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Attorney's Office

Committees & Legislation

Structure of Boards, Commissions, Committees

The City of Madison has nearly 80 Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCCs) with approximately 700 total members. These groups are made up of community members and council members. They are supported by City staff. 

Boards, commissions, and committees can be created in various ways.

Authorizing AuthorityNumber of BCCsExamples
Wisconsin State Statute14Plan Commission (62.23, Wis. Stats.)
Water Utility Board (66.0805, Wis. Stats.)
City Ordinance45Alcohol License Review Committee (33.02, MGO)
Transportation Commission (33.56, MGO)
Police Civilian Oversight Board (5.10, MGO)
Parks Board subcommittees
Non-City BCCs with City Appointments16Sewerage District Commission
Overture Center Board
Capital Area Regional Planning Commission
Workgroups and TaskforcesVariableFarmland Preservation Task Force

Composition and Appointment

BCCs are composed of various combinations of members, including members of the community, Alders, and the Mayor. Members are appointed by the Mayor or Council President and confirmed by the Council, or by resolution.

  • Community members and Alders
    • Most boards, commissions, and committees
    • Appointed by Mayor, confirmed by Council
  • Alder only
    • Common Council Executive Committee, Presidential Ad-Hoc Workgroups/Taskforces
    • Appointed by Council President, confirmed by Council
  • Alders, Mayor, City staff
    • Finance Committee
    • Membership directed by State Statute, confirmed by resolution
  • Community members only
    • Police Civilian Oversight Board
    • Nominated by community-based organizations
    • Appointed by Mayor and Council Leadership, confirmed by Common Council

Member Roles and Responsibilities

BCC members use each member's expertise to represent the broad community and discuss issues relevant to their subject matter. Boards and Commissions typically have more decision-making authority than Committees, which are advisory in nature.  

Specific responsibilities of BCCs that have been created by Ordinance can be found in the Madison General Ordinances. Responsibilities for BCCs created by other authorizing authorities are  listed in the language creating and authorizing said BCC.

Additional Information

For Common Council meeting information, please view the Common Council section of Alder Onboarding.

Navigating an Agenda

Agendas follow this basic order:

  1. Call to Order/Roll Call

    The chairperson or president officially begins the meeting; the clerk or secretary calls out BCC member names to establish who is present.

  2. Approval of Minutes

    The members of the BCC review the minutes from the previous meeting and approve for publication.

  3. Disclosures and Recusals

    BCC members notify the body of any conflict of interest they have related to items on the agenda in which they may need to withdraw themselves from discussion and voting on the item.

  4. Public Comment

    Residents can register to speak at the BCC meeting to provide comments related to topics within the scope of the BCC. 

  5. Public Hearing

    Residents are provided a formal opportunity to provide feedback on a specific issue listed on the agenda. 

  6. Discussion Items

    The BCC considers all assigned business under their scope and, when necessary, make recommendations to Common Council or Lead Sponsor.

  7. Adjournment

    The motion to officially end the meeting.

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