Boards and Commissions Listing - Clerk of the Board of Supervisors (DEP)

The following is a listing of the Boards and Commissions that serve in Santa Clara County. Most of the members of these Boards and Commissions are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and serve at their discretion. All meetings are open to the public.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y |

Advisory Commission on Consumer Affairs
The Consumer Affairs Commission was established September 10, 1974. The Commission is composed of 9 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The duties of the Commission are to assist and advise the Administration related to the interests of consumers; to consult and cooperate with various agencies to prevent duplication of efforts in the field of consumer protection; and to receive complaints and inquiries from consumers regarding deceptive or unfair trade practices in the County.
Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities
The Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities was established by the Board of Supervisors on August 9, 1965. The Commission is composed of 15 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of four years. For each vacancy, the Commission shall submit a list of three nominees to the Board of Supervisors. The general purpose is to act in an advisory capacity in reviewing and evaluating the needs, services, facilities and special problems of persons with disabilities in Santa Clara County.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Airport Land Use Commission
The Airport Land Use Commission was established November 23, 1982. The Commission consists of seven voting members (two of whom are appointed by the Board of Supervisors) with a term of four years. The Commission shall assist local agencies in ensuring compatible land uses in the vicinity of all airports; coordinate planning at the state, regional, and local levels so as to provide for the orderly development of air transportation; prepare and adopt an airport land use plan; and review the plans, regulations, and other actions of local agencies and airport operators.
Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of odd-numbered months at 6 p.m. at the County Government Center.

Airports Commission
The Airports Commission was established on August 17, 1982. The Commission consists of seven members with a term of four years. The Commission advises on matters of policy concerning the operations, long-term financing, capital improvements and the acquisition of land or airspace for the County airport system; reviews and make recommendations on research studies; makes recommendations on cooperation with military airports and joint use arrangements; and assists in the implementation and review of the County Airports Master Plan.
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the County Government Center.

Animal Advisory Commission
The Animal Advisory Commission was established on January 22, 1985. The Board consists of seven members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The purpose of the Commission is to aid in coordinating and promoting pet population control measures; to investigate and find ways of achieving an animal shelter at minimum cost; to make suggestions to strengthen the county animal control program; to serve as an information and referral source on animals; and, to educate the public about animal issues.
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM at the County Government Center.

Assessment Appeals Boards I and II
The Assessment Appeals Boards were established on August 8, 1977. Each Board is composed of three members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. Members must have a minimum of five years professional experience as a CPA or public accountant, real estate broker, attorney, or property appraiser. Members shall receive a $200 stipend for each day of attendance at an Assessment Appeal Hearing. The Boards shall have the power to equalize the valuation of the taxable property in the County for the purposes of taxation in the manner provided for in Section 16 of Article XIII of the Constitution of the State of California. Occasionally special meetings will be called.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. at the County Government Center.

Assessment Appeals Hearing Officers
Meetings are held at 9:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of odd-numbered months at the County Government Center.

Board of Plumbing Examiners
The Board is composed of seven members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of four years. They shall determine the competency and knowledge of persons who are required to hold a Certificate of Competency. Examinations are held quarterly. Persons passing such examinations are then issued Certificates through the Board of Supervisors.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of even-numbered months at 3:00 p.m. at the County Government Center.

Certification Appeals Board
The Certification Appeals Board was established on December 12, 2000. The Board consists of five (5) members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a staggered term of three (3) years. The purpose of this body is to review the decisions of the Certification Coordinator when there is an appeal filed for a denial of certification and to review all sanction appeals for facilities and staff, with respect to Adult Drug and Alcohol Residential Facilities.
Meetings are scheduled when appeals are filed. Meetings are held at the County Government Center.

Child Abuse Council
On February 24, 1987, the Board of Supervisors designated the Child Abuse Council as the local voluntary council to carry out its original charge of recommending programs for funding by the Children's Trust Fund. The Council has 23 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a four year term. Members are appointed from nominations of the Child Abuse Council and shall have background in the child abuse field and shall provide new and innovative contributions to the issues for treatment of, prevention of and education about child abuse. Anyone with an interest in, and commitment to, improving child abuse services in the County may apply to be a non-voting member.
Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 AM at the Board of Supervisors' Chambers, County Government Center, 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose.

