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Public Boards, Committees, & Commissions Index
Washtenaw County has hundreds of volunteers serving on more than 2 dozen advisory bodies. The central goal of our boards and commissions is to engage with community members and topic area experts to advise Washtenaw County leadership on policies and programs that impact residents who reside and work in Washtenaw County.
To learn more about the various advisory bodies that members of the public are eligible to serve on, click below for brief descriptions and links to more information.
In addition to these bodies, county leadership, staff serve on a variety of other Boards, Committees, Councils, and Commissions. To learn more about this work, click here.
Purpose
Established by Board resolution on February 15, 2023, the purpose of the Advisory Council on Reparations is to outline the specific ways that County policies and practices have historically and continually harmed the lives of Black people and to develop recommendations for the Board of Commissioners in the form of a Washtenaw Reparations Plan. The plan will include recommendations around specific actions to address redress in the sectors of homeownership and access to other quality affordable housing, increasing business ownership and career opportunities, strategies to grow financial equity and generational wealth, closing the gaps in health care, education, employment and pay, neighborhood safety and fairness within criminal justice.
More information on the Advisory Council on Reparations can be found here.
ALPAC helps review nominations for natural areas with active farmland. It is the goal of the Committee to preserve Washtenaw County's farming economy by identifying parcels of land that, through permanent preservation will contribute to: preservation of working farms, particularly those including prime and unique soils; preservation of working farms that support the ecological integrity of wildlife habitat or important natural habitats; complement the existing network of publicly and privately preserved lands; and maximize the public benefit.
Membership consists of 3 representatives engaged in agricultural production or operating agricultural businesses, 1 representative from the Planning Advisory Board, 1 real estate development interests representative, 1 representative of environmental/conservation groups or natural resource professional, and 1 County BOC member serving on the Planning Advisory Board or a general public member.
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B helps people access the services and programs they need to remain living independently and with dignity in their own home or with family caregivers. The AAA 1-B provides direct care programs for seniors, along with funding and support for many programs provided by community partner organizations. Membership consists of one BOC representative and member of the general public representing older adults in the county.
The Board of County Canvassers conducts all recounts of elections in cities, townships, villages, school districts or any other districts and is vested with all the powers required to perform all duties in connection with any recount. Members of the Board of Canvassers must be qualified electors of the County and may not be an elected public official, nor a candidate for elected public office.
The Washtenaw County Board of Health works to identify public health problems and concerns in the community, establish health priorities and advise the Board of Commissioners and Health Department on issues and possible solutions. Membership consists of 11 members appointed by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, of which two are current BOC members serving as liaisons.
The Washtenaw County Board of Public Works addresses issues dealing with water, wastewater, solid waste, and lake level improvements. The Board of Public Works consists of six appointed members, the Water Resources Commissioner, and a Board of Commissioners liaison.
The Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority facilitates the implementation of plans relating to the identification and remediation of environmentally distressed areas and to promote site revitalization in Washtenaw County. The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority consists of eight members appointed by the Board of Commissioners and a BOC liaison.
Per Michigan Compiled Law, "a county, city, village, or township may incorporate, as provided in this act, 1 or more authorities for the purpose of acquiring, furnishing, equipping, owning, improving, enlarging, operating and maintaining a building or buildings, automobile parking lots or structures, transit-oriented developments, transit-oriented facilities, recreational facilities, stadiums, and the necessary site or sites therefore, together with appurtenant properties and facilities necessary or convenient for the effective use of the facilities, for use for any legitimate public purpose of the county, city, village, or township." Building Authority membership consists of the County Administrator, County Treasurer, and three members appointed by the Board of Commissioners: a Legal representative, an Architecture representative, and a Financial representative.
Per Michigan Compiled Law, "a Construction Board of Appeals for each governmental subdivision enforcing this act shall be created consisting of not less than three, nor more than seven members as determined by the governing body of the governmental subdivision. Unless otherwise provided by local law or ordinance, the members of the Board of Appeals shall be appointed for two year terms by the Chief Executive Officer of a City, Village, or Township and the Chair of the Board of Commissioners of a County. A member of the Board of Appeals should be qualified by experience or training to perform the duties of members of the Board of Appeals. A person may serve on the Board of Appeals of more than one governmental subdivision." Membership consists of two Building representatives, one Plumbing representative, one Electrical representative, one Engineer representative, and one Mechanical representative.
The Coalition for Action on Remediation of Dioxane (CARD) is a partnership of local governments and citizens that look at strategies to address the groundwater contamination from the industrial solvent 1,4-dioxane, released by Gelman Sciences, Inc.
The Washtenaw County Commission on Aging advises the Board of Commissioners on the needs of older Washtenaw County residents and needed actions and strategies to support their quality of life. The Commission on Aging consists of 13 members comprised of one representative from each BOC district, three at-large representatives, and one BOC member.
