Title
Advisory Body Recruitment Process Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the update on the advisory body recruitment process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the advisory body recruitment process.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The Community Livability and Public Safety (CLPS) Committee is responsible for advisory body recruitment. The regular recruitment process for 2026 launched in early October and closed on Friday, December 12.
The recruitment closed with the City having received 62 applications for 18 vacancies across nine of the City’s 14 established advisory boards and commissions for which Council appoints the members. Many of the applicants submitted for multiple advisory bodies.
Established advisory bodies with open seats are currently reviewing their respective applications. The groups will then suggest candidates for the CLPS Committee to consider for interviews, which are scheduled to take place virtually on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5.
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 (1)
• Utility Advisory Committee (1)
Climate Analysis:
There are no anticipated significant climate impacts due to the advisory body appointment process. Staff liaisons utilize the climate framework in aiding advisory bodies and council recommendations; addressing climate impacts or climate-related work may also be included in various advisory body work plans.
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. The existing system of advisory bodies, including the recruitment and appointment processes, is currently under evaluation to assess, in part, if it’s equitable. The evaluation may lead to potential improvements to enhance participation among diverse and marginalized community members.
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. Each recruitment cycle typically generates over fifty applications from throughout various City neighborhoods.
Financial Impact:
City Council appropriates both staff 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. Receive an update on the advisory body recruitment process.
2. Do not receive an update on the advisory body recruitment process.
3. Receive the update at another time.
Attachments:
None