Citizens' Advisory Commission on Elections
Established by the Board of Supervisors December 16, 2008. Purpose: the Commission shall act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the Registrar of Voters with respect to promoting the integrity, efficiency and accuracy of voter registration and election processes, encouraging the widest possible citizen participation in elections, promoting voter education and outreach, and providing information and advice to the Board of Supervisors and Registrar of Voters.
The Commission shall meet monthly as a six-month pilot program, on the first Tuesday of the month. The monthly meeting schedule shall be reviewed by the Board at the conclusion of the six-month pilot program.

Citizens' Oversight Committee for Measure A
Established by the Board of Supervisors January 13, 2009. Purpose: the Committee shall conduct an annual review of the report issued by the chief financial officer for the County detailing the amount of bond proceeds collected under Measure A and expended during the preceding year.
The Committee shall meet no less than annually each year during the month of January and as often as needed thereafter.

Code Enforcement Appeals Board
The Code Enforcement Appeals Board was established June 12, 1979. The Board consists of 5 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. It is the purpose of this body to provide an Appeals Board for any interested person dissatisfied with any decision by the Building Official or his duly authorized representative with respect to the suitability of alternate materials, alternate methods and types of construction, or interpretation of the various building and construction codes.
Meetings are scheduled when appeals are filed, and meetings are held at the County Government Center.

Commission on the Status of Women
The Commission was established on December 26, 1973. The Commission is composed of 15 members appointed by the Board of Supervisors with a term of three years. The general purpose of the commission is to promote the Board of Supervisors' policy to take affirmative action to eliminate the practice of discrimination and prejudice on account of sex in the areas of housing, employment, education, and related fields.
Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Council on Equal Employment Opportunities
The Council on Equal Employment Opportunities was established on May 22, 1979. Membership shall consist of 17 representatives, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, who shall serve for four years. The Council will advise on ways to eliminate discrimination for reasons of race, sex, religion, national origin, disability or age in all areas of County employment. Powers and duties of the Council are to monitor, evaluate, and recommend action that will ensure employment, training, upgrading and promotion of minorities, the disabled and women.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM at the County Government Center.

Domestic Violence Council
The Domestic Violence Council was established April 23, 1991. Membership shall consist of 26 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The purpose of the Council is to encourage coordination between agencies dealing with domestic violence; promoting effective prevention, intervention and treatment techniques; and improving the response to domestic violence and abuse to reduce incidents of violence.
Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 AM at the County Government Center.

Ethics Commission (The Ethics Commission is not currently meeting.)
The Ethics Commission was established on July 18, l995. The Ethics Commission consists of seven members. Each commissioner shall be appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court from a list of three persons nominated by the board member whose term of office coincides with the term of the commissioner. The commission shall have authority to independently exercise all powers necessary to regulate, investigate, subpoena records, conduct hearings and issue orders to enforce the code of ethics.
Meetings are scheduled when an ethics complaint is filed. Meetings are held at the County Government Center.

Fairgrounds Management Corporation
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation created in 1994. The Corporation's Board of Directors shall consist of five persons with each County Supervisor appointing one director. The primary purposes of the Corporation are to provide cultural, educational and recreational events for those in the County of Santa Clara vicinity through the planning, fundraising, production and management of the Santa Clara County fairgrounds.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesdays of January, April, July and October at 2:00 p.m. at the County Government Center.

Fish & Game Commission
The Fish and Game Commission was established April 18, 1960. The Commission is composed of five members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of four years. Each member shall be familiar with fish and game problems within the County of Santa Clara. The duty of the Commission shall be to investigate all requests for the expending of the moneys in the County Fish and Game Propagation Fund and make written recommendations regarding expenditures. Requests may be initiated by members of the Commission or by any member of the public.
Meetings are held on the third Monday on even-numbered months at 6:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Flood Control Zone Advisory Committees
The Flood Control Zone Advisory Committees of the Santa Clara Valley Water District are composed of representatives of each city in the zone and a representative and alternate from the county where the unincorporated area exceeds 25 percent of the area of the zone. The length of term is one year with no limit on the number of terms served. The District is divided into five flood control zones that conform to the boundaries of the major watersheds affecting the Valley floor. One representative and one alternate appointed by each District Supervisor of Santa Clara County. Members bring to the District the desires of the citizens of the communities they represent and aid in coordinating governmental projects. They meet quarterly.

