City of Santa Barbara
The City recruits for advisory groups in the spring and fall and accepts applications year-round for future consideration
Serve on a Board or Commission
Local boards and commissions shape public services, housing, transportation, the environment, arts, health and equity throughout Santa Barbara County
Explore public leadership at your own pace.
Choose an Issue
Select one or more areas that match your interests or experience.
Choose a Jurisdiction
Search all locations or focus on the City, County or Carpinteria.
Review Matches
Open only the opportunities you want to compare and pursue.
Start with the jurisdiction that fits you
Open a local government pathway to review example boards and commissions, then confirm current vacancies and eligibility on the official site. Vacancies, deadlines, residency rules and appointment procedures can change, so the official jurisdiction page should always be the final source.
Santa Barbara County
The County maintains a broad directory of boards, commissions and committees with official appointment information
City of Carpinteria
Carpinteria accepts applications throughout the year and lists current advisory-group vacancies through the City Clerk
Choose the public issues that match your experience
Each area connects to a short list of boards and commissions. Choose the issues that match your interests or experience.
Parks & Recreation
Open space, trails, youth programs and public recreation
Housing
Affordability, land use, housing stability and neighborhood development
Education & Youth
Libraries, children, families, schools and youth services
Transportation
Walking, biking, transit, streets and mobility
Environment
Climate, water, air quality, coastlines and natural resources
Public Safety & Health
Behavioral health, emergency care and community safety
Women & Equity
Gender equity, human services, access and representation
Planning & Design
Architecture, zoning, historic resources and community form
Arts & Culture
Public art, cultural programs and community identity
Starting opportunities
These examples connect directly to official government information. Always confirm current vacancies, eligibility, appointment rules and deadlines on the official jurisdiction page.
Parks & Recreation Commission
Advises City Council on parks, recreation, beaches, creeks, plazas, parkways and street trees
Community Development & Human Services Committee
Reviews community-development and human-services needs and funding priorities
Transportation & Circulation Committee
Provides community input on streets, walking, biking, transit and transportation planning
Arts Advisory Committee
Supports public arts goals, programs, cultural access and the placement of public art
Commission for Women
Focuses on the status, needs and concerns of women and girls throughout Santa Barbara County
Behavioral Wellness Commission
Provides public input and oversight related to behavioral-health programs and services
County Riding & Hiking Trails Advisory Committee
Advises on public trails, recreation, access and trail planning
County Planning Commission
Reviews land-use, development, housing and planning matters
Planning Commission
Reviews land-use, development, zoning and coastal-planning matters
Architectural Review Board
Reviews the design and architectural character of proposed projects
Tree Advisory Board
Advises on street trees, tree policy, maintenance and removal requests
Library Advisory Commission
Supports library services, community access and public programming
Planning Commission
Reviews land use and advises the City Council on planning and development
County Library Advisory Committee
Advises on county library services and community needs
Emergency Medical Care Committee
Advises on emergency medical systems, coordination, and service needs
Three things to do before you apply
Confirm Eligibility
Review residency, district, professional and other seat-specific requirements on the official government page
Understand the Role
Read recent agendas, meeting schedules and the board or commission’s formal responsibilities before applying
Explain Your Contribution
Connect your experience, community knowledge and perspective to the public purpose of the body you want to serve
Keep building leadership experience
Public service can be one step in a larger leadership path
Explore candidate preparation, join an SBWPC committee or contact SBWPC when you want help identifying a next step
Public leadership can begin with an appointment.
Serving on a board or commission is a practical way to bring your experience, values and community knowledge into local decision-making.
Bring your experience into public decision-making
Choose an issue, review the official requirements and consider where your perspective can make a difference.