Redondo Beach has seven city commissions — volunteer advisory bodies made up of residents who help shape city policy on everything from land use to harbor operations to the city budget. If you've ever attended a city council meeting and heard a council member say "this was reviewed by the commission," these are the bodies they're talking about. Commissions are one of the most direct ways residents can influence how the city works — and one of the least understood. Here's how they operate, what each one does, and how to get involved. You can also explore individual commission pages on our commissions hub.
What are commissions?
City commissions are advisory bodies appointed by the city council. Commissioners are Redondo Beach residents who volunteer to serve four-year terms starting October 1. Each commission typically has five to seven members. They hold regular public meetings, study issues within their area, and make recommendations to the city council.
In most cases, commissions are advisory only — they recommend, but the council decides. The major exception is the Planning Commission, which has quasi-judicial authority on certain land-use matters and can make binding decisions that only get to the council if someone files an appeal. We'll get to that.
Commission meetings are public. They're governed by the Brown Act, just like council meetings. Agendas are posted in advance. Residents can attend and speak during public comment. If you want to see how city policy gets shaped before it ever reaches the council dais, commission meetings are where to look.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is the most consequential advisory body in Redondo Beach. It reviews development projects, conditional use permits, variances, zoning changes, and other land-use applications. Unlike other commissions, the Planning Commission has quasi-judicial authority — it can approve or deny certain projects, and those decisions are final unless appealed to the city council.
If someone wants to build a new apartment building in your neighborhood, convert a commercial space, or request an exception to zoning rules, the Planning Commission is where that application gets a public hearing. Commissioners review staff reports, hear from applicants and neighbors, and vote. Their decisions directly affect what gets built and where.
The Planning Commission meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month. If you care about development, density, housing, or the physical character of your neighborhood, this is the commission to watch.
Harbor Commission
The Harbor Commission advises the city council on matters related to King Harbor — the marina, harbor facilities, and the surrounding waterfront area. King Harbor is one of Redondo Beach's most valuable public assets, and the commission weighs in on lease negotiations, harbor maintenance and improvements, boating regulations, and the balance between commercial activity and public access.
With the city's waterfront leases currently under renegotiation, the Harbor Commission's work has taken on added significance. If you care about the future of the pier area, the Boardwalk, or harbor-adjacent development, this is a commission worth following.
Budget and Finance Commission
The Budget and Finance Commission reviews the city's financial health, the annual budget, and fiscal policy. They dig into revenue projections, spending priorities, reserve levels, pension obligations, and long-term financial planning. Their recommendations go to the council during the annual budget process — typically in the spring and early summer.
For a city with a roughly $120 million annual budget, this oversight matters. The Budget and Finance Commission is where residents with financial expertise can make a meaningful contribution to how public money gets managed.
Other commissions
Cultural Arts Commission: Advises on public art, cultural programming, and arts-related policy. If you've seen murals, sculptures, or cultural events around Redondo, this commission had a hand in making them happen.
Public Amenities Commission:Focuses on parks, recreation facilities, open space, and community amenities. If you use Redondo's parks, beaches, playgrounds, or community centers, this commission advises on improvements and programming priorities.
Public Works Safety & Sustainability Commission:Covers infrastructure, public safety, environmental sustainability, and related issues. Topics include traffic, road conditions, water and sewer systems, emergency preparedness, and the city's sustainability goals.
Each of these commissions meets regularly, holds public meetings, and makes recommendations to the council. They may not have the high-profile cases of the Planning Commission, but they shape the quality of life in Redondo Beach in tangible ways.
Youth Commission
The Youth Commission is Redondo Beach's advisory body for high school students. It gives young residents a formal voice in city government and an opportunity to learn about civic engagement firsthand. Youth commissioners work on projects related to their peers and the community, and they present recommendations to the council.
If you're a high school student living in Redondo Beach (or a parent of one), the Youth Commission is a remarkable opportunity. It looks great on college applications — but more importantly, it gives young people real experience with how local government works and a genuine platform to influence policy.
How to apply
To serve on a Redondo Beach commission, you must be a resident of the city. Commissioners are appointed by the city council to four-year terms beginning October 1. When vacancies arise — either because a term has expired or a commissioner has resigned — the city solicits applications through the City Clerk's office.
To apply:Contact the City Clerk's office directly. The current City Clerk is Eleanor Manzano, and she can be reached at (310) 318-0656. The Clerk's office will let you know which commissions have upcoming vacancies and provide the application materials. Applications are reviewed by the council, and appointments are made by a vote of the full body.
What they're looking for: There are no formal requirements beyond residency, but relevant experience or expertise helps. The Planning Commission benefits from members with backgrounds in architecture, real estate, or land use. Budget and Finance values financial expertise. But passion and willingness to do the work matter at least as much as professional credentials. The city needs engaged residents who will read the staff reports, show up to meetings, and take the work seriously.
The time commitmentvaries by commission but typically involves one or two meetings per month (usually in the evening), plus time to review agendas and staff reports beforehand. It's volunteer work — commissioners are not paid. But it's among the most impactful volunteer work you can do in your city.
Commissions are where the city's policy machinery meets its residents. They're accessible, they're open, and they're looking for people who care enough to contribute. If you've ever said "someone should do something about that" — this is your chance to be that someone.