Engage · State

Serve on a board or commission

Hundreds of decisions in Idaho, from zoning to professional licenses to fish and game seasons, are made or shaped by boards of ordinary residents. Most seats are filled by appointment, and many go begging.

What these boards do

• Some decide. A planning and zoning commission rules on permits. The Fish and Game Commission sets seasons. Licensing boards discipline professionals.
• Some advise. A parks board or an advisory council makes recommendations to the elected officials who decide.
• Most are unpaid or pay a small amount per meeting, and meet once or twice a month.

City and county boards

• Cities: the mayor usually appoints and the council confirms. Common boards are planning and zoning, parks, the library board, historic preservation, arts and the urban renewal agency.
• Counties: the three commissioners appoint. Common boards are planning and zoning, the fair board, weed control, and the county's seats on regional boards like the public health district.
• How to apply: most have a short application on the city or county website, or through the clerk. If you don't see openings listed, ask the clerk or the commissioners' office. Small counties often fill seats by word of mouth, and saying you're interested is enough to get on the list.

State boards, commissions and councils

The Governor appoints members to Idaho's state boards. Many appointments also need confirmation by the Senate.

1. Pick a board. The Governor's appointments page has the full list of boards, commissions and councils.
2. Check the vacancies. A separate page lists open seats and seats opening in the next 60 days. Many seats have requirements set in law, such as living in a certain region, belonging to a certain party or holding a certain license.
3. Fill out the application. It is a form on the appointments page. It has to be complete, signed and dated, with a resume attached.
4. Mail it to the Governor's office, attention Appointments. The address is on the form.
5. A recommendation helps. Someone else can recommend you through a form on the same page. A note from your legislator helps too.

Questions go to the Governor's office at 208-334-2100.

Before you apply

• Go to a meeting first. You'll see what the board really does and how much reading it takes. The calendar lists many of them.
• Know the rules you'd be under. Board members are covered by Idaho's open meetings, public records and ethics laws. You can't decide matters you have a financial stake in.
• You don't need to be an expert. Most boards want residents who show up, read the packet and ask good questions.

Sources

• Appointments: the list of boards and the application (Office of the Governor)
• Appointment vacancies (Office of the Governor)
• Idaho Code Title 74, Chapter 2, Open Meetings Law (Idaho Legislature)

Last reviewed November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the linked sources before you rely on a deadline.