Elected public officials serve a crucial role on a Community Action Agency’s (CAA) tripartite board. Not only do they raise awareness of poverty in the community and at various levels of government, they are also integral in fostering close coordination between local public agencies and Community Action efforts. Recognizing the often overwhelming demands elected public officials regularly face, the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act gives a public official invited to serve on the tripartite board the option to have a representative serve in his or her place. This FAQ addresses a variety of questions received by CAPLAW about the selection and management of representatives serving in place of elected public officials on tripartite boards. The answers to these questions often depend on the requirements in a CAA’s bylaws. While this FAQ discusses the federal CSBG Act’s requirements and offers recommended practices, CAAs should note that they must continue to follow their bylaws as currently written until they are amended pursuant to the applicable bylaws provisions and/or state or local laws.