Boards & Commissions

Overview

Serve the City You Love — Apply for a City of Waco Board, Commission, or Committee

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? The City of Waco is regularly accepting applications for volunteers to serve on a variety of boards and commissions. Joining a board or commission is a meaningful way to:

Help guide city planning and decision-making
Share your expertise and perspective
Connect with other engaged residents
Contribute to the future of Waco

We welcome applications from residents of all backgrounds, professions, and experience levels.

Qualifications, Terms & Conditions

The City of Waco Boards, Commissions & Committees code, establishes certain qualifications that must be met by all members. In addition to any special qualification for service on a particular board, a board member must:

Boards or commissions that are mandated by statute do require city residency; however, boards or commissions that are advisory in nature do not require city residency; unless the resolution, ordinance, or other law creating the board requires residency;
Have not been convicted of a felony within the last five years for which he/she has not pardoned;
and have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime or moral turpitude within the last three years for which he/she has not been pardoned;
Have not been removed from a board or commission because of failure to attend meetings within the last three (3) years;
It is the desire and intent that a person serves on only one board at a time, except that this restriction does not apply to ex officio board positions or boards with special or City Council directed functions.

Most members of boards and commissions serve two year terms, with the exception of the Firefighters and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission, Waco-McLennan County Library Advisory Commission, Plan Commission, and the Waco Public Improvement District #1 Advisory Board, which are all three-year terms.

Boards & Commissions Vacancies

Texas Open Government Training

Members of all Council appointed boards/commissions are required by state law to receive training in Texas open government laws.

The Office of the Attorney General offers training courses and course completion certificates in the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act and can be accessed at the Attorney General's website. These certificates must be completed within 90 days of taking office.

List of All Boards & Commissions

Animal Welfare Board

The Animal Welfare Board makes recommendations in connection with the operation of the animal shelter, as well as such other matters as may be requested by the city staff or the city council.

Aviation Advisory Board

The aviation advisory board, is subject to the authority of the council, and reviews and recommends to the city manager and city council through the director of aviation.

Board of Adjustments to the McGregor Airport Zoning Board

To have and exercise the power and authority set forth in Chapter 241, Texas Local Government Code, Municipal and County Zoning Authority Around Airports.

Boards & Commissions Committee

The Board reviews and provides recommendations to City Council about various appointments to Boards and Commissions.

Brazos Higher Education Authority Board of Directors

The Brazos Higher Education Authority Board of Directors is appointed by the City Council to manage the affairs of the Brazos Higher Authority Corporation.

This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the City of Waco Boards and Commissions policy.

Budget & Audit Committee

Oversees the City's budget and audit functions.

Building Inspections Advisory & Appeals Board

The Building Inspections Advisory and Appeals Board hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions, interpretations, or determinations made by the building official or fire marshal and makes recommendations to Council for the improvement and revision of building codes.

Building Standards Commission

This commission serves as a mediation tool between the City of Waco and citizens by hearing appeals and providing final interpretation of the Housing Code.

Cameron Park Zoo Commission

The Zoo Commission acts in an advisory role in providing guidance elated to major issues pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the Zoo.
*Note: No oath, statement, or trainings are required.

Capital Improvements Advisory Committee

The Capital Improvements Advisory Committee under Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 395, advises the City of the need to prepare, revise, and/or update the land use assumptions, capital improvements plan, and impact fee.

City Center Waco Board of Directors

City Center Waco shall serve greater downtown Waco, as such area is determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the City of Waco Boards and Commissions policy. Shown on the roster are only those members appointed by the Waco City Council and not a complete roster of board membership.

City of Waco & Waco ISD Intergovernmental Relations Committee

Formed to collaborate on City of Waco and Waco Independent School related issues.

Shown on the roster are only those members appointed by the Waco City Council.

Civil Service Commission for Fire & Police

The Commission administers Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code (State Civil Service Statue), which includes establishing rules and regulations regarding hiring and dismissal of fire fighters and police officers. Appointed by City Manager and confirmed by Council.

Cooper Foundation Board of Trustees

The City of Waco is one of the beneficiaries of the Cooper Foundation philanthropy, and by virtue of the Foundation’s governing instrument, the City of Waco, along with other benefited organizations, has a role in the selection process of certain Cooper Foundation board members.
This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the City of Waco Boards & Commissions policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (EEO)

To advise the City Council and City Manager on policy matters regarding equal employment opportunity, historically underutilized businesses, and education and training related to these issues.

