Leadership is a Partnership: Join a Board or Commission

Published on June 05, 2025

(June 5, 2025) - In Fairfax City, leadership is a partnership: city leaders and staff work with members of the residential and business communities to build city policies, programs, and procedures.

You can be a part of it: consider volunteering your time and expertise on a city or regional board or commission. Join the hundreds of community members – many your friends and neighbors – to help make the city the place you want to live, work, and play in. The commitment for each board varies: some meet quarterly, while others meet monthly, and some only on an as-needed basis.

City resident Ayse Alexander found serving on the Grievance Panel Board personally fulfilling. "It aligns with my existing skills and allows me to give back to my community," she said, adding, "Doing good for others and my community gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Volunteering allows me to collaborate and develop skills that connect my personal beliefs of integrity, service, and community with those core values in my professional life."

Fairfax business owner Mitchell Cho launched a business in the city, then served on the Economic Development Authority to help guide businesses on the path to success. "It's a challenge to compete for new businesses with larger jurisdictions," he said, "but the EDA and Fairfax City Economic Development know who we are."

The city has dozens of permanent boards and commissions that advise the city and the region on a wide range of topics, including: preserving and promoting city history; advising on planning future developments; focusing on housing, homelessness, and health; or helping older adults age safely at home. Check out the full list of city and regional boards and commissions on the city website and apply online today to help the city grow and thrive today and into the future.

The city also establishes boards and commissions to advise on issues based on current community needs, including:

• Fairfax City Parks Foundation — Board directors will help shape the organization's goals and priorities, collaborating with city staff and community partners to identify opportunities for growth, access, and innovation in recreation services. They also will help guide the foundation's mission, advocate for park and facility improvements, and assist in fundraising efforts. Click here for more information.(PDF, 19MB)
• Move Fairfax City — Two residents will serve on the Move Fairfax City steering committee to help guide the development of three new transportation plans: a citywide safety action plan, a citywide pedestrian master plan, and an Old Town Fairfax circulation study. The two at-large members will join members designated from boards and organizations in developing, implementing, and monitoring these plans to make the city's streets safer and more walkable for all users. Click here to visit the Engage page for more information.

Only you can contribute your unique and valuable ideas and perspective. Make your mark on Fairfax City through the important and influential boards and commissions.