Information and Resources for Boards and Commissions
List of City Boards and Commissions
You can find a full list and description of the responsibilities of the City's Boards and Commissions here.
Appointment Process for Newburyport’s Boards and Commissions
Every year, seats on Newburyport’s boards and commissions are open for appointment by the Mayor. Most boards and commissions have terms of three years, though they can be as short as one year and as long as five. All board and commission members serve on a volunteer basis, and the Mayor and City Council place a high value on their contributions and recognize the critical role that they play in shaping Newburyport’s future.
The Mayor looks for Newburyport residents with a variety of talents and backgrounds who are willing to make the commitment to serve on a committee. All interested residents are encouraged to apply, whether they are current committee members, have served in the past, or are new to serving on a board or commission.
If you are interested in serving on a Newburyport board or commission, you can apply online through the Boards and Commissions volunteer page or by emailing a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or send it by mail to:
City of Newburyport
Mayor’s Office
Attn: Christine Jackson
60 Pleasant Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
Should there be an open position that the Mayor believes is a good fit for your background, skills, and interests, you will interview with the Mayor’s Office. Following an interview, the Mayor may appoint you to a board or commission, and that appointment is then considered by the City Council, where your name will be read twice. At the first reading, the nomination may be sent to a Council Committee. At the Committee meeting, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and answer any questions about your interest. Following this meeting, the nomination will be sent back to the full Council for consideration and approval.
Open Meeting Law, Ethics & Info for Elected & Appointed Officials
Newly elected or appointed officials must appear in person at the City Clerk's office to be administered the oath of office and be sworn in before participating in any meeting requiring a vote.
The oath of office for newly elected or appointed members of Newburyport’s boards, and commissions will be administered by appointment. At the time of the swearing in of elected officials and all members of boards and commissions, the following materials are distributed. Those taking the oath must read the Open Meeting Law Guide, General Law- Part I, Title III, Chapter 30A, Sections 18-25, new Open Meeting Law Regulations and sign the certificate of receipt of Open Meeting Law Material:
To ask specific questions about the Open Meeting Law or to report a violation, click here mailto:ksullivan@cityofnewburyport.com.
An example of the general oath follows:
“Do you solemnly swear to perform your duties to the best of your ability; to uphold the bylaws of the City of Newburyport; the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Constitution of the Unites States of America, so help you God?”.
Ethics Requirements for Board, Committee and Commission members
Conflict of Interest Law
As a public employee of the City of Newburyport, you are required to comply with the state conflict of interest law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 268A. Compliance with this law helps ensure that the public employees serve the public with integrity.
To address this requirement, please complete the following online course at this web address: