Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of West Tisbury’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the town’s wetlands and great ponds, weigh in on historic places, and guide how the town spends and conserves. They are the rooms where an ordinary resident can have a direct hand in a decision.
Most members are appointed by the Select Board and serve fixed terms. The meetings are public, and seats open up regularly.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and zoning bylaw changes.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects West Tisbury’s wetlands, ponds, and open space under the Wetlands Protection Act.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on spending.
- Community Preservation Committee recommends how the town spends its Community Preservation funds on housing, open space, and historic preservation.
- Historic District Commission reviews changes within the town’s historic districts.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see westtisbury-ma.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 by the Select Board.
- Serve: attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your town.
Serving on a board is a hands-on way to shape West Tisbury.