Title
Analysis of Advisory Committees Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the work of analyzing the health of Council-appointed advisory committee and provide staff direction on next steps.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the work of analyzing the health of Council-appointed advisory committee and provide staff direction on next steps.
Staff Contact:
Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director, City Manager’s Office, 360-753-8361
Presenter(s):
Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Municipal Code requires that all community-member boards, commissions and committees appointed by the City Council be established by ordinance and have a statement of its purpose and duties. The City Council has established the following advisory bodies by ordinance: Arts Commission; Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; Cultural Access Program Advisory Board; Design Review Board; Heritage Commission; Lodging Tax Advisory Committee; Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee; Planning Commission; Social Justice and Equity Commission; Utility Advisory Committee; Home Fund Advisory Board; and Community Member Representatives for Police Use of Force Events.
The Community Livability and Public Safety (CLPS) Committee is responsible for the recruitment and recommendation for appointments for all the above committees, as well as the Olympia Metropolitan Park District Advisory Committee, which is appointed by the Olympia Metropolitan Park District Board.
In the last seven years, there has been significant growth in the number of advisory committees; four new bodies have been added to the eight that existed in 2017. And, while the Parking Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Board is not a Council-appointed board, this body has often been included in Council-appointed committee activities.
With the recent acceptance of the recommendations from the Community Oversight of Law Enforcement process, the Police Use of Force Event Board is expected to undergo an expansion of its size and transition of its mission.
Given the growth and change of advisory committees over the past years, the CLPS Committee wanted to take stock of the health of the current advisory bodies and placed an analysis of advisory committees on their 2024 Work Plan.
To support the CLPS Committee’s work with data, Staff conducted a recent survey of currently serving advisory committee members and of Staff Liaisons supporting the work of the advisory committees. In 2024, Staff conducted an exit survey of departing committee members, with the intent of making that a regular feature of the off-boarding process.
Staff are currently reviewing the data and expect to offer proposed recommendations to CLPS based on the findings. Staff will also be seeking guidance from CLPS on next steps or the need for further research to complete the analysis to the Committee’s satisfaction.
Climate Analysis:
No climate impacts were evident.
Equity Analysis:
Council-appointed Advisory Committees offer an opportunity to reduce disparities in participation among marginalized communities in City of Olympia process and decisions.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Residents serve on Advisory Committees to share their opinions and perspectives, study issues, and develop recommendations in a focused small group in order to provide judicious advice from a community member’s perspective to the Olympia City Council.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on the work of analyzing the health of Council-appointed advisory committee and provide staff direction on next steps.
2. Do not receive a briefing on the work of analyzing the health of Council-appointed advisory committee.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
To help defray costs (transportation, childcare, etc.) and lower barriers to participation, members of Council-appointed boards and commissions are eligible for a stipend of $25 per meeting attended. Those who can certify they are low income can receive a stipend of $50 per meeting attended. Members may also choose to waive receipt of the stipend.
Attachments:
Arts Commission - OMC 2.100.100 - 2.100.240
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee - OMC 2.100.250 - 2.100.270
Cultural Access Program Advisory Board - OMC 2.100.700 - 2.100.710
Design Review Board - OMC 18.76
Heritage Commission - OMC 18.12
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - OMC 2.100.280 - 2.100.310
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - OMC 2.100.320 - 2.100.340
Planning Commission - OMC 2.100.350 - 2.100.410
Social Justice and Equity Commission - OMC 2.100.600 - 2.100.630
Utility Advisory Committee - OMC 2.100.420 - 2.100.440)
Home Fund Advisory Board - OMC 2.100.450 - 2.100.480)
Community Member Representatives for Police Use of Force Events - OMC 2.100.500 - 2.100.530).
Cultural Access Program Advisory Board OMC 2.100.700 - 2.100.710