By serving on a Town Committee, Commission, or Board, you'll make a valuable contribution to the community of Arlington and meet other residents who share similar interests. Even if you cannot serve on a committee all Arlington residents are welcome to attend any of the many committee meetings held. You can view upcoming meetings and events here.  All committee positions are volunteer. 

Capital Planning Committee

On the Capital Planning Committee we research, balance, and propose the Town of Arlington's annual Capital Budget to the Town Manager, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting; make bonding recommendations for the Town's borrowing authorization; and craft the Town's five-year Capital Plan. You would be contributing to the preparation of the $10 million annual Capital Budget and five-year Capital Plan, which cover investments in Public Works, Town and School facilities and vehicles, Parks, Recreation, Information Technology, Public Safety, Libraries, and more, for the benefit of the Town and its residents.

Qualifications: You should have interest or experience in one or more of the following areas: capital planning, finance, municipal or state administration, facilities management, software systems, construction, or engineering. If you have high interest in our committee's work, you are encouraged to apply even if your experience in the above areas is limited. Candidates must be registered voters in the Town. Duties: The Committee meets every other week, Thursday evenings from 5pm to 7pm, September through January. Committee members also belong to one subcommittee that meets with Town department heads two or three times in total, September through December. The new committee member will be selected and appointed by the Town Moderator to this unpaid position under Town bylaws. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Greg Christiana, Town Moderator, at GChristiana@town.arlington.ma.us. The position is open until filled.

Cemetery Commission

The Arlington Cemetery Commission helps to enforce the rules and regulations of the cemetery, navigating perpetual care needs with the needs of loved ones for those who now reside in the cemetery. We also have oversight with the Old Burying Ground. We rely on Mass. General Chapter Law 114 for guidance with operations and decision making as warranted.  Mt. Pleasant Cemetery is the only active cemetery serving the needs of the residents of Arlington.  Applicants must be comfortable with the subject matter and social situations that the cemetery is here to provide services, comfort and support for. Understanding town government and procedures a plus.  Commissioners are appointed by the Town Manager and approved by the Select Board. Meetings are once a month on the second Wednesday at 9am in the cemetery chapel office. Occasional work and situational interventions outside the commission's regular meeting time is an expectation. If you are interested in serving on the Arlington Cemetery Commission, please send your resume and letter of interest to Town Manager’s Office, 730 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476 or townmanager@town.arlington.ma.us.

Historic District Commission 

The Arlington Historic District Commissions are seeking to fill vacancies for Commissioners serving on the Central Street and Mt Gilboa/Crescent Hill Historic District Commissions.   Arlington’s Historic Districts were created to protect and preserve the town’s architectural resources through a system of local review that encourages and ensures compatible improvement and development.  The Commissions typically meet once a month at the Whittemore-Robbins House (behind Robbins Library). Preference is given to residents or property owners in those Districts, but all interested Arlington residents are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and resume to Carol Greeley, Executive Secretary, Arlington Historic District Commissions, c/o Planning Department, 730 Mass. Ave., Arlington MA 02476 or at ahdc@town.arlington.ma.us   More information is available on the AHDC website at www.ArlingtonHistoricDistrict.com.

The AHRC is looking to fill multiple vacancies on its 13-member commission. No formal experience is required. Commissioners must be Arlington residents. Commitment is 6-12 hours per month, plus meetings. AHRC's meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Arlington Community Center, 27 Maple Street or via Zoom. View job description and more about AHRC. If interested, please email ahrc@town.arlington.ma.us. Include a short note about why you are interested, a description of your skillsets, and a list of prior relevant experience or a resume.

The Arlington School Committee is seeking applicants for its designated appointments to the Arlington Human Rights Commission; one to begin immediately and expire October 31, 2027, and one to fill a term from June 15 to October 31, 2026. View full details.

The Town Moderator is seeking applicants for a designated appointment expiring October 31, 2028. Interested parties should send their letter of interest and resume to the Town Moderator at gchristiana@town.arlington.ma.us.

Equal Opportunity Advisory Committee (EOAC) is a volunteer committee, appointed by the Town Manager, committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity to employees and potential employees. The Committee supports the Town’s efforts to attract the widest variety of applicants for town work under the principles of fair treatment and the prohibition of discrimination in all aspects of employment.  The Committee reviews hiring and promotions for Town positions.  For Town funded construction projects over $200K the Committee reviews participation levels of female and minority workers. The EOAC typically meets at 7:30 P.M., quarterly, on the second Wednesday of the month in the Town Hall Annex. It is helpful but not necessary to have a background in labor and employment, human resources, procurement or the construction industry.  If you are interested in the issue of Equal Opportunity Employment please contact Caryn Malloy at (781) 316-3121 or send a letter of interest and resume to cmalloy@town.arlington.ma.us

The Arlington Conservation Commission is seeking to fill a position. The Conservation Commission works to ensure that all construction and development projects (residential, municipal, and commercial) that may alter any wetlands, floodplains, rivers, streams, ponds and/or lakes are in permitted compliance with state and local wetland regulations. The Conservation Commission also protects and manages the Town’s conservation lands and natural resources. The Commission generally meets twice a month, on the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 PM. Interested parties are welcome to attend a meeting to learn more about the Commission’s work and duties. Expertise in or knowledge of environmental law (especially wetlands protection), stormwater management (especially flood mitigation) or landscape architecture (especially ecological design) is desired but not required. Please submit a letter of interest and resume to the Town Manager's Office, 730 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476, or you may email it to townmanager@town.arlington.ma.us.  Positions remain open until filled. 

