Rowan County is governed by the Rowan County Board of Commissioners. In addition, we have 10 municipalities with their own city councils.
Click here to learn how to contact our representatives in the federal and state government.
What Does Local Government Do?
The Rowan County Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting policies and ordinances that apply to the entire county. They oversee social services, the sheriff’s department, the Rowan County fire department, code enforcement, and public health.
City councils also set policies and ordinances that apply to their respective city limits. This can include street maintenance, public transit, public housing, libraries, and waste collection.
Local Government Meeting Times
| Governing Body | Meeting Schedule | Public Comment Guidelines |
| Rowan County Board of Commissioners | 1st Monday at 3:00pm 3rd Monday at 6:00pm | – 3-minute time limit – Sign up prior to meeting |
| Salisbury City Council | 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 6:00pm | – 3-minute time limit – Sign-up prior to meeting |
| China Grove City Council | 1st Tuesday at 6:00pm | 3-minute time limit Sign-up required Written comments due Friday |
| Cleveland Board of Commissioners | 2nd Monday at 6:00pm | – 3-minute time limit – Arrive 10 minutes early to sign up |
| East Spencer Board of Aldermen | 2nd Tuesday at 6:00pm | – 3-minute time limit – Sign-up required Written comments due Friday |
| Faith Board of Aldermen | 2nd Monday at 6:00pm | – Public may comment at regular meeting |
| Granite Quarry Town Council | 2nd Monday at 6:00pm | – 3-minute time limit – Sign up prior to meeting |
| Kannapolis City Council | 2nd Monday at 4:30pm 4th Monday at 6:00pm | – Public can comment at 4th Monday meetings |
| Landis Board of Aldermen | 2nd Monday at 6:00pm | 3-minute time limit Must sign up to comment |
| Rockwell Town Council | 2nd Monday at 6:00pm | |
| Spencer Board of Aldermen | 2nd Tuesdays at 6:00pm | – 3-minute time limit – Must sign up to comment |
All About Boards and Commissions
Local governments have boards and commissions that focus on specific topics.
- These are volunteer positions
- Board members are typically appointed, not elected
- Meetings are usually monthly or every other month
Local boards and commissions are a great way to get involved with local government! These boards often make decisions that have big impacts on their communities, including decisions about zoning, development, parks, and recreation.
Boards and Commissions in Rowan County
| Governing Body | Boards, Commissions, and Committees |
| Rowan County | – Board of Adjustment – Historic Landmarks Commission – Planning Board |
| City of Salisbury | – Alternate Methods of Design – Bell Tower Green Advisory Board – Board of Adjustment – Community Appearance Commission – Gateway, Bicycle, & Pedestrian Committee – Historic Preservation Commission – Housing Advocacy Commission – Human Relations Commission – Parks and Rec Advisory Board – Hurley Park Advisory Board – Planning Board – Public Arts Commission – Transportation Advisory Board – Tree Board |
| City of Kannapolis | – Planning and Zoning Commission – Board of Adjustment – Parks and Rec Commission – Community Improvement Commission |
| City of China Grove | – Planning Board/Board of Adjustment – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board |
| Town of Cleveland | – Zoning Board of Adjustments – Planning Board |
| Town of East Spencer | – Community Beautification – Community Development -Historical Commission – Parks and Rec – Planning Board – Public Safety Outreach – Special Events – Streets and Transit Advisory |
| Town of Granite Quarry | – Planning Board – Zoning Board of Adjustment – Events Committee – Community Appearance Commission |
| Town of Spencer | – Planning & Zoning Board of Adjustment – Historic Preservation Commission – Community Appearance – Parks and Rec |
| Town of Landis | – Passive Park Committee – Board of Adjustments – Planning and Zoning Board – Local Firefighters’ Relief Fund Board of Trustees |
| Town of Rockwell | – Planning Board – Zoning Board |