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.

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, 142KB) 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.

The following commissions currently anticipate or now have vacancies (as of May 19, 2023), and all vacancies are open to all residents unless stated otherwise:

Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth & Families (APCYF)
2 Vacancies 

Citizens Advisory Commission on Housing (HC)
2 Vacancies

Civil Service Commission
1 Vacancy

Climate Change, Energy and Environment Commission (C2E2)
3 Vacancies

Commission for the Arts 
1 Vacancy 

Commission on the Status of Women
5 Vacancies

Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee
3 Vacancies

  • 1 seat 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
1 Vacancy, non-voting seat

Community Services Board
1 Vacancy

Disability Advisory Commission
3 Vacancies

Economic Development Commission
1 Vacancy

Forestry and Natural Resources Commission
1 Vacancy

Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB)
2 Vacancies

Human Rights Commission (HRC)
1 Vacancy

Industrial Development Authority
1 Vacancy

Park and Recreation Commission
1 Vacancy

Planning Commission
2 Vacancies

Sports Commission
4 Vacancies

Technology Advisory Commission
2 Vacancies

Tenant-Landlord Commission
1 Vacancy, reserved for a resident who is 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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