Commissions

Serving on a commission is a great way to provide input and discuss important issues with your fellow residents.

Have you always wanted to get involved in city government? Would you like to provide valuable input on important issues affecting Brooklyn Park? Do you feel a need to give back to your community? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider applying for a seat on a Brooklyn Park city commission!

Click here to view the Monthly Commission Update (PDF)

Commissions in Brooklyn Park

With the exception of the Charter Commission, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to serve on a commission.  Click on any of the commissions listed below to learn more about them. 

• Learn about the Budget Advisory Commission
• Learn about the Charter Commission
• Learn about the Community Long-range Improvement Commission
• Learn about the Human Rights Commission
• Learn about the Planning Commission
• Learn about the Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission
• Learn about the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission
• Learn about the West Mississippi and Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission

Other committees in Brooklyn Park 

Click on any of the committees below to learn more about them and how to get involved. 

• Learn about the Business Forward Advisory Board
• Learn about the METRO Blue Line Extension Business Advisory Committee
• Learn about the METRO Blue Line Extension Community Advisory Committee
• Learn about the Community Advisory Team
• Learn about the Multicultural Advisory Committee

Current Openings 

Community Long-range Improvement Commission – City At-large (One opening)
(Meets 6 p.m. 2nd Thurs of the month)
Applications due by June 15, 2023

Community Long-range Improvement Commission – West District (One opening)
(Meets 6 p.m. 2nd Thurs of the month)
Applications due by June 15, 2023

Emerging Leader Commission Opportunities:
(Ages 18-24, One-year terms, City At-large, Use Emerging Leader application)
Budget Advisory Commission
Human Rights Commission
Planning Commission
Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission

Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission Youth Liaisons:
(Ages 14-17, One-year terms, City At-large, Use Youth Liaison application)

View the online and pdf application below.

Apply for a Commission

Applications for all commissions are always welcome! Commission applications are kept on file for one year. As openings occur, applicants are notified of openings and invited to participate in the commission interview process.

To apply, fill out either the PDF version of the application, or complete the online application form. NOTE: the Charter Commission has a separate application form than the other commissions.

Download the Charter Commission application here (PDF) >
Download the general commission application here (PDF) >

Emerging Leaders

The Emerging Leader is a one-year commission opportunity for those between 18 and 24 years of age.

Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission Youth Liaison

The Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission Youth Liaison is a one-year commission opportunity for those between 14 and 17 years of age.

Selection process

The City Council appoints the commissioners, except for the Charter Commissioners, which are appointed by the Chief Judge of Hennepin County District Court.

Your role and duties as a Brooklyn Park commissioner

The purpose of City of Brooklyn Park Commissions is to give residents the opportunity to give their opinions and recommendations on the work of city government. The boards also serve as advisory groups for the City Council.

Boards and Commissions are expected to support the City Council and serve at the discretion of council members. It is important that every commissioner read your particular board or commissions’ bylaws at the beginning of your term.

View the Commissions Guidebook (PDF) >

Your duties as a commissioner are to:

• Investigate matters within the scope of the particular commission you are part of or as directed by the Council.
• Advise the Council by communicating the viewpoint or advice of the Commission
• Hold hearings, receive evidence, conduct investigations and make recommendations to the Council about the matters within your commission’s scope.
• Attend scheduled meetings or let the staff liaison know if you will be absent.
• Prepare in advance of meetings (e.g. read agenda packet carefully prior to the meeting) and be familiar with issues on the agenda.
• Be considerate of fellow members, their opinions and be respectful of other people’s time

Commissioners should not:

• Direct the work of city staff.
• Speak for the commission unless authorized by your fellow commission members or by the City Council
• Take responsibility for financial performance of any city facility or program.

All commissions operate in an advisory role to the City Council.

2022 Commissioners Survey

Brooklyn Park 2025 community goal 6b is “Elected officials, commissions, and City staff reflect the diversity of the community and are culturally competent.” To measure this goal, the city conducts a voluntary biannual survey.

Other volunteer opportunities