Boards & Commissions

Carmel-by-the-Sea City Commissions

Citizen knowledge, interest and participation are vital ingredients to the delivery of top quality public services. Now, more than ever, citizen involvement is playing an important role in local government. The richness that comes from citizens serving in advisory roles to the City Council is one of the things that contributes to making Carmel-by-the-Sea the special place it is.

The City Council has six Boards and Commissions (Community Activities & Cultural, Forest and Beach, Design Review Board, Planning Commission, Historic Resources Board and the Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees) to advise and assist it in dealing with specific projects, policies and issues. Members of these Boards and Commissions are nominated by the Mayor and ratified by a majority vote of the City Council. These appointed bodies play an integral and important role in the City's decision-making process.

The following are their responsibilities:
• Advise the City Council and City Administrator on matters within their area of responsibility and interest, as prescribed by the City Council and its ordinances.

• Help focus attention on specific issues and problems within their scope of responsibilities and recommend actions and alternatives for Council consideration.

• Act as channels of communication and information between City government and the general public.

• Reconcile contradictory viewpoints and provide direction toward achievement of citywide goals and objectives.

• Encourage broad citizen participation in the definition and formulation of City goals and objectives.

• Balance community wants with municipal responsibility and resources.
Being a Commissioner or Board member requires work and commitment, but is a very rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to become intimately aware of the operating policies and problems of municipal government in general and specific departmental units. It offers a means to participate in community affairs, to work with a variety of interesting people, and to help shape City policy.