Boards and Commissions
Boards and commissions are comprised of residents appointed by the City Council who volunteer their time and expertise to help guide city policy. Members attend meetings, participate in special events and provide informed recommendations to the City Council on a wide range of community matters.
Residents are encouraged to serve on a board or commission. Applicants must be at least 18 and must have lived in Oak Park for at least one year, unless applying to the Corridor Improvement Authority Board as a business owner.
Terms are renewed in February and August, and applicants may be interviewed when openings occur.
How to submit:
Submit an online application at https://oakparkmi.applicantpro.com/jobs
Choose from the following list of boards and commissions to view more.
Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: 11 voting members; two non‑voting members (Mayor Pro Tem Julie Edgar and Communications Director Brittany Toth).
Members: Sarah Davidson, Dawn Henry, Kevin Keys, Rosetta Kincaid, Terri McQueen, Florence Piernas, Michele Stevenson, Lonnie K. Tabb Upshaw, Carla Wallace, Donny Wilson.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Location: Executive Conference Room, City Hall, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: The Commission develops and recommends arts and cultural programming, fosters community engagement, coordinates events and partners with agencies to secure funding and resources.
Examples of activities: City Hall Art Gallery; “You Create: Art” community program; workshops and lectures; World Dance Day; MLK March; Black History Month celebrations; DIA Inside Out; local artist census; participation in city events.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Beautification Advisory Commission
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: 11 voting members; one City Council representative and Public Works Director Dave DeCoster as non‑voting members.
Members: Idella Bailey, Mattie Boykin, Karen Davis‑Harris, Santhia Guinn, Jim Head Jr., Florence Piernas, Lonnie Tabb‑Upshaw, Talitha Johnson, Jennifer Szonye, Deborah Williamson.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Feb. 28.
Meeting schedule: 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of February, April, May, June, September and December.
Location: Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: The Commission proposes and carries out programs to improve the city’s appearance and encourages resident participation in beautification activities. It also reports blight to Code Enforcement.
Events: Annual Flower Sale; Beautification Awards and Ceremony.
Minutes and Agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Board of Review
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Six members and one alternate.
Members: Tannis Cummings, Herschel Goldstein, James Gulley, Ann‑Marie Morris, Steven Gold, Aaron Schwartz; Eric Love (alternate).
Staff liaison: City Assessor Dawn Scheitz.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule:
- Second and fourth Mondays in March (with overflow days if needed)
- Tuesday following the third Monday in July
- Tuesday following the second Monday in December
Purpose: The Board reviews and corrects the tax assessment roll, hears assessment appeals and considers qualified errors.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Eight voting members.
Members: Joe Brown, Brenda Richard, Elliot Indig, Clarence Johns, Eric Love, Aaron Schwartz, City Manager Erik Tungate.
Staff liaison: Authorities Manager Michelle Bishop.
Terms: Six‑year terms.
Meeting schedule: At least once annually; additional meetings as needed.
Purpose: Coordinates and oversees redevelopment projects on contaminated, blighted or functionally obsolete properties using brownfield tools such as tax increment financing.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Building Board of Appeals
Appointing Authority: City Council
Composition: Five members.
Members: Taleesa Anderson, Cameron Cummings, Richard Readus, Ian Cochran.
Staff liaison: Building Official Jeff Wren.
Terms: Two‑year terms ending Feb. 28.
Meeting schedule: As needed.
Purpose: Hears and decides appeals of the Michigan Building Code.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Corridor Improvement Authority Board
Appointing authority: Mayor
Composition: Seven voting members with ownership or business interests in the corridor district.
Members: Donald Jones, Julie Edgar, Tom Novik, Sophy Wojcik, Wyndy Shamily, Patrick Peteet, Varsala Parish.
Staff liaison: Authorities Director Michelle Bishop.
Terms: Four‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: Third Thursday of each month at noon.
Location: Executive Conference Room, City Hall.
Purpose: Supports economic development, property reinvestment and streetscape improvements along the Nine Mile and Coolidge corridors using tax increment financing and grants.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Election Commission
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Three members.
Members: City Clerk Ed Norris; Steven Chudnow; Sarah Sherman.
Staff liaison: Deputy City Clerk Jo Lynn Williams‑Elliott.
Terms: One‑year terms ending in January.
Meeting schedule: As needed to conduct elections.
Location: West Conference Room, City Hall, 1400 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Appoints election inspectors, prepares election materials and oversees election administration as required by law.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Employees Retirement System Board
Composition: Seven members.
Members: David DeCoster, Saundra Crawford, Noson Daitchman, Mayor Marian McClellan, City Manager Erik Tungate, Ed Norris, Joshua Johnson.
Meeting schedule: Fourth Monday in January, April, July and October at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Executive Conference Room, City Hall, 1400 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Oversees administration and operation of the city’s employee retirement system.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Nine voting members and two non‑voting members.
Members: Cheryl Daniel, Alicia Edwards, Kevin Keys III, Rita Lockridge, Lonnie Tabb‑Upshaw, Glenda Stainback.
Non‑voting: Council Member Stephanie Crawford; staff liaison Adam Owczarzak.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Location: Executive Conference Room, City Hall, 1400 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Plans and coordinates the annual Juneteenth celebration.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Library Board of Directors
Appointing authority: Mayor
Composition: Seven members.
