- Government
- Boards & Commissions
Boards & Commissions
How do I get involved in my community?
Serving on a board or commission is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community. The City of Watertown has a number of boards, commissions, and committees of appointed volunteers who assist the City Council and City Administration. By providing advice and direction on a variety of issues, these boards and commissions are vital to the operations and future of this community. The public is strongly encouraged to attend and participate in these public meetings or to serve as a board member or commissioner.
How do I apply for a Board or Commission?
Step 1. Find a Board, Commission, or Committee that Interests You
Look through the list of boards, commissions, and committees on the City’s website and find out what each body does and when they meet. Learn more by attending a meeting, reading minutes, and/or watching a cable TV recording (links available on each Board’s page). Consider your own interests and skills and whether you are passionate about this policy area.
All boards and commissions seek members who are enthusiastic and interested; some boards and commissions require special expertise or qualifications. All positions require a time commitment for meetings and preparation, and many are working committees that take on other initiatives during the year. The City publicly posts vacancies as well as positions that reach a term expiration, which is a continuous process across the calendar year (Ordinance 2007-046).
Step 2. Submit an Application
Interested applicants are encouraged to fill out an online application (or email a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or send it by mail to the City Manager's Office: 149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472). While you can apply for multiple positions, we encourage you to focus on one or perhaps a few boards that hold the most interest. Upon submission of an application, candidates will receive acknowledgement of their application.
The City Manager reviews applications to the Bio Safety Committee, Election Commission, and Resident Advisory Committee. The Library Trustees and School Committees are elected. The Resident Advisory Committee, which is an advisory body that assists the City Manager with recruitment and evaluation of candidates, reviews applications for all other boards, commissions, and committees.
Step 3. Qualifications and Interviews
Based on the review of applications, the Resident Advisory Committee interviews qualified candidates, and makes recommendations to the City Manager. Criteria considered include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Passion, desire, and commitment to perform public service
- Willingness to devote time and effort to the work of the board, commission, or committee
- Interest in the functions and responsibilities of the board, commission, or committee under consideration, as well as relevant City policies
- Specific expertise or criteria required for the specific board, commission, or committee
- Existing board composition and representation
Step 4. Follow Up
For some boards, commissions, and committees, the City Manager appoints members directly, and for others, the City Manager makes recommendations to the City Council. Additional interviews may be scheduled at each of these steps.
Candidates will be notified by email and/or letter if they are approved by the City Manager or by the City Council, depending on the position. Candidates that are not selected for appointment will receive a letter from the City Manager’s office encouraging them to consider other ways to be involved.
Need assistance or your questions answered?
We are happy to assist you. Please email or call us at the City Manager's Office at 617-972-6465.