What are Operating Commissions?
Operating commissions are committees whose primary functions are “operational,” rather than “advisory.” Some commissions partner with the NPS to develop and manage national parks. Others plan and manage National Heritage Areas. At present, there are five operating commissions connected to the NPS mission.
They are established by law or Presidential directive and have the authority to:
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obtain funds from any source, including federal sources
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spend appropriated federal funds
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enter into cooperative agreements with states, state and nonprofit organizations, and individuals
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make grants to states, state and nonprofit organizations, and individuals
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hire and pay staff
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contract for goods and services
Operating commissions are not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). They may perform some advisory functions, as long as they are subordinate to the operational functions. But, any advisory committees created by an operating commission are subject to FACA.
Coordinating Responsibilities
NPS staff at parks and regional offices handle day-to-day coordination with the operating commissions. The NPS National Heritage Areas Program gives technical and financial aid to NHAs for a limited time after designation. The Office of Policy ensures the commissions are properly established and administered. We
- prepare the formal charters that allow each commission to function
- process nominations for the appointment of commission members by the Secretary of the Interior
- give advice and technical help to commissions and NPS staff about their roles and responsibilities, activities, and meetings
- compile and maintain commission reports
Current Operating Commissions
Learn more about the five operating commissions administered by the National Park Service.
Ted Ellis/400 Years of African-American History Commission
400 Years of African-American History Commission
The 15-member commission plans, develops, and carries out programs to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies.Authorized by the 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act (Public Law 115-102), January 8, 2018.
NPS photo
Boston Harbor Islands Partnership
The 13-member group, representing federal, state, city, and nonprofit agencies, collaboratively manages the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
Authorized by the Ombibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-333), November 12, 1996
Charter
NPS photo
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission
The 27-member group collaborates with federal, state, and local governments and organizations to manage, preserve, and interpret the Erie Canal, promote tourism, and foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway.Authorized by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (Public Law 106-554) December 31, 2000
Charter
Diedre Laird photo
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission
The 15-member commission partners with the NPS and the State Historic Preservation Offices to preserve and interpret the unique history and culture of the Gullah/Geechee people—Africans and African-Americans who settled in coastal areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Authorized by the National Heritage Areas Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-338), October 12, 2006
Charter
NPS photo
Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission
The seven-member commission provides leadership, education, and financial support to preserve sites and tell the story of copper mining on Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
Authorized by the enabling legislation for Keweenaw National Historical Park (Public Law 102-543), October 27, 1992
Charter
Last updated: December 2, 2021