Commissions and Advisory Groups

About Advisory Groups  

View a list of frequently asked questions(PDF, 227KB) related to the Electronic Meetings Policy that went into effect Sept. 1, 2022

The Community Oversight Board is currently accepting applications for a Non-Voting Member vacancy. Click here to apply.

Subscribe to "County Advisory Groups" to receive updates on vacancies. 

Some 50 standing advisory groups provide input to the Arlington County Board on a variety of issues. From time to time, the Board also creates ad hoc committees and task forces for limited terms to focus on projects of immediate concern. At each January organizational meeting, the Board designates a County Board liaison(PDF, 84KB) to each commission.

A number of groups also provide guidance to the County Manager on specific topics. Every meeting of each County advisory group is open to the public.

Arlington County government relies on the hard work of its many civic-minded volunteer commissioners to help it make decisions that benefit our community.  We thank each commissioner for his or her service, and we invite you to apply for appointment to a commission.

Vacancies and Appointments to Advisory Groups

The County Board seeks to reflect Arlington’s diversity by fully partnering with all segments of the community. To receive updates on vacancies, please subscribe to "County Advisory Groups" on the County's subscription service. 

The following commissions currently anticipate or now have vacancies (as of October 20, 2023), and all vacancies are open to all residents unless stated otherwise: 

Citizens Advisory Commission on Housing (HC)
 1 Vacancy

Civil Service Commission
 1 Vacancy

Commission for the Arts 
2 Vacancies

Commission on Aging
5 Vacancies

Commission on the Status of Women
 3 Vacancies

Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee
 4 Vacancies

  • 2 seats for a resident representing the private sector
  • 1 seat appointed from the Tenant Landlord Commission
  • 1 seat for a resident representing low-moderate income interests

Community Oversight Board 
2 Vacancies

  • 1 seat for a voting member
  • 1 seat for a non-voting member

(The applications for the Community Oversight Board are located here.)

Community Services Board
2 Vacancies

Disability Advisory Commission
 4 Vacancies

Economic Development Commission
 1 Vacancy

Forestry and Natural Resources Commission (FNRC)
1 Vacancy

Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB)
1 Vacancy

Human Rights Commission (HRC)
2 Vacancies

Industrial Development Authority
 1 Vacancy

Park and Recreation Commission
2 Vacancies

Planning Commission
 1 Vacancy

Sports Commission
 3 Vacancies

Technology Advisory Commission
 2 Vacancies

Tenant-Landlord Commission
1 Vacancy 

  • 1 seat for a landlord

General information about appointments:

  • The Board makes appointments for specific terms. Terms are staggered so that vacancies occur on a periodic basis.
  • Generally, advisory group appointments are limited to residents of Arlington County, although there are some exceptions.
  • Some groups may require special appointment qualifications as mandated by the Virginia or County Codes (e.g., particular expertise in the subject area.)

Want to get involved?

Groups & Commissions

Membership in all of these groups is voluntary.

* Membership is appointed by the County Manager (vs. County Board).
** The Board of Zoning Appeals is appointed by the Arlington County Circuit Court.

Archived Advisory Groups and Commissions

The following Commissions and Advisory Groups are either no longer active or have completed the scope of their work:

* Membership is appointed by the County Manager (vs. County Board).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Involved

About Groups & Commissions
Visual Overview(JPG, 2MB)

Upcoming Meetings
Apply for Board-Appointed Groups
Apply for Manager-Appointed Groups

Advisory Group Handbook

Learn about advisory groups and how they work in this handbook and accompanying slide presentation.

Meeting Rooms

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