Title
2026 Advisory Body Interviews
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Interview advisory body applicants and move to approve a recommendation to City Council on selected applicants to fill vacancies on the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, Design Review Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Interview advisory body applicants and move to approve a recommendation to City Council on selected applicants to fill vacancies on the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, Design Review Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to interview advisory body applicants and approve a recommendation to City Council on selected applicants to fill vacancies on the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, Design Review Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City Council guidebook outlines the purpose, establishment, appointment process, and Council’s relationship with Advisory Bodies. The Guidebook states that “public boards, committees, and commissions provide a great deal of assistance to the Council when formulating public policy and transforming policy decisions into action.” Starting in 1935 with the Planning Commission, Councils throughout subsequent years have established an additional 13 standing bodies, so that today there are nearly 100 Olympia residents serving as members.
The annual recruitment cycle to fill vacant seats on advisory bodies launched in October. The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) is charged with interviewing and recommending to the City Council appointments to fill the vacant positions. Recruitment in 2026 ended December 12 with the City having received 62 applications for 19 vacancies. Many of the applicants submitted for multiple advisory bodies.
Recruitment for this year’s appointment cycle included vacancies on the following advisory bodies: The Arts Commission (3), The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (3), The Cultural Access Program Advisory Board (2), Design Review Board (2), Heritage Commission (3), Olympia Metropolitan Park District Advisory Committee (1), Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (2), Planning Commission (2), and Utility Advisory Committee (1).
Established advisory bodies with open seats reviewed their respective applications. The groups suggested candidates for the CLPS Committee to consider for interviews, which are scheduled to take place virtually on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5.
The purpose of this agenda item is for CLPS to conduct interviews and recommend applicants to City Council to fill vacancies on the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, Design Review Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The remaining advisory bodies with vacancies will interview applicants on Wednesday, March 4.
Climate Analysis:
There are no anticipated impacts to greenhouse gas emissions. Staff liaisons utilize our climate framework in aiding Advisory Committees around Council recommendations.
Equity Analysis:
Public engagement that is equitable and inclusive of diverse community member perspectives is foundational to building trust with government, formulating effective policies, and developing programs that best meet community needs. Advisory bodies offer one way to involve community members in policy and decision-making.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Advisory Bodies have historically provided opportunities for more direct Council engagement with the community around policy decisions and Council decision-making. Community members serve on Advisory Bodies to share their opinions and perspectives, study issues, and develop recommendations in a focused small group to provide advice from a community members’ perspective to the Council.
Financial Impact:
City Council appropriates both personnel and non-personnel resources to support Council-Appointed bodies. Non-personnel resources include stipends for advisory body members, which in 2025 totaled $11,425.
Options:
1. Interview advisory body applicants and move to approve a recommendation to City Council on selected applicants to fill vacancies on the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, Design Review Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
2. Do not interview advisory body applicants and move to approve a recommendation to City Council on selected applicants to fill vacancies on the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, Design Review Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
3. Interview advisory body applicants and approve a recommendation to City Council on a later date.
Attachments:
Advisory Body Interview Schedule