Boards, Committees, and Commissions

Elected City Officials
Vacancies
Volunteer information and application
  • Arts & Cultural Commission - Encouraging support for arts and culture within the wider Portsmouth community
     
  • Audit Committee - Recommends an external auditor to the City Council, advise and work with the City Council on fiscal oversight.
     
  • Cable and Broadband Internet Commission - Establishes standing subcommittees on matters pertaining to the operation and performance of cable companies within the City. 
     
  • Cemetery Committee - Encourages the restoration, preservation, and safeguarding of Portsmouth's historic cemeteries and their history for future generations.
     
  • Citizens Advisory Committee - Advises the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, emerging community needs, and facilitate public involvement in the CDBG program planning process. 
     
  • Citywide Neighborhood Committee - Advocates for the neighborhoods in Portsmouth, guided by two basic principles: protection and preservation of the quality of our neighborhoods. 
     
  • Conservation Commission - Protects and properly utilizes the City's natural resources. 
     
  • Economic Development Commission - Ensures continued economic prosperity and preservation of the qualities that attract and retain businesses in the community. 
     
  • Fee Schedule Study Committee - Annually reviews municipal fees.
     
  • Historic District Commission - Reviews exterior changes to buildings and structures located within the Historic District. 
     
  • Housing Authority - Provides quality housing to people with low and very low incomes; ensures that all residents pay fair and reasonable rents; promotes fair housing to people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages and abilities.
     
  • Housing Blue Ribbon Committee - Expands the housing supply, especially affordable units, in the City of Portsmouth.
     
  • Legislative Subcommittee - Meets regularly with our Senator and Representatives to review legislation of interest to the City. 
     
  • Board of Library Trustees - Determines objectives that will result in the continuing growth and improvement of Library services and establish policies to attain these objectives.
     
  • Municipal Building Blue Ribbon Committee - Explore and recommend to the City Council investments in the Municipal Building, including the police facility.
     
  • Parking and Traffic Safety Committee - Addresses all traffic safety issues within the City of Portsmouth, including signs, traffic lights, striping, plan reviews of new development, and other pedestrian/vehicular-related problems.
     
  • Planning Board - Acts on Site Review, Subdivisions, Lot Line Relocation, City Council Referrals and Conditional Use Permits.
     
  • Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee - Researches the risks and opportunities of a Community Power program for Portsmouth.
     
  • Portsmouth Housing Endowment Fund Board - Formulates policies regarding the operation of the City's first-time homebuyer's program, HomeTown.
     
  • Public Art Review Committee - Assists the City in reviewing proposals for public art and conducting practical assessments of the feasibility of installing and maintaining such art works in the public sphere.
     
  • Recreation Board - Assists the Recreation Department in planning a citywide recreation program. The Board advises the City Manager and City Council regarding recreational needs. 
     
  • Safe Water Advisory Group - Reviews and communicates the latest science on the health and environmental effects of PFAS, to monitor federal and state level legislative changes, and to anticipate policy changes that could impact the City.
     
  • Sister Cities Blue Ribbon Committee - Manages the City's Sister and Friendship Cities programs and relationships.
     
  • Site Review Technical Advisory Committee - Manages Site Review Applications and makes recommendations to the Planning Board.
     
  • Sustainability Committee - Increases awareness of the importance and value of sustainable practices among Portsmouth residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.
     
  • Trees & Public Greenery Committee - Advises and assists the City’s Tree Warden to ensure the proper expansion, protection and maintenance of the City’s Urban Forest.
     
  • Board of Trustees of Trust Funds - Has the fiduciary responsibility for the City's Trust Funds and oversee the management and operations of Prescott Park under the guidelines of the Prescott Trust.
     
  • Veterans Organization 
     
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Rules on requests for Variances and Special Exceptions from the Zoning Ordinance as well as Appeals from Administrative Decisions.

Regional Boards with City Representation

Content

Types of Boards

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  • Elected Board/Commission – Governed by the City Charter
  • Quasi-Judicial Board or Commission – Governed by state law (RSAs), City Charter, and City Ordinance​
  • Council Subcommittee – Governed by Council Motions​
  • Standing Committee – Governed by City Ordinance
  • Mayor’s Blue-Ribbon Committee – Governed by Council Motions​, renewed (or sunset) by every new Council
  • Regulatory/Technical Committee – Governed by Federal and/or State Law (RSAs), City Charter, City Ordinance, and/or Quasi-Judicial Committee Rules​
  • Others – Governed by either State Law, Charters/Rules, or Bylaws​