Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Ludlow’s governing happens on resident boards and commissions. They review development, protect wetlands along the Chicopee River, weigh in on historic places, advise Town Meeting on every dollar in the budget, and guide services for seniors and recreation. They are the rooms where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision.
Ludlow is unusual in how many of these boards it elects. The Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Planning Board, Library Trustees, Housing Authority, and Recreation Commission are all chosen on the March town ballot, alongside the Select Board and School Committee. Others, like the Conservation Commission and the Finance Committee, are appointed. Either way, the meetings are public and seats open regularly.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development. Elected; chaired by Raymond Phoenix II.
- Board of Health sets local health rules and oversees inspections. Elected; chaired by Lauren Yelinek.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on every spending article.
- Conservation Commission protects Ludlow’s wetlands, rivers, and open space.
- Historical Commission works to preserve the town’s historic places, the mill district among them.
- Commission on Disability works on equal access across the town.
For the full roster of boards, current members, and schedules, see the town’s elected officials page and the boards listed on the town website.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the town’s board and committee vacancies page.
- Submit a letter of interest to the Select Board office at Town Hall.
- Interview if asked, and await appointment by the Select Board.
- Or run: many Ludlow boards are elected, and nomination papers for the March ballot come from the Town Clerk.
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways to shape Ludlow.