Board, Commission, Council, and Committee Descriptions
Please carefully read the options available for service next year. Then, rank your top five choices in the grid below.
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**CITY AND COUNTY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COUNCILS**
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MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL:
The Mayor's Youth Council seeks to: assist with the identification of issues important to Northfield young people; work with community partners to help design and implement solutions; and provide youth perspective and input into civic affairs relevant to the Mayor of Northfield and the Northfield City Council. Typically meets on Wednesday mornings before school 2 times a month.
ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION:
The Arts and Culture Commission advises the Northfield City Council about the development of arts and cultural activities, organizations, and facilities in Northfield. Its purpose is to assist Northfield in becoming a community in which arts and cultural activities are recognized as vital components of the community. Typically meets on the second Monday of the month at 4:30 PM.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
The City of Northfield Economic Development Authority seeks to improve the economic condition of Northfield. The EDA focuses on commercial and industrial development, as well as job opportunities in Northfield. The EDA provides resources and tools, including loans and grants, to support this kind of development. Typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 AM.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION:
The City of Northfield Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) advises on matters concerning environmental quality and natural resources, including the implementation of the environmental policy enacted by ordinance. Typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION:
The City of Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission seeks to safeguard the heritage of Northfield by preserving sites and structure that reflect elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political, visual, and architectural history. Typically meets on the first Thursday of each month at 4:30 PM.
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
The City of Northfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s mission is to be a partner in providing a sufficient supply of adequate, safe, and sanitary dwellings in Northfield. The HRA strives to create affordable housing opportunities and strengthen neighborhoods through sustainability, innovation, partnerships, and community input.
Typically meets on the second Thursday of each month at 5:00 PM.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION:
The City of Northfield Human Rights Commission seeks to secure for all citizens equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, and education. The commission assists the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in implementing the state’s Human Rights Act and advises the City Council on long-range programs to improve community relations in the City of Northfield. Typically meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM.
LIBRARY BOARD:
The City of Northfield Library Board makes recommendations regarding the library administration, policies, annual budget, operations, and maintenance of all library facilities. The board monitors and advocates for legislation concerning public libraries. Typically meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
THE NORTHFIELD ALLIANCE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION (NORTHFIELD ASAP) – formerly known as Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use:
The alliance seeks to raise community awareness about local youth substance use and to make recommendations for community interventions to reduce youth use. Members are “advocates for and with youth, committed to creating a community where our youth can lead healthy lives free of alcohol and drug use.” Typically meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
The City of Northfield Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) directly advises city staff and officials regarding the public parks system and all public recreational facilities in the City of Northfield. The PRAB assists with long-range planning for land acquisition for parks, natural areas and trails, as well as detailed plans for park development/use and recreational facilities. Typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM.
PLANNING COMMISSION:
The City of Northfield Planning Commission prepares and maintains the city’s Comprehensive Plan (a document that outlines long-range plans for managing the growth of the community) and advises the City Council on matters regarding implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. The commission also conducts public hearings and makes recommendations to the City Council on proposed changes affecting city zoning and land use. Typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM.
STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP TEAM (CLT):
The purpose of the Rice County Public Health SHIP CLT is to establish and grow community support for policy, systems and environmental change work aimed at making the healthy choice the easy choice. CLT members will act as a governing body with direct input into its direction, insuring that the Rice County SHIP maintains its integrity and community value. We will work together in an environment of collaboration to improve opportunities for healthy living in Rice County. Typically meets on the third Tuesday of every other month from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
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**SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COUNCILS**
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DISTRICT YOUTH COUNCIL:
The District Youth Council works to translate youth voice into action by providing connections between the school board, school, administration, and the student body. They gather and provide youth input on school district-related issues to the Northfield School Board, district administration, and other school-related entities. Typically meets on Wednesday mornings before school 1-2 times a month.
NORTHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Community Services supports the learning and participation of adults and children in the community through citizen involvement, access to school and community resources, and promotion of collaboration and partnerships. The Advisory Council advises staff in programming, budgeting and departmental development. Typically meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:30 PM.
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**NONPROFIT BOARDS**
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS:
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. As one of the original grassroots citizen networks, we are the organization where hands on work to safeguard our democracy leads to civic improvement. Typically meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7pm.
NORTHFIELD ARTS GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Northfield Arts Guild’s mission is to inspire our community by developing, supporting and providing quality inclusive artistic opportunities. The Guild provides year-long programs in theater, music, visual arts, and arts education that serve creative minds of all ages, all levels and all backgrounds. NAG has been working to keep Northfield creative, vibrant and evolving since 1959!
Typically meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30 pm at the Northfield Arts Guild
NORTHFIELD BEYOND THE YELLOW RIBBON STEERING COMMITTEE:
Since becoming an official Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community, last November, our Steering Committee is working on a request intake process, marketing awareness to military members, veterans and their families in need of support as well as working our State of Minnesota approved “Action Plan”. Typically meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM.
HEALTHY COMMUNITY INITIATIVE (HCI) BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
HCI builds collaborations to help make communities in Rice County where all youth thrive. The board sets strategic priorities for the organization, oversees budgeting, and awards grants to local projects that benefit area youth. Typically meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 AM.
NORTHFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Northfield Historical Society began in 1975 to preserve, interpret and honor the unique history of Northfield, Minnesota, and the surrounding region. The Society operates the Historic Bank Museum and re-tells the story of the James-Younger Gang's bank robbery defeat. Other exhibits and programs cover local history topics and the store sells souvenirs and Northfield merchandise. The board sets strategic priorities for the organization, oversees budgeting, fundraising, and programming. Typically meets on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 PM.
NORTHFIELD SHARES BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Northfield Shares is Northfield’s local community foundation. Working as both a community endowment and a hub for volunteerism, Northfield Shares works to provide both funding and volunteers to organizations to help meet the needs and interests of the greater Northfield area, now and far into the future. The board helps support this work by setting strategy and determining funding priorities. Typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 4:30 PM.
NORTHFIELD YOUTH CHOIRS BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Northfield Youth Choirs (NYC) sparks the growth of its singers through artistry, shared experiences, and joy. We believe that every person has the ability to sing and that as we grow, each person develops a unique voice to share with the world. Our goal is that through singing, our members will gain greater confidence in themselves and their intrinsic value – finding and developing their inner voice in addition to their musical voice. The Board oversees the staff and assists with program development, sets strategic direction and is responsible for budgeting. Typically meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM.
WOMEN IN NORTHFIELD GIVING SUPPORT (WINGS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
WINGS is a women’s organization that improves the lives of women and youth in the Northfield community through focused giving. The board helps support this work by setting strategies to increase membership, increase grant-making opportunities, and to ensure fiscally responsible practices. Typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 AM.
YMCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Northfield Area Family YMCA’s mission is to build strong kids, strong families, and a strong community. The Y is a powerful association of youth, adults and families joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Typically meets on the fourth Monday of the month from 6:00-8:00PM.
