Title
Meeting with Council Appointed Advisory Body Chairs
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action is requested.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action is requested.
Report
Issue:
Annual Meeting with Council Appointed Advisory Body Chairs
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee meets annually with the chairs of the City’s Council appointed advisory bodies. This has typically been an opportunity for advisory body chairs, vice chairs and co-chairs to discuss committee work plans, successes, and emerging issues, and for Committee members to stay connected to the work of advisory bodies.
Last year, CLPS updated the format of the meeting to be more discussion-based, with advisory body chairs, vice chairs and co-chairs recommending what topics would inform the meeting agenda, followed by small group conversations. Those conversations helped inform work underway by CLPS now to evaluate and identify potential improvements to the current advisory body system.
This year, the Committee is inviting advisory body chairs, vice chairs and co-chairs to a conversation about work planning. Topics for discussion will include how advisory body works plans are developed, how they align with Council’s annual work plan, and ways to improve the work planning process. Notes from the small group discussions will be collected and used to inform the evaluation process underway, as well as work planning for 2027.
Climate Analysis:
This discussion is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Public engagement that is equitable and inclusive of diverse community member perspectives is foundational to building trust in government, formulating effective policies, and developing programs that best meet community needs and priorities. Advisory bodies provide a way in which to involve marginalized community members in City decision-making; however, the overall advisory body system is currently undergoing an assessment intended to identify barriers to participation and explore additional engagement strategies to allow for more diverse perspectives to be represented in Council and staff decision-making.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has a high interest in participating in local government decision making. Advisory bodies have historically provided opportunities for more direct Council engagement with the community around policy decisions and Council decision-making. Traditionally, the annual recruitment process to fill vacant advisory body seats always draws more interest than spaces available due to high community interest.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact associated with the discussion; however, the City will be providing attendees dinner during the meeting.
Options:
1. Meet with Advisory Body Chairs and Vice- and Co-Chairs.
2. Do not meet with Advisory Body Chairs and Vice- and Co-Chairs.
3. Meet with Advisory Body Chairs and Vice- and Co-Chairs at another time.
Attachments:
None