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Advisory Groups & Commissions

About Advisory Groups

Some 50 standing advisory groups provide input to the Arlington County Board  on a variety of issues. From time to time, the Board also creates ad hoc committees and task forces for limited terms to focus on projects of immediate concern. At every January Organizational meeting, the Board designates a County Board liaison to each commission.

A number of groups also provide guidance to the County Manager on specific topics. Every meeting of each County advisory group is open to the public.

Arlington County government relies on the hard work of its many civic-minded volunteer commissioners to help it make decisions that benefit our community.  We thank each commissioner for his or her service, and we invite you to apply for appointment to a commission.

Appointments to Advisory Groups

The County Board seeks to reflect Arlington’s diversity by fully partnering with all segments of the community.

The following commissions currently anticipate or now have vacancies (as of February 2020):

  • Aquatics Committee
  • Civil Service Commission
  • Commission for the Arts
  • Commission on Aging
  • Disability Advisory Commission
  • Economic Development Commission
  • Emergency Preparedness Advisory Commission
  • Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission
  • Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board
  • Information Technology Advisory Commission
  • Joint Facilities Advisory Commission
  • Park and Recreation Commission
  • Partnership for Children, Youth and Families
  • Planning Commission
  • Status of Women
  • Transportation Commission

General information about appointments:

  • The Board makes appointments for specific terms. Terms are staggered so that vacancies occur on a periodic basis.
  • Generally, advisory group appointments are limited to residents of Arlington County, although there are some exceptions.
  • Some groups may require special appointment qualifications as mandated by the Virginia or County Codes (e.g., particular expertise in the subject area.)

Want to get involved?

Groups & Commissions

Membership in all of these groups is voluntary.

* Membership is appointed by the County Manager (vs. County Board).
** The Board of Zoning Appeals is appointed by the Arlington County Circuit Court.

Archived Advisory Groups and Commissions

The following Commissions and Advisory Groups are either no longer active or have completed the scope of their work: