Boards & Commissions

The City of Newport News has over 350 citizens who serve on nearly 45 boards, commissions, and committees. Those boards provide a wide variety of valuable technical, advisory, administrative, and judicial services to the city and its residents. Also included are regional boards and authorities which provide specific administrative direction to service providers on the Peninsula and in Hampton Roads in fields ranging from mental health and medical care, to transportation, education, and recreation.

The Appointment Process

Appointments to the various boards, commissions and committees are made by the Newport News City Council on a quarterly basis. The length of term for committee appointees varies from one to five years.

The City Charter establishes a maximum length of service in that no member of a city board or commission may serve continuously for more than 10 years. Regional boards are in accordance with state law.

To be appointed to a board, commission or committee in Newport News, one must be a resident of Newport News, submit to a background check and be approved by a member of the City Council and approved by a simple majority vote of Council members. Generally, this voting process is accomplished by voice vote. The appointment process is as follows:

1. A citizen expresses an interest in serving on a board, commission, or committee to the City Clerk or a Council member.
2. To have an application mailed or faxed to you or to determine when vacancies occur on boards, commissions, and committees, call the Office of the City Clerk at 757-926-8634.
3. The citizen completes a Board Bank Application online.

Following appointment to a board, commission, or committee, the individual is notified in writing of the appointment, along with the length of term, expiration date, and instructions to take an oath of office, if necessary.