Overview of reform

The Office of the City Clerk developed improvements to manage boards and commissions. City Council approved the reform ordinance in 2022. The ordinance:

• Introduced a tier system for classifying these bodies.
• Set clear criteria and regular reviews for creating new boards.
• Standardized expectations for members.
• Clarified the Mayor’s and City Council’s roles as appointing authorities.
• Defined term lengths and who is eligible to serve.
• Assigned the City Clerk as executive secretary for all boards.
• Unified bylaws and procedural rules.
• Established consistent rules for meetings, including transparency and public access.
• Required annual work plans and reports to align with city goals.

See Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10. - Boards, Commissions and Advisory Bodies

Tier system for boards and commissions

The reform ordinance created a tier system for boards and commissions based on their purpose and responsibilities:

• Tier 1: Independent Bodies
  These groups can make their own decisions based on city or state law.
  
  • Example: Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation
• Tier 2: Decision-Making Bodies
  These have a defined authority given by the City Council, but only in specific policy areas.
  
  • Example: Community Commission on Police Oversight
• Tier 3: Advisory Bodies
  These groups collect information and public input, then give advice to the City Council and Mayor. They don’t have decision-making power.
  
  • Example: Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Tier 4: Work Groups
  These focus on a specific topic for a limited time and give advice. They end when their work is done.
  
  • Example: Safe and Thriving Communities Work Group
• Tier 5: Special Service District Boards
  These advise the City on services and resources in specific commercial areas.
  • Example: 48th & Chicago Advisory Board