View the Brockton HandbookCity Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the mayor and the City Council, a lot of Brockton’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They approve new development, hear zoning appeals, protect wetlands, license businesses, and advance civil rights, and they are where an ordinary resident has the most direct hand in a city decision.
Most members are appointed by the mayor, often subject to Council confirmation, and serve fixed terms. Meetings are public, posted in advance, and many boards have open seats waiting to be filled.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board: reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development.
- Zoning Board of Appeals: hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission: protects wetlands and open space, including D.W. Field Park and the ponds along Salisbury Brook.
- License Commission: regulates liquor, entertainment, and other licenses.
- Commission on Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: advances civil rights and inclusion, led by Diversity and Inclusion Manager Yulanda Kiner.
- Brockton Redevelopment Authority: leads downtown and neighborhood redevelopment.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see brockton.ma.us.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the city’s boards and commissions listings.
- Send a letter of interest or application to the mayor’s office.
- Interview if asked, and await appointment; some seats need Council confirmation.
- Serve. Attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your city.
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways to shape Brockton.