The City of Ennis offers many opportunities for residents to help shape our community’s future. Each board and commission play a unique role in planning, preservation, public services, economic development, and enhancing quality of life.
Below, you can explore our boards and commissions, learn what they do and when they meet. Discover opportunities to get involved and find where your interests and talents can make a meaningful difference in Ennis.
For questions about Boards & Commissions, please contact the City Secretary's Office at 972‑875‑1234.
Planning & Zoning Commission
What it does:
Guides how Ennis grows by reviewing development proposals, zoning changes, long‑range land‑use plans, and historic preservation considerations. The Commission also conducts studies and public hearings and serves as the Building Standards Commission.
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Monday, 6:00 PM (as needed)
Membership: 7 members + 2 alternates, two‑year terms
Historic Landmark Commission
What it does:
Protects and promotes Ennis’s historic assets. Oversees surveys, landmark designations, design standards, Certificates of Appropriateness, National Register nominations, preservation incentives, and public education initiatives.
Meetings: 3rd Monday, 6:00 PM (as needed)
Membership: 7 members + 2 alternates, two‑year terms
Zoning Board of Adjustment
What it does:
Hears appeals, variance requests, and special exceptions related to zoning regulations. Helps ensure fair, consistent application of development laws.
Meetings: As scheduled by cases
Membership: 5 members + 2 alternates, two‑year terms (minimum 4 members required per case)
Parks & Recreation Board
What it does:
Supports the planning, improvement, and beautification of City parks and recreational facilities, working closely with the community and City Commission.
Meeting: 3rd Wednesday, 5:30 PM
Membership: 7 members
Library Advisory Board
What it does:
Guides library services, recommends policies, collaborates with community groups, and reviews unresolved material‑challenge concerns.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday every other month, 6:00 PM
Membership: 7 members, three-year terms
Railroad Museum Board
What it does:
Preserves and expands collections related to Ennis’s history, Ellis County, and railroad heritage, including cultural and immigration‑related artifacts.
Meetings: 4th Tuesday every other month, 5:30 PM
Membership: 9 members, two-year terms
Arts Commission
What it does:
Promotes arts and cultural enrichment throughout Ennis. Coordinates partnerships and recommends programs and policies supporting local creative efforts.
Meetings: 4th Tuesday, 4:30 PM
Membership: 9 members, two-year terms
Economic Development Corporation Board
What it does:
Supports projects that strengthen the local economy through Type B sales‑tax funding, focusing on business development, job creation, and overall community growth.
Meetings: Last Thursday, 5:00 PM
Membership: 7 members, two-year terms
Main Street Board
What it does:
Oversees the revitalization of historic downtown Ennis, implements the Downtown Master Plan, and supports economic vitality, design, marketing, and community programs.
Meetings: 1st Wednesday, 5:30 PM
Kaufman Development District Board
What it does:
Leads revitalization efforts in the Kaufman District, oversees façade improvements, supports code compliance, and fosters new development opportunities.
Meetings: 2nd Thursday
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ #1, #2, #3)
What they do:
Manage tax‑increment funding to support infrastructure improvements, economic development, revitalization, and long‑term growth within designated zones.
Meetings: As scheduled
Membership: Appointed members per TIRZ guidelines
Airport Advisory Board
What it does:
Provides guidance on airport operations, planning, and long‑term improvements.
Meetings: As scheduled
Keep Ennis Beautiful Board
What it does:
Focuses on community pride, beautification, environmental education, sustainability, and volunteer engagement.
Meeting: As needed
Membership: Not less than five nor more than seven members, two-year terms
Crime Control & Prevention District Board
What it does:
Oversees use of the dedicated sales‑tax revenue supporting law enforcement and public safety initiatives. Expenditures move forward to the City Commission for approval.
Meeting: As scheduled
Membership: Each City Commissioner appoints one member
For more information on each of the City of Ennis Boards and Commissions and to submit your application online, please use the link provided below.