Title
Approval of Recommended Appointments to Fill Vacancies on Council Appointed Advisory Bodies
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommends approval of the recommended appointments.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended appointments to fill vacancies on Council appointed advisory bodies.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the recommended appointments to fill vacancies on Council appointed advisory bodies.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
In October 2025 the City launched its annual recruitment to fill upcoming vacancies on the City’s advisory bodies. The City received 62 applications for upcoming openings on the Arts Commission, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Cultural Access Program Advisory Board, Design Review Board, Heritage Commission, Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, and Utility Advisory Committee.
The Community Livability and Public Safety Council Committee (CLPS) is responsible for conducting interviews of prospective applicants to fill vacancies on City advisory boards. CLPS solicited input from the advisory boards on who to consider for interviews before selecting applicants to interview. On March 4, 2026, and March 5, 2026, the CLPS committee conducted interviews and finalized their recommendations for appointments. The list of recommended candidates for each advisory body is attached for approval by the full City Council.
One exception to this appointment process is the OMPD Advisory Committee. Members of this advisory body are appointed by current members of the OMPD Board, based on the recommendations from CLPS. Current OMPD Board members will vote to approve recommended appointments at their April 14, 2026, regular meeting. CLPS recommendations to fill vacancies on this board are also included in the attachment.
The purpose of this agenda item is for Council to approve the recommended appointments to fill advisory body vacancies. If not approved, or delayed for further consideration, some advisory bodies may have difficulty in meeting quorum in order to fulfill their duties and advance their work plans, as new members are slated to begin their terms in April.
Climate Analysis:
No climate impacts were evident.
Equity Analysis:
The advisory body recruitment process is an opportunity to reduce disparities in participation among marginalized communities, and ensure diverse perspectives are included in policy decisions and Council decision-making.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia community has a high interest in participating in local government decision making. Advisory bodies provide opportunities for more direct Council engagement with the community around policy decisions and Council decision-making.
Financial Impact:
There is no cost associated with the action. To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to eligible advisory body members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory body members may waive the stipend. In 2025 the total cost of stipends was $11,425.
Options:
1. Move to approve the recommended appointments to fill vacancies on Council appointed advisory bodies.
2. Do not approve the appointments and send the issue back to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee.
3. Take other action
Attachments:
2026 Advisory Body Appointment Recommendations
2026 Advisory Body Recommended Applicant Applications