by: Barbara Archer, City of Davis
The City of Davis announced today that applications are being accepted until Sept. 12 from Davis residents (18 years of age and older) to serve on one of the following City Commissions:
- Climate and Environmental Justice
- Fiscal
- Open Space and Habitat
- Police Accountability
- Senior Citizen
- Transportation
Commissions have a critical role in the community and serve at the direction of the City Council. Commissions study issues within their scope of authority, analyze and recommend policies and programs and serve as public forums to hear resident interests and perspectives.
“The input and recommendations provided by commissions are invaluable,” said Mayor Bapu Vaitla. We look to the expertise and dedication of our commissioners to advise the Council on important City projects and initiatives.”
The application deadlineisSeptember 12, 2025. Applications are tentatively scheduled to be submitted to City Council for appointment at a public meeting in October. For an application, visit: https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/city-clerk/apply-to-serve-on-a-city-commission. Applications may be submitted via mail to the City Clerk’s Office at: City Hall (23 Russell Blvd., Suite 1, Davis, CA, 95616), via the drop box located in the City Hall parking lot or via email to: ClerkWeb@cityofdavis.org. All applications and accompanying documents are considered public information and may be disclosed or released pursuant to the California Public Records Act. In addition to the application form, commission applicants may be asked to participate in a 15-minute interview via Zoom with the City Council Subcommittee and City staff.
For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 530-757-5648 or visit the City of Davis website at:https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/commissions-and-committees.
COMMISSION INFORMATION:
Climate and Environmental Justice Commission
- Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 6 p.m.
- Serve as the lead commission on implementation efforts of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan; excludes transportation aspects assigned to the Transportation Commission. Review and make recommendations pertaining to measures to reduce greenhouse gas and address adaptation needs.
- Identify policies to address the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities from natural and climate change-induced hazards such as extreme heat, air pollution, drought, and flooding.
- Advise on the preservation, management and enhancement of the city’s natural resources including air, soil, urban forest, and water (and its byproducts); excludes habitat and wildlife matters assigned to the Open Space & Habitat Commission.
- Review and make programmatic recommendations relating to maintaining the city’s water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste utilities. Review and make recommendations regarding environmental policies and regulatory compliance matters.
- Serve as the lead commission on implementation efforts of the Urban Forest Management Plan. Advise on the management of the city’s urban forest. Review and make recommendations regarding Landmark Tree designations
Fiscal Commission
- Meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.
- Provide accountability and transparency in spending tax-payer dollars. Review spending outlined in the City budget for appropriateness and alignment with Council goals and priorities. Consider potential cost saving measures and revenue generators.
- Review and make recommendations on City rates, fees, and charges for all funds including annual or multi-year adjustments to the City’s utility rates.
- Review and provide recommendations on financial policies. Review and provide recommendations on financial impacts of projects at the request of City Council.
Open Space and Habitat Commission
- Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
- Advise on matters related to wildlife, wildlife habitat, habitat restoration, public access in open space and trail connectivity between open space areas.
- Review and make recommendations on the spending of funds dedicated to maintaining existing open space and acquiring new open space and conservation easements.
- Advise on the City’s agricultural mitigation and agricultural buffer requirements, possible acquisitions of new open space and/or conservation easements and the policies related to such acquisitions.
- Serve as lead commission on implementation efforts of the Open Space 2030 Strategic Plan for the Open Space Program and subsequent plan development.
Police Accountability Commission
- Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
- Work with Independent Police Auditor on matters related to police accountability, including specialized audits of police department policies.
- Receive Independent Police Auditor reports on completed citizen complaint investigations. Annually evaluate Independent Police Auditor’s work with the commission.
- Review and make recommendations on Police Department Policies, Procedures, and Training.
- Serve as the lead commission regarding the City’s community engagement component for police accountability.
Senior Citizen Commission
- Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.
- Review and make recommendations related to City policies and programs affecting seniors.
- Support city forums, activities and public outreach events related to senior services.
Transportation Commission
- Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 6 p.m.
- Advise on transportation programs, policies, projects and planning efforts for all modes, including active transportation (bicycle, pedestrian, scooters, etc.), transit (Unitrans, Yolobus, etc.) and vehicular.
- Serve as the lead commission on implementation of transportation aspects of the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan.
- Hold a public meeting once a year to review any proposed Unitrans route, schedule and fare changes.
