Boards, Commissions, & Meetings

2026 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE

The community is invited to attend the annual Boards and Commissions Open House, an opportunity to learn about the many volunteer opportunities for boards and commissions that help shape decisions in our community.

Boards and Commissions Open House
Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 5:30 to 7:00 P.M.
Location: Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. - Suite 525

Light refreshments will be provided. Representatives from each board and commission will be on hand to talk about what they do, the time commitment involved, and how to apply.

Quick Links:

Boards and Commissions Application

Boards and Commissions Descriptions

Boards and Commissions Membership Criteria

Serving on a Board or Commission

The City of Richardson’s Boards and Commissions are comprised of dedicated residents who volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to make a difference in the community.

Members serve in an advisory capacity, examining in-depth issues such as park development and planning and zoning, making recommendations to the City Council, and making decisions on variance requests from citizens.

The City has twelve (12) Boards and Commissions which have been established by City Charter, City Council, or State Law. Board members are selected by the City Council.

Board Appointment Process

Applications are accepted online and in the City Secretary’s office and are kept on file for two years. As vacancies occur on the various boards, applications on file are reviewed by the City Council and an interview may be scheduled. Appointments are made at the Council Meetings and applicants will be notified by City Staff.

Submit Application

Membership Guidelines & Procedures

How to Apply

Qualifications

Per the City Charter, all board members must:

Be a qualified voter of the City of Richardson

Be a resident of Texas for at least one (1) year

Be a resident of Richardson for at least (1) year

Hold no elected public office

Not be in arrears in taxes or other liabilities due to the City

View full Board Member Qualifications for more details.

Code of Ethics

All board members must comply with the City’s Code of Ethics, which requires members to:

Remain independent and impartial

Avoid financial interests (direct or indirect) in any contract with the City

Not participate in votes or decisions where a substantial financial interest exists

Additional Requirements (City Plan Commission, Civil Service Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment/Building & Standards Commission):

No City officer or employee may hold a financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or sale involving the City. Violations may result in forfeiture of office or position, and such contracts may be voided by the City Manager or City Council.

Appointment Process

The City Council appoints members to twelve (12) Boards and Commissions established by City Charter, City Council action, or State Law.

Applications are accepted year-round and kept on file for two (2) years.

As vacancies occur, the City Council reviews applications and may schedule interviews.

Appointments are made during Council meetings, and selected applicants are notified by City staff.

Additional Qualifications

Evaluation Criteria

As City Council evaluates applicants, value will be placed on the following categories, as well as a selection from a diverse range of demographics representing all areas of the City.

Category	Description
Leadership Program Participation	Participation in City or regional leadership programs that develop awareness of community issues and civic engagement. Examples: Citizens Academy (CARES), Leadership Richardson, Citizens Fire or Police Academies, etc.
Community Leadership & Involvement	Service on nonprofit boards, neighborhood associations, or community organizations demonstrating commitment to servant leadership.
Professional Experience Relevant to the Board	Applicant’s work experience aligns with the focus of the board or commission, enhancing their potential contribution.
Application Quality & Motivation	Applicant’s responses show thoughtfulness, understanding of board purpose, and a compelling reason for interest in serving.
Additional Value or Unique Contribution	Additional value or unique contribution an applicant may bring to the board. May include specialized skills, unique perspectives, or exceptional community service.

Boards and Commissions Descriptions

Animal Services Advisory Commission

This commission assists the Animal Services Division in complying with requirements of applicable state and local laws by submitting recommendations to the Animal Services Division.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee provides recommendations on bicycle and pedestrian plans, policies, programs and projects to achieve the goals of the City’s

Active Transportation Plan (ATP)

Building and Standards Commission

The Building and Standards Commission has the powers and duties to consider and assess occupancy load of a structure or vacate a structure that is reasonably dangerous to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants.

City Council

The Council is also responsible for passing City ordinances, planning for capital improvements, establishing City departments, determining City services, approving the annual budget, and setting the City’s tax rate.

City Plan Commission

The City Plan Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council in making recommendations relative to land use, public improvements, thoroughfare improvements, and planning issues.

Civil Service Board

The Civil Service Board oversees the Civil Service System of the City of Richardson, which governs the personnel processes for all Civil Service employees of the City in all departments.

Community Inclusion and Engagement Commission

The Community Inclusion and Engagement Commission is representative of Richardson’s diverse community and acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council.

Cultural Arts Commission

Acts as an advisory board recommending funds to support and promote cultural/arts organizations.

Library Board

Acts as an advisory board to the Richardson City Council in all matters pertaining to the public library.

North Texas Municipal Water District Board

The primary mission of the District is to meet the various needs of the member and customer cities, whether that is the need for drinking water, solid waste disposal or wastewater treatment.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council by recommending priorities or projects to be considered for development of Park and Recreation areas.

Sign Control Board

The Sign Control Board makes recommendations to the City Council for variances to the City’s Sign Code.

Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment

Makes recommendations to the City Council concerning development within the City’s three TIF zones.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) considers requests for variances to the City zoning and fence ordinances.

Richardson, TX

Events

Boards, Commissions, & Meetings

Quick Links:

Serving on a Board or Commission

Board Appointment Process

Membership Guidelines & Procedures

Boards and Commissions Descriptions