Standing Commissions

The City of Newcastle has two standing commissions—the Planning Commission and the Community Activities Commission. Volunteers for these commissions are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. These commissions hold regular public meetings, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Standing Committees

The City also has several committees. Newcastle’s three standing City Council committees are the Salary & Benefits Committee, the Economic & Community Development Committee, and the Finance Committee. Each committee has at least one—but no more than three—Councilmembers so they do not form a quorum.

Commissions and committees serve in an advisory role, studying issues within their focus area and making recommendations to the full City Council.

The Finance Committee is the only exception. It has limited authority to approve certain expenditures and contracts under a dollar amount set by the City Council.

The Mayor and City Council may also create temporary committees when needed to focus on special projects or short-term issues.