Help Make Saint Paul Better

Residents have the opportunity to serve on over 30 boards and commissions. We value the contributions of residents and stakeholders in our decisions. We're committed to identifying and recruiting the best candidates to serve our community. 

How committees, boards, and commissions make a difference:

  • Mayor and City Council use their guidance to create policies and develop programs.
  • Committees cover a wide range of topics. These include public safety, education, housing, economic development, and more.
  • We seek applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We want our committees to represent the diverse communities of Saint Paul.

How to Apply

  • View a list of committees, boards, and commissions and apply here.
  • You'll receive an email or a phone call to confirm that we've received your application.
  • If you meet the requirements, City staff may contact you for active consideration. This may involve an interview.
  • Once recommended by the Mayor, the City Council will consider your application.
  • Once approved by the City Council, you'll begin serving the City of Saint Paul.

What to Know Before You Apply

  • We encourage you to ask your City Councilmember for support when applying to serve.
  • We accept applications on a rolling basis. Most groups consider new applications as openings become available.
  • Committees generally appoint new members when current members have reached term limits or resign.
  • If another person fills the role you applied to, your application will remain in the pool for the next opening.
  • Committees vary in time commitment and requirements for serving. These requirements are set forth in most cases by state statute, City ordinance, or Executive Order. 

Apply to Serve on a Committee, Board, or Commission

Committees, Boards, and Commissions by Topic

Teenagers wearing matching "Songs of Hope" shirts perform outdoors in front of a Saint Paul apartment building.

Arts and Culture

Our City is home to a wealth of arts and cultural opportunities. Help sustain and enrich our arts community.

  • Cultural STAR Board: Strengthen the arts and culture in Saint Paul by helping decide how to award City grants.
  • SPNN Board: Support SPNN, a public access network and technology center for Saint Paul.
  • RiverCentre Convention and Visitors Authority: Help the City maintain and operate the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
    • To learn more or apply, call 651-265-4866.
Payne Ave Businesses

Business

Share your business and commercial expertise. Help us stregnthen our local economy, and develop a robust workforce.

Councilmember Anika Bowie, Mayor Melvin Carter, developers and community members cut a ribbon at the Twelve 22 Apartments on University Avenue.

City Planning

Shape local development in Saint Paul. Make your voice heard as community member in developing for the public good.

Hidden Falls and Mississippi River

Climate and Environment

Advise elected officials on just and sustainable climate action. Help our City develop policies that will keep us resilient.

Wabasha Bridge with Pride Flags looking downtown

Government

Support the work of public servants in Saint Paul and the surrounding area. 

Two young girls in a green field

Health and Wellbeing

Contribute your time and expertise to creating a healthy Saint Paul. Advise the City on nutrition, fitness, and more.

Landmark center

History

Help steward our City's history for generations to come.

Red row house on a residential street with front yard and trees.

Housing

Help us create vibrant and diverse communities. Work on equitable housing policies in Saint Paul.

Employees in a restaurant kitchen work grilling bread and preparing a salad.

Human Rights

Work with the City to advocate for the rights of every person in Saint Paul.

Historic Highland Park Water Tower.

Utilities

Take an active role in overseeing Saint Paul's public utilities.

Last Edited: April 18, 2025