The Community Action Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Commissioners and the Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED), which is the Community Action Agency for Washtenaw County, on matters pertaining to the causes and consequences of poverty. In addition, CAB acts as an advocate for low-income citizens in prompting institutional and community changes which remove barriers to self-sufficiency. Membership consists of 6 members representing the consumer (low-income) sector, 5 members from the private sector, and 5 members from the public sector.
The Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (CMH) Board advises the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, supports the work of the Washtenaw County CMH Agency, and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance advice to the CMH Director and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Membership consists of 12 members appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is comprised of two BOC representatives, community members, at least 2 primary consumers, and at least 2 secondary consumers.
The CJCC works to develop multi-disciplinary strategies to maximize efficiency, effectiveness, fairness, and cooperative efforts of criminal justice agencies by developing plans, programs, and positions on concerns which have multi-disciplinary Criminal Justice System application, have a positive impact on crime, are innovative, or are intergovernmental in scope. The CJCC is comprised of 20 elected and appointed leaders in criminal justice and 4 appointed members from the community.
The Washtenaw County EMS Commission serves as an advisory body to the Board of Commissioners on all EMS matters. The Commission conducts public hearings relating to EMS matters when deemed necessary; promulgates and administrates regulations pursuant to Washtenaw County's EMS standards; plans, monitors, and evaluates the TMS system in concert with the Washtenaw-Livingston Medical Control Authority Board; and plans, monitors, and evaluates the pre-hospital aspects of the Washtenaw County Emergency Action Guidelines. The Commission is comprised of 4 consumer representatives, 1 alternate consumer representative, 2 BOC representatives, the EMS Medical Director, the Public Health Officer, the CMS Contractor President, the EMS Education Manager, the Red Cross Executive Director, 3 Criminal Justice Association representatives, 3 Mutual Aid Association representatives, 1 Michigan Township Association representative, 1 Ann Arbor Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, 1 University Hospital Executive, and 1 St. Joseph Hospital Executive.
The ETDB is the governing body created by the Board of Commissioners with authority over an emergency telephone district as prescribed. The ETDB is staffed by the Emergency Services Division on a cost recovery basis. Membership consists of the Washtenaw County Sheriff, a representative from Michigan State Police, two BOC members, and local municipality representatives.
The Environmental Council's mission is to create a vibrant, sustainable, net-zero Washtenaw County through developing environmental policy and organizational recommendations for Washtenaw County government in order to achieve net-zero emissions for County operations by 2030; protect and improve the County's air, land, water, food network, and both mental and public health as related to the environment; and address and counter environmental and intergenerational injustice. The Environmental Council is comprised of 13-15 members appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
The Washtenaw County Historic District Commission (WCHDC) was created in 1974 and currently oversees fifteen Local Historic Districts. Its mission is to protect the historic buildings, sites, objects, and landscapes of Washtenaw County and to promote a culture of historic preservation. Membership is comprised of 7 members representing the general public, 1 member representing architecture, and 1 member as an attorney.
The Washtenaw County Homeland Security Task Force was created by the Board of Commissioners to coordinate all county homeland security activities with federal, state, and local governments; assess terrorism risks, response capabilities and needed improvements; develop community guidance and emergency response procedures; and recommend to the Board of Commissioners about utilization of federal and state homeland security grant funds.
The Huron River Watershed Council promotes holistic watershed management to protect and restore the ecological integrity of the Huron River, its tributary streams, lakes, wetland, groundwater and surrounding landscape. The Huron River watershed spans a land area of more than 900 square miles and drains water to the Huron River through hundreds of tributary creeks and streams. Established in accordance with Michigan law in 1964, the Council consists of local governments which represent areas located completely or partially within the Huron River watershed. The Board of Commissioners appoints four (4) individuals to represent Washtenaw County on the HRWC.
Click here to learn more.
The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority oversees the Metroparks, a regional special park district encompassing Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Located primarily along the Huron and Clinton Rivers, the Metroparks represent a greenbelt encompassing the Detroit metropolitan area and provide a natural oasis for more than 7 million visitors each year. The HCMA was sanctioned by the Michigan State Legislature in Act No.147 of the Public Acts of 1939 and was approved in 1940 by the residents of the five counties. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners appoints one (1) representative to the Authority for a term of six (6) years.
Click here to visit the Metroparks website and learn more.
The Jury Board consists of three qualified electors (one Democrat, one Republican, and one General member) appointed for six year terms, elected by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners on the recommendation of the circuit judges of the judicial court.
Industries or agricultural sites that use, produce, or store a certain amount of extremely hazardous substances are required by law to plan for emergencies. LEPCs ensure that this law is enforced. Each LEPC shall include at a minimum elected state, elected local, law enforcement, fire fighting, first aid, health, civil defense, local environmental, hospital, transportation, broadcast and print media, community groups, owners and operators of facilities subject to the requirements under this Act.
