Minn. Stat. § 462.394

The commission may appoint advisory committees of interested and affected citizens to assist in the review of plans, programs, and other matters referred for review by the commission. Whenever a special advisory committee is required by any federal or state regional program the commission shall, as far as practical, appoint such committees as advisory groups to the commission. Members of the advisory committees shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses as determined by the commission.