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Board, Commission, and Committee Volunteer Applications

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Serving on a City of Janesville board, commission, or committee is one of the most effective ways for community members to influence City policies and activities. The 2026 Committee Volunteer Application Process is now open. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, March 8. 

To apply to serve, you may access fillable PDF applications for each board, commission, and committee below. Instructions on submitting the applications are included within the electronic applications. To request a paper application, please contact Assistant to the City Manager Nick Faust at faustn@ci.janesville.wi.us or (608) 755-3103.

Advisory Committee on Appointments 

The Advisory Committee on Appointments recommends qualified residents for appointment to the City’s boards, commissions, and committees. Members review applications, evaluate qualifications, and support a fair appointment process that reflects the needs of the Janesville community. Serving on the ACA is an impactful way to strengthen civic engagement and support effective local governance.

Alcohol License Advisory Committee (ALAC)

ALAC advises the City Council on liquor and related license applications, renewals, and policy matters. Committee members review applications, assess compliance with state and local regulations, and consider public safety, neighborhood impacts, and ordinance criteria. ALAC is ideal for residents who value fairness, thoughtful decision-making, and community involvement.

Board of Review 

The Board of Review is a board of five city residents who annually hold a formal public hearing to review property owners' objections regarding property assessments. The board listens to testimony from the Assessor's Office and the property owner to determine if adjustments to property assessments are appropriate. This role is well-suited for residents who are detail-oriented, comfortable reviewing financial and technical information, and committed to impartial decision-making.

Community Development Authority (CDA)

The Community Development Authority oversees the City’s Rental Assistance Program and guides the use of federal housing and community development funds, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs. CDA members help shape housing improvement initiatives, homeownership programs, and neighborhood redevelopment efforts that support low- and moderate-income residents. The CDA is well-suited for residents with experience or interest in housing, finance, construction, social services, or community development.

Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Board

The Downtown BID Board provides leadership and guidance to support the revitalization and management of the downtown area within the BID boundaries. The nine-member board includes property and business owners from BID zones 1–3, one community-at-large representative, and two non-voting alternates, ensuring broad representation and input.

Historic Commission 

The seven-member citizen commission reviews National Register nominations, promotes awareness of historic preservation, and advises the City Council on construction, alteration, or demolition within historic districts. Commissioners help establish guidelines, develop criteria, and support projects that protect the City’s architectural and cultural heritage. This commission is ideal for residents (or property/business owners in Janesville) with an interest in local history, historic architecture, preservation methods, or community heritage.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees sets policy for the Hedberg Public Library, prepares its budget for City Council approval, and provides oversight for the Library Director. Members help guide programs, services, and strategic planning to meet the needs of the community. This board is ideal for residents with supervisory experience, professional backgrounds in business, finance, legal, nonprofit, education, or IT, or a strong interest in supporting library services.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC)

PRAC advises the Parks and Recreation Division on the planning, development, operation, maintenance, and promotion of the City’s parks, facilities, and programs. Committee members provide input based on community needs, volunteer at events, and help enhance the quality of life through recreation. This committee is ideal for residents who use City parks or programs, are interested in community recreation, and bring experience or enthusiasm in areas like budgeting, marketing, facility management, or serving diverse populations.

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission, established by State Statutes, reviews planning, zoning, and development matters referred by the City Council and prepares the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners help balance community needs, interpret standards and ordinances, and guide the physical development of Janesville. This commission is ideal for residents with experience or interest in planning, architecture, engineering, real estate, business, finance, public administration, or related fields, and for those who can thoughtfully weigh competing community and individual interests.

Police and Fire Commission 

The Police and Fire Commission is a five-member citizen commission responsible for hiring the Police and Fire Chiefs, approving subordinate appointments, and reviewing disciplinary matters. Commissioners provide oversight, apply sound judgment, and ensure fairness and integrity in the City’s public safety leadership. This role is ideal for residents with an understanding of management, human resources, municipal public safety, and strong ethics.

Sustainable Janesville Committee

The Sustainable Janesville Committee advises the City Council and Administration on environmental sustainability issues. Members gather public input, research best practices, evaluate potential initiatives, and provide recommendations to promote sustainable policies and programs. This committee is ideal for residents with experience or interest in sustainability, community engagement, local government, project management, or environmental education.

Zoning Board of Appeals 

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews requests to vary or modify standards in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Members evaluate applications, consider facts and ordinance requirements, and make impartial decisions that support orderly development and the community’s long-term planning goals. This board is ideal for residents with knowledge of municipal government, City codes, or experience in fields such as banking, legal, finance, business, public administration, education, or surveying.