The Natural Areas Technical Advisory Committee is comprised of County residents with expertise in land trust/conservation, wildlife management, environmental education, real estate/development, land use planning, botany/forestry, and fisheries/aquatic ecology. NATAC's major objectives are: recommend properties for acquisition, provide technical information relevant to management and long-term protection of potential acquisitions, and suggest opportunities to collaborate with local, state, and federal government agencies and non-government organizations as appropriate.
The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission advises the department on the acquisition, development, funding, and programming of the parks and recreation system throughout the County. The Commission also encourages public support of the County's parks and recreation activities, events, programs, and facilities. Membership consists of six general public members, two BOC representatives, one Road Commission representative, and the Drain Commissioner.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission is governed by a five-member Washtenaw County Board of County Road Commissioners, appointed by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. The board is responsible for approval of WCRC's annual budget, acceptance of bids, authorization of expenditures, adoption of policies, approval of contracts and agreements and all other policy matters. Membership is comprised of five general public members and two BOC representatives.
The Washtenaw County Social Services Board is committed to assisting its clients in breaking the cycle of welfare dependency to become self-sufficient members of the community. The Social Services Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Washtenaw County branch. Membership consists of two general public members appointed by the BOC and one member appointed by the State of Michigan.
Click here to learn more about MDHHS and the Social Services Board.
Every county in the state of Michigan is required to have an approved Solid Waste Management Plan. The main purpose of a plan is to make sure there is adequate disposal capacity for any waste generated within the county; to set goals for waste reduction and recycling; and to protect public health. Membership consists of: four representatives of the solid waste management industry; two representatives of environmental interest groups; one representative of County government; one representative of township government; one representative of city government; one representative of a regional planning agency; one representative of industrial waste generators; and three representatives of the general public.
The Southeast Michigan RTA's mission is to manage and secure transportation resources that significantly enhance mobility options, to improve quality of life for the residents, and to increase economic viability for the region. In addition to appointees from Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, the RTA also consists of members appointed by the Mayor of Detroit and the Governor of Michigan. The BOC appoints two Washtenaw County representatives to the RTA.
The Washtenaw County Food Policy Council is an advisory subcommittee of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners that increases and preserves access to safe, local, and healthy food for all residents of Washtenaw County. The WFPC consists of 18 members representing as many of the following professions and/or viewpoints as possible: community representative, disability justice, economic development, education, emergency food system, faith-based organization, food manufacturer and distributor, food retail, food service, funding, health care, human services, labor, nutrition, planning, public health, racial equity, rural agriculture, transportation, urban agriculture, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, waste management.
The Washtenaw County Substance Use Disorders Oversight Policy Board approves local funds for treatment and prevention services of substance use disorders contained in the Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan (CMHPSM), advise and make recommendations regarding CMHPSM's budget for substance use disorder treatment or prevention services using other non-local funding sources, advise and make recommendations regarding contracts with substance use disorder treatment or prevention services providers and perform other responsibilities as determined by the CMHPSM related to the planning and implementation of substance use disorders treatment and prevention services across the region. The Board of Commissioners appoints two representatives to the Substance Use Disorders Oversight Policy Board.
The BOC approved the creation of the Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs as well as a five-member Washtenaw County Veterans Affairs Committee. The five members of the WCVAC must be qualified veterans who have served honorably on active duty in the United States armed forces, actively served in the United States armed forces in a war, or who have received an armed forces campaign or service medal. The Committee oversees and supports the work of the Washtenaw County Department of Veteran Affairs.
Click here to learn more about Washtenaw County Veteran Affairs.
The Washtenaw County Youth Commission works to make life better for teens in Washtenaw County. The Youth Commission: discusses and analyzes youth issues in the community, educates youths about important issues in their community, and recommends changes and programs to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. The Youth Commissioner consists of 21 members, 2 representing each district and 3 at-large representatives. Commissioners must be 13-18 years old.
The purpose of the WCCCAB shall be to formulate a comprehensive plan for the development, implementation, and operation of the community correctional services in Washtenaw County/City of Ann Arbor and to develop a plan for the administration, monitoring, and control of the community correctional services under the comprehensive plan. The CCCAB is authorized to formulate the plan and submit such a plan to the Washtenaw County Commissioners and the Ann Arbor City Council. Membership consists of a county sheriff; the Ann Arbor City Police Chief; a circuit court judge; a district court judge; a probate court judge; a Washtenaw county commissioner; an Ann Arbor city council member; a member from one of the following: mental health, public health, substance abuse, employment, training, or community alternative programs; the Washtenaw prosecuting attorney; a criminal defense attorney; a member from the business community; a member from the communications media; a member from the circuit or district court probation; and a member from the general public.
The Michigan Aeronautics Commission determined an "Airport Hazard Area" for the area within 15 miles of the Willow Run Airport. The Board is tasked with reviewing and updating the current ordinance as well as adopting and administering the updated ordinance. The BOC appoints three representatives, two within the hazard zone and one outside the hazard zone.