Following public hearings on Sept. 2 and Sept. 18, 2025, the Tempe City Council officially adopted Ordinance No. O2025.34, creating two new youth member positions on the Human Relations Commission (HRC).

The City of Tempe is now recruiting for these two seats. The goal is to provide an opportunity for youths’ interests, needs, and ideas to be represented on the HRC, whose mission is to promote mutual understanding and respect in our community.

As Vice Mayor Garlid stated during the Sept. 2 hearing, the youth voice is "really important in the decisions that shape our city. This is your chance to develop leadership skills and ensure your perspective is heard.

Positions Available: Up to two (2) youth members.

Term of Service: The official term runs from Sept. 1st to May 31st of the following year.
    ◦ Please note: Initial appointments made this fall will be for a partial term ending May 31, 2026. This initial service will not count against the two (2) FULL one-year terms a youth member is eligible to serve.

Membership Requirements: Applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of appointment:
    ◦ Be a resident of the City of Tempe.
    ◦ Be between fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) years old.

How to Apply:
1. APPLY HERE 
2. In the Board/Commission dropdown menu, select Human Relations Commission.
3. This will prompt you to answer a few additional questions to confirm you meet the specific requirements for the youth member position.

For any questions about the application process, please contact the City Clerk's Office.

Tempe’s Boards and Commissions make important recommendations to the City Council on many aspects of community life. Serving is a meaningful way to get involved and play a key role in shaping the future of our city.

There are 28 Boards and Commissions, each focused on a special area of interest—such as arts and culture, sustainability, veterans’ programs, neighborhood issues, and more. Serving usually takes just a few hours a month, and it’s a great way to meet neighbors who share your interests.

Current Openings

Check out the vacancy list to learn which Boards and Commissions currently have openings that need to be filled. Some of the groups require Tempe residency.  In addition, some require experience in specialized fields, such as plumbing, engineering, architecture and more.

How to Apply

Those interested should apply through the City Board or Commission Application  to be considered for appointment at an upcoming Council meeting.  Appointed members will begin service  immediately following appointment.

Board and Commission applications are always accepted and are kept on file for one year from the date of receipt.

Important Eligibility Note – City Code Term Limits
Under Tempe City Code Section 2-182(c), individuals may not serve more than two (2) total terms on the same board or commission, regardless of whether the terms are consecutive.  If you have already completed two full terms on a particular board or commission, you are not eligible to be reappointed to that same body. You are still welcome to apply for service on a different board or commission.   

Questions?

 Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 480-350-4311 or clerk@tempe.gov, Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding City holidays).

Listing of Boards, Commissions, and Committees

Calendar of Meetings

Member Resources  

Membership Rosters

Current Vacancies

Archived Agendas and Minutes

In accordance with State law, public meeting notices for all meetings of the Tempe City Council and all City of Tempe boards and commissions will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. 

The City of Tempe’s official posting board is located at the Council Chambers level of the Harry E. Mitchell Government Complex, 31 E. Fifth Street, Tempe. Public Meeting Notices are posted on electronic display panels located near the main entry of the Council Chambers, and note the availability of individual meeting agendas online. The electronic posting board is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Public meeting notices are also posted on the City’s website. Results of any legal actions taken at the City Council meetings will be posted on the City’s website within 3 working days of the meeting.