Boards and Committees

Affordable Housing Trustee Committee

Purpose of this committee is to provide for the preservation and creation of affordable housing and for the benefit of low and moderate income households.

Audit Advisory Committee

The Board of Selectmen has established an Audit Advisory Committee to assist them in their oversight of the annual financial audit.

Archives Advisory Committee

The Committee advises the Town Clerk on the management of the Archival Center and its collections.

Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides applications for special permits, petitions for variances from the terms of the zoning bylaws, site plan approvals as mandated by the zoning ordinance, and appeals from decisions of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Board of Assessors

Learn about the Board of Assessors

Board of Health

The Board of Health is responsible for the formulation and enforcement of rules and regulations affecting the environment and public health.

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees shall have the custody and management of the library and of all property of the town related thereto.

Cable Advisory Committee

This committee advises the Board of Selectmen about cable television services and contract issues.

Capital Planning Committee

This committee annually assists the town manager in the preparation of a capital improvement program.

Climate Action Advisory Committee

The purpose of committee is to monitor the progress of Winchester's public, residential, commercial and industrial sectors in achieving the goals and initiatives set forth in Winchester's Climate Action Plan.

Commissioners of Trust Funds

The commissioners manage all trust funds given or bequeathed for the benefit of the town or its inhabitants, unless the donor has otherwise provided.

Committee on Government Regulations

A standing committee of the Town Meeting, the committee reviews and recommends revisions to the bylaws as needed.

Committee on Names

The committee evaluates suggestions for the naming of public places and structures.

Committee on Rules

A standing committee of the Town Meeting, this committee provides continuing oversight of the business, conduct, and procedures of the Town Meeting, proposing changes as it is deems necessary.

Communications Study Committee

The Communications Study Committee was created at the 2021 Fall Annual Town Meeting.

Community Access & Media, Inc.

This committee is in charge of the media access for the community.

Conservation Commission

The commission has responsibility for the preservation of open space and implementation of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Winchester Wetlands Bylaw.

Constable

The constable is appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve the town.

Council on Aging

Mandated by the State Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Federal Administration on Aging, the council’s duties are to total needs and resources of the town’s elderly population.

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council establishes guidelines for the local use of arts lottery funds, determines if applications comply with those guidelines and, and awards funds.

Design Review Committee

The committee reviews and advises on site improvements, visual design, and façade changes within the town when requested by the Board of Selectmen or the Planning Board.

Disability Access Commission

The Disability Access Commission's mission is to protect the rights and facilitate the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of community life within Winchester.

Educational Facilities Planning & Building

The EFPBC is charged with the preparation and periodic adjustment of the school facilities master plan.

Energy Management Committee

The Energy Management Committee (EMC) is charged by the Board of Selectmen with advising and assisting the Town of Winchester in the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy related cost-saving measures for municipal buildings, facilities, and infrastructure.

Field Management Committee

This committee reviews and oversees the use and maintenance of the play-fields and makes recommendations for improvements to the fields and recreational green space.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee (FinCom) is one of five standing committees of Town Meeting, it is comprised of 15 residents appointed by the chair of the Board of Selectmen, the chair of the Finance Committee and the town moderator.

Greenway Initiative Committee

The purpose of the Greenway Initiative Committee is analyzing, establishing, planning and distributing grant funds to create a bike path system in the Town of Winchester.

Heritage District Commission

Each Heritage District Commission shall have five regular members and two alternate members.

Historical Commission

Gain more information on the role of the Historical Commission in Winchester.

Housing Partnership Board

Discover who sits on Housing Partnership Board and the function of said board.

Local Historic District Study Committee

Middlesex Canal Commission

The Middlesex Canal Commission was established by the Massachusetts legislature to promote the restoration and public use of the Middlesex Canal.

Open Space & Recreation Committee

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Permanent Street Tree Committee

Learn more about the focus of the Permanent Street Tree Committee.

Personnel Board

Access the Personnel Board resource to learn more about what purpose it serves in the community.

Planning Board

The Planning Board is responsible for administering the Subdivision Control Law, drafting zoning bylaw revisions, undertaking planning studies within the town, and revising and updating the town's comprehensive master plan.

Registrars of Voters

Learn more about the Registrars of Voters and what they do.

Retirement Board

Learn about the function of the Winchester Retirement Board.

School Committee

The general policy of the Winchester School Committee is to maintain a public school system that will prepare the individual through organized learning activities for effective participation in society.

Senior Citizen Tax Committee

Review who is currently sitting on the Senior Citizen Tax Committee.

Town Manager Advisory Recycling Committee

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Town Retiree Health Insurance Advisory Committee

Town Meeting committee

Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee

Wildwood Cemetery Advisory Committee

Discover the purpose of the Wildwood Cemetery Advisory Committee.

Winchester Cultural District

Downtown Winchester was designated as a Cultural District in 2019 in recognition of the concentration and vitality of its artistic and cultural resources within the community

Winchester Housing Authority

The Housing Authority is authorized to manage the construction, financing, maintenance, and rental policies of low-cost housing for low-income families and the elderly.

Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy

Discover who currently serves on the Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy.