The City of Janesville operates under a council–manager form of government. A seven-member City Council, elected at large on a nonpartisan basis, serves as the city’s legislative and policymaking body. Council members select a president from among themselves to preside over meetings and coordinate council functions. The Council appoints a City Manager, who acts as the chief executive and oversees daily operations, manages city departments, and implements the policies established by the Council. This structure allows the Council to focus on policy while the City Manager handles administration and service delivery across all municipal departments.
This is an overview of the committees, boards, and commissions that guide important aspects of the city of Janesville’s governance and community development. Each group plays a distinct role in shaping policy, reviewing public matters, and ensuring that local decisions reflect the needs and interests of residents. Together, these bodies support transparency, encourage civic engagement, and help maintain a well-functioning, forward-looking community.
This five-member citizen committee plays a central role in shaping civic engagement across the city. Its primary responsibility is to identify and recommend qualified residents for appointment to municipal standing committees, commissions, and boards. By evaluating applicants’ experience, interests, and community involvement, the committee ensures that each board benefits from diverse perspectives and capable leadership. Its work helps maintain strong, effective public bodies that reflect the needs and values of the community.
This committee includes five citizens and two City Councilmembers who review all matters related to alcohol licensing. Their work safeguards public safety and supports responsible business operations. The committee evaluates new applications, renewals, and amendments for liquor and related licenses, ensuring compliance with local and state laws. It also serves as a research body for developing alcohol-related ordinances and policies. This dual role helps balance economic development with community well-being.
The Board of Review is composed of five city residents who convene annually to hear formal objections to property assessments. This board provides an important check and balance within the property taxation system. By reviewing testimony from both the Assessor’s Office and property owners, the board ensures assessments are fair, accurate, and equitable. Its decisions directly impact homeowners, businesses, and the integrity of the city’s tax base.
The CDA oversees major initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life. Its responsibilities include administering the Rental Assistance Program and advancing community development efforts such as housing rehabilitation, homeownership initiatives, and targeted improvement projects in neighborhoods and downtown areas. Composed of five citizens and two Councilmembers, the CDA helps guide strategic investment across the community. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that development efforts promote stability, affordability, and long-term growth.
Created to support the revitalization of the downtown district, the BID Board directs resources toward improvements that enhance the area’s economic vitality. The board includes nine individuals representing property owners, business owners, and the general public, with an emphasis on ensuring representation from all BID zones. Its work supports beautification, marketing, events, and other projects that attract visitors and strengthen downtown commerce. This board is vital to maintaining a vibrant, competitive, and welcoming city center.
Formed in 1981, this seven-member citizen commission safeguards the city’s historic and architectural heritage. Commissioners represent a broad cross-section of residents who share a commitment to preservation. The commission reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, evaluates local preservation matters, and promotes public awareness of historic resources. Its work ensures that the city’s past is protected and celebrated as part of its cultural identity.
The JM4C Board provides leadership and oversight for the JM4C Coalition, which focuses on building a healthier, safer community through prevention and youth engagement. With a membership of five to seventeen individuals, the board sets policies, establishes organizational goals, and oversees key decisions. It includes youth leadership through two Youth Co-Chairpersons, reflecting the coalition’s commitment to youth voice. The board can create committees as needed to advance its mission, ensuring agility and responsiveness to community needs.
This ten-member board, made up of nine citizens and a nonvoting representative from Human Resources, governs the Hedberg Public Library. The Board sets library policies, oversees operations, and prepares the annual budget for City Council approval. Its work ensures the library remains a hub for learning, literacy, and public access to information. The board plays a key role in supporting strategic planning and long-range vision for library services.
The MPO Policy Board brings together representatives from multiple jurisdictions, including the City of Janesville, City of Milton, Rock County, area towns, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. This broad representation is essential for coordinated transportation planning. The MPO develops short- and long-range transportation strategies, addresses transit issues, and ensures compliance with federal transportation planning requirements. Its work shapes regional mobility, infrastructure investment, and future growth patterns.
This eleven-member committee includes nine citizens, one representative of the ice-skating community, and one Councilmember. The committee advises on planning, development, and maintenance of parks, recreation programs, facilities, and green spaces. Its recommendations help ensure that recreational offerings align with community needs and enhance quality of life. By involving residents in decision-making, the committee supports accessible, well-designed public spaces and active lifestyles.
The Plan Commission consists of five citizens and two City Councilmembers and is established under state law. It reviews proposals related to planning, zoning, and physical development, ensuring that land-use decisions support the city’s long-term goals. The commission prepares and adopts the City’s Comprehensive Plan, guiding future growth, development, and infrastructure investments. Regular public meetings provide transparency and encourage civic participation in shaping the city’s future landscape.
This five-member citizen commission carries significant responsibility for public safety leadership. It oversees the hiring of Police and Fire Chiefs and approves appointments within both departments. The commission also has authority to review disciplinary matters and, when necessary, dismiss or discipline the Chiefs or subordinate staff. Its oversight function strengthens accountability and public trust in police and fire services.
The committee includes seven citizens and one Councilmember and serves as the city’s central advisory body for environmental sustainability. It gathers public input, evaluates sustainability initiatives, and provides recommendations on environmental practices and policies. Its work helps guide efforts related to energy efficiency, waste reduction, natural resource protection, and climate planning. The committee ensures that sustainability remains a coordinated and visible priority across the organization and the community.
The ZBA is a five-member board with two alternates that hears requests for variances or modifications to zoning standards. It provides a formal process for residents and businesses to seek relief when unique circumstances make strict compliance with zoning rules impractical. By evaluating the merits of each case, the ZBA ensures fairness while maintaining the integrity of the city’s zoning framework. Its decisions help balance individual property needs with broader community planning goals.
View full descriptions of the City of Janesville Committees and Boards.