Health Advisory Commission
The purpose of this commission is to act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors regarding issues, which impact the health of the public. The Commission is composed of 15 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, for a term of 4 years. In this advisory capacity, the commission will use information to assess needs and identify priorities to make recommendations. Recommendations may include policy changes, concern service enhancement, system changes, resource allocation and infrastructure to deliver, monitor and evaluate County action.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the County Government Center.

Health Authority
The Santa Clara County Health Authority was established to meet the problems of delivery of publicly assisted medical care in Santa Clara County, to demonstrate ways of promoting quality care and cost efficiency, and to further such other purposes. The governing board of the Health Authority shall consist of 11 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with each member having a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the Health Authority. The term of office for members of the Health Authority Board is three years with the original members terms expiring on a staggered basis.

Historical Heritage Commission
The Historical Heritage Commission was established on March 20, 1973. The Commission is composed of 11 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of four years. The purpose of the Commission is to protect, preserve, and promote the historical and cultural heritage of this county so that this and future generations may know and appreciate the significant historical places, people, and events that have been a part of this area of our State and Nation.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the County Government Center.

HIV Health Services Planning Council
The HIV Health Services Planning Council was established on October 3, l995 in order to comply with federal requirements necessary for Santa Clara County to apply for and receive Ryan White Title I funds. The Planning Council shall consist of a minimum of 29 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors. A member's initial term on the Council shall expire on December 31st of the year of appointment and the planning council may recommend to the Board of Supervisors that all subsequent terms shall be for two years.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Park Alameda Facility on Lenzen Avenue, San Jose.

Homeless Healthcare Advisory Board

Housing Authority

Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee

Human Relations Commission
The Human Relations Commission was established August 22, 1972. The Commission is composed of 15 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of four years. The purpose of the Commission is to take affirmative action to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in Santa Clara County because of race, religion, national origin, cultural background, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability and to promote equal rights in the fields of employment, education, housing and social justice.
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the County Government Center.

Hsinchu County, Taiwan, Sister-County Commission
The Sister-County Commission with Hsinchu County, Taiwan, Republic of China was established December 20, 1994. The Commission is composed of 15 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The Commission shall act in an advisory capacity in promoting, aiding and encouraging a diverse cultural, educational, and technological exchange with the Hsinchu County, Taiwan, China. For more information please contact (408) 299-5115 or email sistercounties@ceo.co.santa-clara.ca.us.
Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the County Government Center.

In Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Board
In 1992 California passed a bill that allowed counties to create Public Authorities for In Home Support Service (IHSS). The County Board of Supervisors adopted an enabling ordinance in December 1996, that requires the appointment of an advisory board of not more than 11 individuals. Term for members shall be four years and members shall not serve for more than one consecutive term.

Juvenile Hall Advisory Board

The Juvenile Hall Advisory Board was established on October 5, 2004. Membership shall consist of 21 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, who shall serve three-year terms, except the two persons who were incarcerated at Juvenile Hall and completed probation successfully will serve one-year terms. The general purpose of the Board is to improve safety and conditions for minors at the Juvenile Hall and Ranches, to provide policy guidance to the Board of Supervisors and Probation Department, and to establish effective working relationships between parents and community organizations concerned with juvenile probationary services in Santa Clara County.
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council
The Board of Supervisors adopted a Resolution creating the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council on November 19, l996. This is a 15 member board with no term limits, and representation from public and private agencies concerned with Juvenile Justice. The Juvenile Crime Enforcement and Accountability Challenge Grant Program provides state grants to counties who demonstrate a collaborative and integrated approach for the apprehension, treatment, rehabilitation, punishment and incarceration of juvenile offenders.

LAFCO - Local Agency Formation Commission
LAFCO is a state mandated local agency set up to oversee the boundaries of cities and special districts. Encouraging orderly boundaries, discouraging urban sprawl, and preserving agricultural and open space lands are the key goals of LAFCO.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of even-numbered months at 1:15 PM at the County Government Center.

Los Altos Hills County Fire Protection District
The Los Altos Hills County Fire Protection District was formed on October 23, l939. Seven members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for a term of five years and members must live within the boundaries of the Fire District and be registered voters. The District is empowered to establish, equip, and maintain a fire department.