Greater Waco Sports Commission

The mission of the Greater Waco Sports Commission is to identify and attract new sports events while enhancing and retaining existing events to generate positive economic impact and enhance quality of life.
This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the Boards and Commissions policy. Shown on the roster are only those members appointed by the Waco City Council

Heart of Texas Council of Government Executive Committee

The 17-member Executive Committee oversees HOTCOG operations, approves regional service plans, and guides expenditures under Board policy. Three City of Waco representatives serve on the committee per the Articles of Association. This is not a City of Waco board; only City-appointed members are listed.

Heart of Texas Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors

The board issues single-family and multifamily bond financing to promote the development of housing stock.

Heart of Texas Workforce Region Chief Elected Officials

The chief elected officials appoint members to the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, Inc.

This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the City of Waco Boards and Commissions policy. Shown on the roster are only those members appointed by the Waco City Council and not a complete roster of board membership.

Historic Landmark Preservation Commission

The Commission provides recommendations to the City regarding designated places and areas of historical, cultural, or architectural importance and significance. TLGC CH.211

Housing Authority Commission

The Commission implements the Housing Authorities Law by acquiring, leasing, and operating housing projects. Its responsibilities include constructing, improving, repairing, and managing housing developments, as well as leasing or renting dwellings, land, buildings, and related facilities within housing projects.

McGregor Airport Zoning Board

The Board regulates hazards at McGregor Airport and establishes zoning and land-use requirements within the regulated area. Two members are appointed by the City of Waco, two by the City of McGregor, and one serves as Chair. Only Waco City Council appointees are listed.

McLennan County 911 Emergency Assistance District Board of Managers

The Board of Managers governs the McLennan County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District. Appointed by the county, municipalities, and the Fire Protection Association, members serve staggered two-year terms and manage district operations under state law. This is not a City of Waco board or commission.

McLennan County Appraisal District Board of Directors

As a taxing unit in McLennan County, the City of Waco is entitled to nominate and vote on candidates for the McLennan County Appraisal District (MCAD) Board of Directors.

This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the City of Waco Boards and Commissions policy.

McLennan County Rural Transit Board of Directors

To coordinate and provide public transportation in the service area within McLennan County, Texas.

This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the City of Waco Boards and Commissions policy. Shown on the roster are only those members appointed by the Waco City Council and not a complete roster of board membership.

Parking Authority

The board manages public parking within the area bounded by the Brazos River, I-35 frontage road, S. 3rd Street, and Washington Avenue. Oversight includes city-owned parking lots and garages not under third-party agreements as of September 30, 2022, unless participation is approved in writing.

Parks & Recreation Commission

Provides recommendations to the City Council regarding ordinances, policies, fees and charges related to City parks, programs and events.

Plan Commission

The Commission shall be responsible to and act as an advisory body to the Council and shall have and perform such additional duties as may be prescribed by ordinance.

Public Art Commission

The commission advises City Council on public art goals, policies, and planning, including the Public Artwork Plan and artwork acquisition. It reviews arts program work plans, supports increased public access to local art, and guides the design and use of City arts and cultural facilities.

Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board

The Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board to advise the city council on proven policies and initiatives which promote environmental sustainability and ecological integrity in the City of Waco in the areas of energy usage, material and waste management, air quality, and water quality and conservation.

Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone 1, 3, & 4

The Board provides oversight for the preparation and implementation of the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Project and Financing Plan and reviews, evaluates and recommends projects, designed to facilitate public improvement in designated areas, via the administration of TIF funds pending City Council approval.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum Advisory Board

The Committee works to secure substantial financial or material resources for the development of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Advises Council regarding operation and maintenance of the museum.

Urban Renewal Agency

The City exercises urban renewal project powers through the Urban Renewal Agency. The Agency was created in the public interest and has the rights, powers, functions, and duties of the City under the Texas Local Government Code 374.021.

Veterans Advisory Board

The Veterans Advisory Board was established to better facilitate and coordinate the way veterans are remembered in McLennan County and coordinate services that that are designed to better serve veterans.

Waco Convention Center & Visitors Bureau Commission

The Board makes recommendations to the Waco City Council through the City Manager on major policy decisions pertaining to the overall operation of the Convention and Visitor Services Department and Convention Center. May serve in an advisory capacity to the Director concerning the operation, maintenance, and expenditures of budgeted funds for the Waco Convention Center.

Waco Education Finance Corporation Board of Directors

The City authorized this Corporation to act on its behalf to support educational institutions by financing facilities, housing, and related needs, including issuing securities for student or parent loans under state law. This is not a City of Waco board or commission and is not governed by City boards and commissions policy.

Waco Mammoth Foundation, Inc Board of Directors

The Waco Mammoth Foundation Inc. Board of Directors is involved the development of memberships, grants and fundraising.
This board is not a City of Waco Board or Commission and is not governed by the City of Waco Boards and Commissions policy. Shown on the roster are only those members appointed by the Waco City Council and not a complete roster of board membership.