This paper describes several activities that board members of public utilities can do in the legislative and regulatory arena. Some of the activities are offshoots of traditional board responsibilities and some are unique to those who hold both trustee responsibilities and serve in a political system. One of the key roles citizen board members can play is in developing legislation and regulations that reflect the interests of their communities and customers. Because legislative and regulatory decisions affect cost and quality standards, board members can develop a focus, policy position, and strategy for implementing regulations. Building useful networks and using them, supporting executive involvement in regulatory development, assuring meaningful communication with constituencies, and developing mechanisms for monitoring regulatory development are ways in which board members can help bring local interests to bear on legislators and regulators.