Duluthians are naturally turning their attention to the summer primary and fall general election for City Council and School Board. But a big part of local public service and city governance takes place well before issues reach those publicly elected bodies.

The city of Duluth’s 14 commissions — formed by the mayor to work alongside the City Council on topics from parking to public utilities to human rights — provide a path for the average Duluthian to impact how our city runs and how Duluthians live their lives.

Commissions are among the few parts of city government, along with ballot initiatives, that provide a direct pipeline from democratic engagement and civilian representation to city policies and ordinances. Commissions also are benchmarks of accountability, providing input, exper

See Full Page