The Lakeland City Commission sets the policies within the city limits, but what if you live outside of those limits and beyond? That's where the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) comes in.

The BoCC serves as the governing body for all of Polk County. Board members adopt public policies through ordinances and resolutions, set the county budget, approve government spending and contracts, and appoint certain positions on local boards + committees.

Polk County covers 2,000+ square miles of Central Florida, and it's divided into five districts. Each district is represented by one county commissioner who resides within it. Countywide voters elect each of the commissioners, who then appoint a chairman and vice chairman for the Board.

Pro tip: Use this interactive map to find your district representative. For our Lakeland readers, you could live in one of three districts (1, 3, or 5) depending on your address.

Find the BoCC meetings on the first floor of the County Administration Building. | Screenshot via Google Maps

You can get involved with the BoCC by attending a public meeting on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. These are held at the Polk County Administration Building (330 W. Church St., Bartow), near the county courthouse. Check the agenda before you go.

Another way to work alongside the BoCC is by joining a county board or committee. These range in scope from transportation planning to community redevelopment to tourism. Members of these groups act as advisers to the BoCC, assuring that the voices of Polk County citizens are heard when decisions are made.