Interested in joining a board or commission? These groups include residents who advise and serve the City as volunteers. Commissioners and Board Members are expected to attend meetings and associated events, fulfill designated responsibilities, and abide by all rules and regulations. The typical time commitment is roughly 10 hours per month, depending on the operations of the board or commission. Submit the form below to express interest in volunteering on one of the following boards or commissions. 

Planning and Zoning Board: Conducts public hearings on petitions from the public for variations, conditional uses, and development proposals that require relief under the City of Des Plaines Zoning, Subdivision and Sign Codes. They meet twice per month and hold occasional special meetings and workshops for public input regarding proposed developments. There are seven commissioners appointed by the mayor. Read about term lengths here.

City of Des Plaines Youth Commission (DPYC): Actively engages local youth through the development of city-wide programming and events. They meet once per month and often hold events that require commissioner planning and participation. There are nine commissioners appointed by the mayor, and terms are four years.

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (BFPC): Responsible for the selection and appointment of eligible candidates for the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic and Police officer. They establish eligibility lists and promotions of personnel to the ranks of Fire Lieutenant and Police Sergeant. BFPC may also conduct hearings for the consideration of suspension, demotion, and/or discharge of sworn fire and police personnel. BFPC is established through the Illinois State Statutes and the Des Plaines Municipal Code. Three commissioners are appointed by the Mayor for three-year terms. They meet once every other month and hold several special meetings every year.

Police Pension Board: Responsible for administration of the Pension Fund, confirming the annual tax levy, following Department of Insurance regulations, and dispersing benefits according to the Pension Code; conduct and participate in pension disability hearings; act as a fiduciary of the Fund; attend Pension Board Meetings which are scheduled quarterly, but special meetings may be called as needed, approximately 4-6 meeting per year; complete required annual trustee training. The Board contains five total members (two active, one retired, and two appointees), and terms are two years.

Fire Pension Board: Responsible for administration of the Pension Fund, confirming the annual tax levy, following Department of Insurance regulations, and dispersing benefits according to the Pension Code; conduct and participate in pension disability hearings; act as a fiduciary of the Fund; attend Pension Board Meetings which are scheduled quarterly, but special meetings may be called as needed, approximately 4-6 meeting per year; complete required annual trustee training. The Board contains five total members (two active, one retired, and two appointees). Terms are three years and until successor takes office.

Des Plaines Public Library Board: Sets policies and procedures to ensure that the library is fiscally responsible and responsive to patron needs. They meet monthly and hold occasional special meetings. This board has nine members appointed by the mayor, and terms are three years.