees such as:

  • budget advisory committees

  • economic development committees

  • sustainability committees

  • human rights committees

Through this work, committees help communities evaluate issues carefully before leaders make policy decisions.

Local Government Commissions

Communities usually create commissions to carry out specialized regulatory or oversight responsibilities. A charter, ordinance, or state law typically establishes each commission and defines its authority.

Most municipalities appoint commission members based on experience, community representation, or interest in the subject area.

Depending on their authority, commissions may:

  • review permit applications

  • hold public hearings

  • issue determinations

  • hear appeals

  • interpret local regulations

Common examples include:

  • planning commissions

  • historic district commissions

  • ethics commissions

  • conservation commissions

In some situations, commissions also exercise quasi-judicial responsibilities, especially when they apply regulations to specific cases or hear appeals.

Quick Comparison: Boards, Committees, and Commissions

Although responsibilities vary by jurisdiction, communities often use these structures in similar ways.

Boards

  • Created by charter, ordinance, or statute

  • Often make regulatory or administrative decisions

  • Frequently review permits, applications, or policy matters

Committees

  • Usually advisory

  • Study issues and develop recommendations

  • Often include elected officials, residents, or subject-matter experts

Commissions

  • Focus on specific regulatory or oversight responsibilities

  • May hold hearings or interpret regulations

  • Sometimes exercise quasi-judicial authority

How Many Boards and Commissions Does a Municipality Typically Have?

The number of boards, committees, and commissions varies depending on the size of the community and the structure established in local law.

However, many municipalities maintain between 10 and 30 active boards and commissions. Larger cities or counties may operate several dozen.

Local governments commonly maintain bodies focused on:

  • planning and zoning

  • conservation and environmental protection

  • historic preservation

  • housing and redevelopment

  • economic development

  • ethics oversight

  • parks and recreation

  • community services

As the number of boards grows, administrative responsibilities also increase. Each body may have its own membership, appointment process, meeting schedule, and reporting requirements.

Board and Commission Appointments and Terms

Most municipalities appoint members to boards, committees, and commissions through processes defined by charter, ordinance, or state law.

Although procedures vary, the process often includes:

  • submitting an application

  • review by staff or a committee

  • appointment by a mayor or governing body

  • confirmation by a council or board

After appointment, members usually serve fixed terms, often ranging from two to five years. Many communities stagger these terms so that only part of the membership changes each year. This structure helps maintain continuity and institutional knowledge.

Communities may also establish requirements related to:

  • residency

  • term limits

  • conflict-of-interest disclosures

  • required trainings or certifications

Because each board or commission may follow different rules, staff must track appointments and term expirations carefully.

Managing Boards, Committees, and Commissions

For clerks and administrative staff, managing board and commission appointments, member terms, and applications can become a significant responsibility.

Staff must track appointments, monitor term expirations, maintain member records, and help residents understand how to participate. In addition, many municipalities manage dozens of boards and commissions, each with its own meeting schedules and reporting requirements.

As a result, many communities choose to centralize board and commission information rather than maintain multiple spreadsheets or paper files.

OnBoardGOV helps local governments keep this information organized in one place. The platform provides a centralized database that manages board, committee, and commission members and terms.

Optional modules also support:

  • volunteer and board applications

  • certifications and trainings

  • attendance tracking

  • meeting management

  • reporting and analytics

With these tools in place, staff maintain clearer records, residents access information more easily, and municipalities reduce the need for scattered spreadsheets.