Title
Briefing on the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee’s advisory body recommendation
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Briefing on the recommendation made by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee regarding City Council appointed advisory bodies.
Staff Contact:
Max DeJarnatt, Associate Planner, Public Works | Transportation, 360.570.3723
Presenter(s):
Max DeJarnatt, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
In July 2024, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) began reviewing how well the City’s advisory groups were helping with communication and community involvement. In 2025, the City hired Genevieve Canceko Chan as a consultant to continue the research done by staff in 2024, meet with more stakeholders, and look at common problems that make it hard for people to participate.
In February 2026, the CLPS received her recommendations, which included improving the current system and possibly creating a new, more flexible way for the community to give input. Since then, staff and the consultant have met with advisory body members, chairs, staff liaisons, and the Social Justice & Equity Commission to gather more feedback, especially about reducing barriers and supporting more diverse voices in City decisions.
On May 27, 2026, staff presented more options to CLPS to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of advisory bodies in meeting the Council’s engagement goals. The options fell into two categories:
• Improving the current system
• Transitioning to a new approach using more types of engagement methods
Both options included administrative updates to improve recruitment, work planning, and onboarding.
At tonight’s meeting, staff will brief the committee on the recommendation CLPS forwarded to City Council for further study.
Options:
N/A - information only.
Financial Impact:
The briefing will have no direct financial impact
Attachments:
None