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission is looking to fill several vacancies. The Commission advocates for the rights and full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. We research local challenges, advise local officials on compliance with disability laws, and recommend improvements to policies, services, and facilities. We also organize events and programs focused on disability-related issues. The Commission works closely with the Town’s ADA coordinator to provide referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to ensure equal access for residents with physical, sensory, cognitive, and other disabilities. 

The Commission relies on a diverse pool of volunteer Commissioners. Time commitment is at least 8 hours per month, which includes attending meetings typically the third Wednesday of each month between 5:30pm - 7pm, and participating in at least one subcommittee meeting once a month. Applicants with disabilities will be given priority, but all residents with relevant experience or strong interest in disability issues are encouraged to apply. To learn more about our work, please visit the Disability Commission’s website. 

To apply to be a Commissioner, email your resume and letter of interest to townmanager@town.arlington.ma.us, or send it to the Town Manager, 730 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 02476. For more information or questions, email DisabilityComm@town.arlington.ma.us.

Zero Waste Arlington

Zero Waste Arlington is seeking two residents to help us educate the community, advocate for change and reduce waste in our community. Composed of ten volunteer members, Zero Waste Arlington initiatives include ‘Arlington on Tap’ (Arlington's water refill station network) and ‘Reduce Single Use’ (programs to reduce single-use plastic in Arlington). We also maintain a comprehensive website and social media page. Interested parties should contact the Zero Waste Arlington Committee at recycle@town.arlington.ma.us.

Civilian Police Advisory Commission

The Arlington Youth Counseling Center Advisory Board, the Council on Aging, and the Disability Commission are each responsible for nominating a candidate to serve on the Arlington Civilian Police Advisory Commission (ACPAC) and are seeking applicants for nomination. For Arlington Youth Counseling Center Advisory Board, please send your resume and/or letter of interest to cleger@town.arlington.ma.us.

Historical Commission

The Commission is chartered under the Town by-laws (Article 6) to preserve and protect significant buildings within the Town which constitute or reflect distinctive features of the architectural, cultural, political, economic or social history of the Town. We work with the Town building inspector, home owners, contractors and architects to review and act upon applications for building permits that involve exterior changes to significant properties in the Town. We also encourage maintenance and restoration of the Town’s historic structures and participate in the management of the Whittemore Robbins house. We are seeking Arlington residents who are eager to help maintain and protect the Town’s unique historic character. For more information, please visit the Historical Commission's website.  Interested parties should send their letter of interest and resume to townmanager@town.arlington.ma.us.

Clean Energy Future Committee

The Town of Arlington Clean Energy Future Committee (CEFC) is seeking an Arlington resident passionate about mitigating climate change to fill one at-large committee slot. The mission of the CEFC is to guide the Town of Arlington to a future where, by 2050, net emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases attributable to all sources in town are zero. The Committee is charged with implementing the actions items identified in the Net Zero Action Plan, which was completed in 2021 and is being updated in 2026. This includes identifying short and long-term energy goals; facilitating research studies, projects, and collaborations; enlisting the support of residents and businesses; recommending changes to Town bylaws and regulations; seeking state and local funding; and taking any other actions necessary for Arlington to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Interested Arlington residents can apply by sending a letter of interest and resume/qualifications to Talia Fox, Sustainability Manager (tfox@town.arlington.ma.us). Position is open until filled.

Envision Arlington

Envision Arlington is seeking a new member of the Standing Committee to be appointed by the Superintendent of Schools. Envision Arlington’s mission is to foster an engaged, culturally diverse, and civically active community. Envision promotes volunteer engagement, including seeking input from residents through public surveys, task groups, and forums to explore how Arlington is doing and whether there are additional values or goals that are priorities for the community. A cornerstone of Envision Arlington’s work is the annual Town Survey, which helps to inform the town government, committees, and task groups about the priorities, goals, and vision that the community supports for the Town moving forward. All interested parties are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and resume to ediggins@arlington.k12.ma.us by July 10th.

Cable Advisory Committee

The Cable Advisory Committee is seeking citizen volunteers who will serve on this committee to assist them with Cable Television licensing and renewal negotiations and any other cable television related issues referred by the Select Board pursuant to Federal and State Cable Television. Members are appointed by the Select Board. All interested parties are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and resume to the Office of the Select Board at sbadmin@town.arlington.ma.us.

LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission

The Rainbow Commission is a highly engaged group of residents, appointed by the Town, who are dedicated to creating greater access, equity and inclusion in Arlington for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families through active community building, affirming policies and programs, resources, advocacy, and initiatives. If you identify as a member or ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and are committed to ensuring that Arlington continues to cultivate a strong LGBTQIA+ community consider applying. Applicants of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply, to ensure that the group truly represents the wonderful diversity within Arlington’s LGBTQIA+ community. Specifically, we’re seeking finance, communications and writing pros, as well as thoughtful, collaborative individuals to round out the collective experience and skill-set of current Commissioners. Read the full description.

Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture   

The Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture seeks residents, business owners and nonprofit leaders who are passionate about the arts to work with us, including a Commissioner-level role.  

Bringing together several previously separate cultural entities including Arlington Cultural Council, Arlington Public Art, ArtLinks, the state-designated Arlington Cultural District, and Poet Laureate, ACAC promotes and develops arts and culture programs, events, and resources under the ArtsArlington.org brand in order to create a sustainable and vibrant arts scene that engages and attracts artists, residents, businesses and visitors. 

ACAC generally meets one evening each month, as well as in periodic subcommittees and working groups around such activities as grant-making, fundraising, public art installations, performance programs and festivals, artist networking and development, destination marketing and communications, and Cultural District planning. ACAC especially seeks Commissioners willing to volunteer their expertise in the areas of volunteer or event coordination, media or marketing, and performing or literary arts.

ACAC strives to expand access to and promote cultural equity in the arts, and to have Committee membership reflecting the diversity of our town. We strongly encourage candidates of varied backgrounds, including people of color, persons with disabilities and others to apply. To ask questions, or to apply with a letter of interest and resume, contact co-chair Stewart Ikeda at chair@artsarlington.org.

Arlington Commission For Arts And Culture Grants Committee

The Town is currently seeking community members interested in serving on the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture Grants Committee. The committee receives funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and annually awards grants to support public programs in our community that promote access, education, diversity and excellence in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. Members of the committee include artists and arts administrators, though experience in these areas is not required. We gladly welcome any community members with an interest in art, science, or culture.

Members are appointed by the Select Board for up to two consecutive three-year terms. The committee meets monthly, on the second Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Visit our webpage to learn more, and to see examples of past and current grantees. 

You can apply to join the committee by submitting a letter of interest and resume to the committee at ACCChair@town.arlington.ma.us. Please also reach out with any questions, and we invite you to join us for a meeting or two if you are interested in learning more.

Young Arlington Collaborative (YAC)

It's new and it's big, and it has space for all the youth and young adults in town who want to participate in the various aspects of civic engagement and community building in Arlington. The YAC will be led by its standing committee which has space for 42 members (2 from each precinct) of which 21 will be voting members. Its size and its openness to all youth and young adults will hopefully make it one of the most inclusive and diverse groups created by Town Meeting. To see more details about how the group will be created and function, please visit the committee's page. You can submit your name to join the YAC by sending email to sbadmin@town.arlington.ma.us.

Public Memorial Committee 

The Public Memorial Committee is seeking a representative to evaluate, make recommendations and coordinate public memorials within the Town of Arlington. The committee’s purpose is to officially recognize those whose exemplary accomplishments have reflected credit and honor upon the Town of Arlington, by certain criteria established and set forth in writing by the Committee. The committee is the official source for memorialization of persons by the Town. 

No committee member shall be an employee of the Town of Arlington or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Interested parties should send a resume and brief letter of interest to the Office of the Select Board at sbadmin@town.arlington.ma.us.

Cyrus E. Dallin Museum Trustees

If you have an appreciation for art and history and enjoy meeting new people, volunteering at the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum is a rewarding way to pursue these interests and provide a valuable public service.  The Museum is recruiting volunteer docents to ensure we will be prepared to welcome visitors when we resume normal operations.  Docents lead tours and greet visitors during the Museum's open hours (Friday through Sunday from 12:00 - 4:00.) Docent shifts are two hours long, either 12-2 or 2-4. The modest commitment requested is at least four hours per month. Schedules are arranged with the Museum's Volunteer Coordinator.  To Apply: Please contact Nancy Blanton at nblanton@dallin.org. To learn more about the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, visit dallin.org.  No prior knowledge of art or history is required. We provide training to help you become familiar with the permanent collection, lead tours and knowledgeably answer questions about Dallin and his art.

Arlington Committee on Tourism and Economic Development

The Arlington Committee on Tourism and Economic Development (ATED) is seeking new members.  ATED supports local businesses and cultural resources, operates the visitor center on Uncle Sam Plaza, participates in the Town’s Patriots Day weekend events, and works to promote Arlington as a vibrant visitor and retail destination.  The committee generally holds its meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm.  Residents and local business owners who are passionate about the town’s story are encouraged to apply.  The committee is especially interested in new members who are willing to volunteer for activities and projects, have a connection to the business community, or can donate social media and/or marketing skills.   To apply, please email a letter of interest along with a resume or statement of qualifications to Angela Olszewski at amolszewski@gmail.com

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