Town Government
Townsend Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Townsend’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They approve new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the town’s wetlands and open space, weigh in on historic places, and steer the fund that voters created when they adopted the Community Preservation Act. They are the rooms where an ordinary resident can take a hands-on role in a decision.
The meetings are public, and seats open up regularly.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects Townsend’s wetlands, rivers, and open space.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on spending.
- Community Preservation Committee recommends projects for the fund voters created in 2024.
- Board of Health oversees inspections and public health rules.
- Historic District Commission guides changes within the town’s historic districts.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see townsendma.gov.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the town’s boards and committees page.
- Submit a letter of interest or application to the Select Board office.
- Interview if asked, and await appointment.
- Serve: attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your town.