Members: Noson Daitchman, Dana Braxton, Leslye Harlik‑Richie, Cheryl Daniel (vice president), Kenneth Sherman (treasurer), Hilary Cash.
Staff liaisons: City Manager Erik Tungate; Library Director Kimberly Schaaf.
Terms: Two‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: Third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Executive Conference Room, City Hall, 1400 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Oversees library operations, budget, facilities and staff appointments in accordance with Michigan law. View the library-board-bylaws.pdf .
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Local Officers Compensation Commission
Appointing authority: Mayor, with City Council confirmation
Composition: Seven registered electors of the city.
Members: James Gulley, Zakiya Hollifield, Andrew Hylton (chair), Lisa Johnson, Steven Gold, Gwendolyn Henderson, Leona Burns.
Staff liaison: City Clerk Ed Norris.
Terms: Seven‑year terms ending Feb. 28.
Meeting schedule: Meets up to 15 session days in each odd‑numbered year.
Purpose: Determines salaries for elected officials. Decisions take effect unless rejected by a two‑thirds vote of City Council.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Nine voting members and two non‑voting members.
Members: Mickey Alderman, Juanita Bell, Theresa Lorick‑Henderson, Carly Silverman, Alexander Simpson, Carian Taylor, Ajai Tice, Beverly Wiggins.
Non‑voting: Mayor Pro Tem Julie Edgar; Recreation Director Laurie Stasiak.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: Third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Location: Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Provides guidance regarding recreation programming and encourages community engagement across Oak Park’s diverse population.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Planning Commission
Appointing authority: Mayor
Composition: Nine commissioners.
Members: Gary Torgow (chair), Joe Brown (co‑chair), Michael Eizelman (secretary), Mayor Marian McClellan, City Manager Erik Tungate, Michael Seligson, Howard Tkatch, Marie Walters‑Gill.
Staff liaisons: Director of Municipal Services Kim Marrone and Economic Development and Planning Specialist Salam Habhab.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: First Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Maintains the City Master Plan, reviews zoning amendments, evaluates special land uses, conducts site‑plan review and oversees long‑range planning activities.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Public Safety Retirement System
Appointing Authority: Various, see Public Safety Board Bylaws below.
Composition: Five members (treasurer or designee; two Council appointees; one member elected by the Command Officers Association; one member elected by the Public Safety Officers Association).
Members: Kyle Macfarlane, Daniel Batora, Mayor Marian McClellan, Council Member Solomon Radner, City Manager Erik Tungate (chair).
Staff: City Clerk Ed Norris; Director of Finance Saundra Crawford.
Terms: Four‑year terms ending in February.
Meeting schedule: Fourth Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m.
Purpose: Administers the Public Safety Retirement System and conducts necessary business operations.
By-laws: Public Safety Board Bylaws
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Recycling and Environmental Conservation Commission
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Nine voting members and one ex officio member.
Members: Natalie Sturm (chair); Jonathan Nachman (vice-chair); Clarissa Clemons; Leslie Ellis; Steven Gold; Alvin Lewis; Richard Readus; Edna Rubin; Kenneth Sherman.
Ex officio: Council Member Stephanie Crawford.
Staff liaison: Deputy Department of Public Works Director Erik Nock.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Advises on recycling, waste reduction, household hazardous waste, public outreach and environmental education.
Events: Haul Your Own Junk Away; Electronics Recycling and Shredding Event.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Five members.
Meeting schedule: Within 30 days of any appeal filing.
Location: City Hall, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Hears and decides appeals related to stormwater regulations and zoning interpretations involving stormwater provisions.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Traffic Safety Board
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Four members plus ex officio members.
Members: Christopher Venable, Kemi Jackson, Sharrista Brown, Aaron Tobin.
Ex officio: Mayor Pro Tem Julie Edgar; Deputy Municipal Services Director Dan Fairless; Deputy Public Safety Director Jason Ginopolis.
Terms: Three‑year terms.
Meeting schedule: Quarterly at 6 p.m.
Location: Municipal Services Meeting Room #1, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Purpose: Studies traffic conditions and recommends measures to improve safety citywide.
Minutes and agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Appointing authority: City Council
Composition: Seven members, including one Planning Commission member.
Members: James Huston (chair), Sharrista Brown (vice chair), Aaron Kleid (secretary), Taleesa D. Anderson, Daniel Lebovic, Michael Seligson, Michael Steinberg.
Staff liaisons: Director of Municipal Services Kim Marrone and Economic Development and Planning Specialist Salam Habhab.
Recording secretary: Deputy City Clerk Jo Lynn Williams‑Elliott.
Terms: Three‑year terms ending Aug. 31.
Meeting schedule: Fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., as needed.
Location: City Hall.
Purpose: Hears zoning appeals, interprets the Zoning Ordinance and considers variance requests.
Minutes and Agendas: Beginning in 2026, the City of Oak Park posts City Council and its boards and commissions meeting agendas and minutes here: Oak Park's Agenda & Minutes Portal
Visit MuniCode to view records from the City Council and board and commission meetings prior to 2026.