Coon Rapids seeks residents for three advisory commissions, applications due Dec. 31

COON RAPIDS, Minn. -  The City of Coon Rapids is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on volunteer advisory commissions, part of the city’s annual effort to ensure broad community representation in local governance.

Openings are currently available on the Arts Commission, Historical Commission, and Sustainability Commission. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Advisory commissions serve in a formal advisory role to the City Council, providing research, public input, and recommendations on specialized policy areas. City officials note that this structure allows residents with lived experience and subject matter interest to help guide decisions that shape Coon Rapids’ cultural life, historical preservation, and long-term environmental goals.

Arts Commission

The Arts Commission serves as the primary advisory body to the City Council on matters of public art and cultural programming.

Key responsibilities include overseeing the city’s Public Art Program, which involves selecting, placing, and maintaining art installations in public spaces across Coon Rapids. The commission also plays a leading role in organizing several signature community events, including the Holiday Lighting Contest, Summer and Winter Concert Series, and the annual City Photo Contest.

Through these efforts, commission members help shape how public spaces are used for artistic expression and community gathering, contributing to a vibrant and accessible local arts culture.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is charged with preserving what the city describes as the “living memory” of Coon Rapids.

Its responsibilities include advising the City Council on the preservation of buildings, landmarks, and sites with historical significance. The commission also manages the Pioneer Room at City Hall and oversees the city’s historical archives.

Recent projects have included the installation of historical signage throughout the city and the creation of QR code video features that allow residents to learn about local history on site. The commission typically meets on the third Thursday of each month from January through October at 6:30 p.m.

Sustainability Commission

Founded in 2008, the Sustainability Commission focuses on long-term ecological balance and responsible use of city resources.

The commission researches and recommends strategies related to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable building practices. Its work has contributed to Coon Rapids achieving Step 5, the highest designation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program.

Recent reports from the commission include updates to the city’s Landscape Standards to promote resilient landscaping and an Electric Vehicle report aimed at encouraging best practices for green fleet adoption. The commission meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

How to apply

Applicants are generally required to be residents of Coon Rapids. While professional expertise is not required, the city encourages applicants with a strong interest or passion for the arts, local history, or environmental sustainability to apply.

Applications can be submitted through the city’s Boards, Commissions and Committees webpage. After the deadline, the City Council reviews applications and conducts interviews.

Under Minnesota Statute 13.601, certain application information, including name, city of residence, and volunteer or employment history, becomes public data once an individual applies.

Why it matters

Advisory commissions act as a critical bridge between residents and elected officials. Because city councils cannot be experts in every policy area, they rely on volunteer commissions to conduct in-depth research, gather community perspectives, and offer evidence-based recommendations on complex issues.

For residents, commission service represents one of the most direct ways to influence local policy and the future direction of the city.

MinneapoliMedia