Mental Health Board
The Mental Health Board was established on November 14, 1966. The Board is composed of 16 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The Board acts in an advisory capacity in reviewing and evaluating the community's mental health needs, services, facilities and special problems.

Moscow, Sister-County Commission
The Sister-County Commission with the Moscow City Government, Russia was established on October 25, 1994. The Commission is composed of 15 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The Commission shall act in an advisory capacity in promoting, aiding and encouraging a diverse cultural, educational, and technological exchange with the Moscow City Government, Russia. For more information please contact (408) 299-5115 or email sistercounties@ceo.co.santa-clara.ca.us.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the County Government Center.

National Guard & Veterans Affairs Commission
The Commission was established on January 12, 1988. The Commission is composed of 11 members. Seven members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a four year term. The remaining four are non-voting members of the Commission. The Commission shall act in an advisory capacity promoting, aiding, and encouraging public support to and recruitment for the National Guard and veteran affairs.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of odd-numbered months at 3:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission was established March 14, 1955. The Commission is composed of seven members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of four years. The duties of the Commission are to promote, aid, and encourage public recreation, and shall advise in the planning, maintenance, development and operation of all recreational areas and facilities owned, controlled or leased by the County. It shall study and make recommendations to on the acquisition and development of recreation areas.
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the County Government Center.

Personnel Board
The Personnel Board was established on May 5, 1960. The Board is composed of five members appointed by the Board of Supervisors from the voters of the County, none of whom shall hold any salaried County office or employment with a term of four years. No member of the Board, during membership, or for one year thereafter, shall be eligible for appointment to any salaried County office or employment.
Meetings are held each Friday of the month, as needed, at 9:00 a.m., at the County Government Center.

Planning Commission
The Commission was established on November 15, 1954 and is composed of seven members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of four years. They advise and make recommendations on all ordinance amendments dealing with land development and subdivision matters. It may also deny zoning change applications or recommend zoning changes. It has the power to grant or deny use permits and administers the County's planning laws for land use and development in unincorporated areas.

Province of Florence, Italy, Sister-County Commission
The Sister-County Commission with the Province of Florence, Italy was established by the Board of Supervisors on April 26, 1988. The Commission is composed of 25 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The Commission shall act in an advisory capacity in promoting, aiding and encouraging a diverse cultural, educational, and technological exchange with the Province of Florence, Italy. Persons appointed shall have previously demonstrated their interest or participation in matters pertaining to the relationship between Italy and the United States. For more information please contact (408) 299-5115 or email sistercounties@ceo.co.santa-clara.ca.us.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Roads Commission
The Roads Commission was established on April 18, 1995. The Commission is composed of seven members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, each representing the public at large and serving four year terms. The purpose of the Commission is to give advice and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on matters generally relating to the planning, design, construction, and operation of the County's expressways, highways and roads and such other matters as directed by the Board.
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the County Government Center.

San Martin Planning Advisory Committee
The San Martin Planning Committee was created on January 12, 1981. The Committee is composed of twelve members, appointed by the Board of Supervisor, serving a term of four years. Committee members should be from the San Martin "community." The general purpose of the Committee is to oversee further planning of the San Martin area.

San Tomas Aquino-Saratoga Creek Streamside Park

Saratoga Cemetery District Board of Directors

Senior Care Commission
The Senior Care Commission was established on September 15, 1987. The Commission is composed of 16 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of three years. The general purposes of the Commission is to assess issues, concerns, and needs of persons over age sixty with restricted self care capabilities who are in need of institutional and/or community-based, long-term care, and to make recommendations to regarding legislation, education and services affecting this population.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM at the County Government Center.

Social Services Advisory Commission
The Commission was established on October 24, 1978 and consists of 15 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a three year term. The purpose of the Social Services Advisory Commission shall be to assess community social service needs; to provide policy guidance to the Board of Supervisors and Department of Social Services; and to establish working relationships with the various community organizations concerned with Social Services.
Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at the County Government Center.

Solid Waste Commission
The Solid Waste Commission was established on February 11, 1992. The Commission consists of 10 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with a term of six years. Each member receives a $50 stipend per meeting. The general purpose of the Commission is to serve as the principal advisory body on countywide solid waste planning issues.

South County Joint Planning Advisory Committee
On December 11, l984, the Board of Supervisors approved the creation of the South County Joint Planning Advisory Committee.