The City of Philadelphia creates boards and commissions through the Home Rule Charter, the Philadelphia Code, and executive orders.
On this page, you can search for the City’s advisory boards and commissions. Learn more about each one’s advisory role within various City departments, offices, and programs.
If you have any questions, send an email to CityBoards@phila.gov.
Boards and commissions
Board of View
The Board of View operates in conjunction with the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT). The Board of View resolves special matters related to property assessment appeals, damage assessments, eminent domain, and street changes.
- Compensation: Yes.
- Meeting Frequency: The board meets on an as-needed basis.
Civic Design Review Board
The Civic Design Review Board (CDR) reviews major subdivisions, zoning bills, neighborhood plans, and citywide plans. The board also reviews large projects applying for zoning variances and ensures large projects comply with certain size thresholds.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Commission on Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs
The Commission on Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs (FBIA) ensures Philadelphia’s diverse faith communities are represented in the administration’s decision-making process.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: The commission meets at the discretion of the commissioners.
Commission on Parks and Recreation
The Commission on Parks and Recreation sets standards for park operations, promotes sustainability, safeguards green space, and identifies funding for improvements through public and private partnerships.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings at minimum.
Housing Advisory Board
The Housing Advisory Board suggests ways to maintain and increase the supply of housing for all income levels. The board also reviews and provides advice on the Department of Planning and Development’s strategic housing plans.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings.
Housing Opportunities Made Easy Advisory Board
The Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Advisory Board provides guidance, recommendations, and insight. The H.O.M.E. Initiative plans to build, restore, and preserve 30,000 homes in Philadelphia.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings.
Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board
The Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board makes recommendations on the types of projects and programs to fund with housing trust fund dollars, income levels of intended recipients, and the fair amount of funds used for each program.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Meetings held every other month.
Mayor’s Commission on African American Males
The Mayor’s Commission on African American Males (MCAAM) studies the diverse conditions of Black men in Philadelphia. The commission makes yearly reports and recommendations to the mayor, City Council, and other City leaders. The MCAAM aims to produce positive outcomes for Black men and boys.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs
The Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs (MCACIA) addresses the needs of Black immigrant communities in Philadelphia. The commission advises the mayor on policies and programs that strengthen the voices of and improve the lives of African and Caribbean immigrants, refugees, and asylees.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Mayor’s Commission on Aging
The Mayor’s Commission on Aging works to sustain an accessible, inclusive, and supportive environment for older Philadelphians. The commission collaborates with a network of partners, ensuring seniors are well-equipped to thrive.
- Compensation: Yes.
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings.
Mayor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
The Mayor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (MCAPAA) advises the mayor on issues and policies important to the city’s Asian communities. Members ensure diversity and inclusion for Asian communities in City policies.
MCAPAA supports Asian American community organizations in developing strategies and programs that enhance the social, cultural, and economic status of Asian American communities.
- Compensation: None
- Meeting frequency: Meetings held every other month.
Mayor’s Commission on Latino Engagement
The Mayor’s Commission on Latino Engagement provides a crucial link between Latino communities and City government. Members ensure Latino residents’ voices are heard and actively involved in the city’s development.
The commission focuses on community support, cultural celebration, and advocacy. The group provides resources that improve the quality of life for Latino individuals and families.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Meetings held every other month.
Mayor’s Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs
The Mayor’s Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs serves as representatives of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community. The board advises the executive branch on policies that could improve or adversely impact the quality of life within the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Mayor’s Commission on Muslim Engagement
The Mayor’s Commission on Muslim Engagement provides a dedicated platform to understand the Muslim community’s needs, recommend effective policies, and foster a more inclusive Philadelphia.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities
The Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities (MCPD) conducts systemic advocacy on behalf of Philadelphians with disabilities. The commission’s advocacy efforts include ensuring that people with disabilities are employed in integrated workplaces and receive fair, market-based wages. Members also advocate for affordable and accessible housing.
- Compensation: None
- Meeting frequency: Meetings held very other month.
Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity’s Oversight Board
The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity’s Oversight Board is a diverse, city-wide body composed of community members, public officials, and private-sector leaders. The board guides and ensures accountability across CEO’s anti-poverty efforts.
The group advises on grant funding, program strategies, and policy initiatives to promote financial stability, housing security, workforce development, and racial equity for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings.
Philadelphia Airport Advisory Board
The Philadelphia Airport Advisory Board provides advice to the Department of Aviation regarding aviation-related matters, airport business, and local stakeholder issues. The board supports the airport’s senior leadership and the City.
- Compensation: None
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings.
Philadelphia Commission for Women
The Philadelphia Commission for Women works on improving the lives of Philadelphia’s women, girls, and individuals who identify as female.
In addition to advising City government on public policy, the commission hosts public forums on issues that impact women. Topics include wage equity, education, violence against women, sexual harassment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Philadelphia County Criminal Justice Advisory Board
The Philadelphia County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (PCCJAB) addresses criminal justice issues from a systemic and policy perspective.
The PCCJAB provides recommendations to the ongoing improvements of Philadelphia County’s Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems. PCCJAB increases interagency collaboration and emphasizes collective action toward the most critical issues in criminal justice facing Philadelphia today.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings.
Philadelphia Historical Commission – Committee on Financial Hardship
The Committee on Financial Hardship reviews applications for claiming that a historic building can’t be reused or maintained. The committee then makes recommendations to the Historical Commission.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: The committee meets on an as-needed basis.
Philadelphia Youth Commission
The Philadelphia Youth Commission (PYC) improves the lives of Philadelphia’s youth in coordination with the City, community organizations, nonprofits, and private entities. Members of the PYC make an impact by commenting on local policies, creating youth programs, and partnering with youth organizations.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Plumbing Advisory Board
The Plumbing Advisory Board reviews appeals related to the Philadelphia Plumbing Code. The board advises the commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) on regulations and standards. Members also review products and materials not currently listed in the Philadelphia Plumbing Code.
- Compensation: Yes.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings.
Tax Reform Commission
The Tax Reform Commission (TRC) conducts comprehensive analysis of Philadelphia’s tax structure, including state-imposed taxes. The TRC provides recommendations on reforms, while also making the tax structure more inclusive, equitable, and growth-oriented.
- Compensation: None.
- Meeting frequency: Monthly meetings when active.
Veterans Advisory Commission
The Veterans Advisory Commission (VAC) serves as the liaison between Philadelphia’s veteran community, City Council president, and mayor of Philadelphia on veteran accomplishments, issues, and policies.
The commission serves a community of over 67,000 service members and their families. The commission connects the veteran community with available resources, such as health/wellness initiatives, education programs, employment opportunities, and financial assistance.
- Compensation: Yes.
- Meeting frequency: Quarterly meetings.