City of Seattle Boards and Commissions

Do you want to provide input on city policies, and help shape both our city and its government? Apply today to serve on a city board or commission!

The Mayor and City Council appoint residents of Seattle to over 50 boards and commissions. Over 300 of the people who serve are directly appointed by the Mayor.

Things to consider before applying:

• Board/commission members generally receive no financial compensation
• Board service requires a significant time commitment (10-15 hours per month)

• either reside or work in Seattle
• not be employed by the City of Seattle
• not serve on more than one board or commission

Interested in serving?

Submit a letter of interest and resume to Kristine Kertson, Boards & Commissions Administrator for the Mayor. Kristine can be reached by phone at 206-233-0073, or by email at Kristine.Kertson@Seattle.gov.

 This icon indicates that live meetings may be attended over the phone. To listen in on meetings taking place in City Hall’s Boards & Commissions Room L280, dial 684-4718 at the start of the meeting.

African-American Elders, Mayor’s Council 

Number of Members: 12
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The MCAAE is a 12 member body appointed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, the Seattle Human Services Department, and community members regarding matters affecting older African Americans.
Liaison Department: Human Services
Staff Liaison: Karen Winston; 684-0706, Karen.Winston@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Third Friday of the month, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Seattle Municipal Tower, 51st floor.

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Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services, Seattle-King County

Number of Members: 27
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 9 Appointed by Mayor, 9 by King County Executive, 9 by United Way.
Description: The Advisory Council serves as an advocate body on behalf of older adults and adults with disabilities residing within Seattle and King County. The Council represents the needs, problems, interests and accomplishments of older adults and adults with disabilities to the public
Liaison Department: Human Services Department
Staff Liaison: Gigi Meinig, 684-0652, gigi.meinig@seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Second Friday of each month, noon to 2:00 p.m., location varies

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Aquatic Habitat Matching Grant Review Board

Number of Members: 7
Term of Membership:2 years
Appointing Authority: Mayor appoints 3 members
Description: The Review Board is a subcommittee of the Restore Our Waters Stakeholder Advisory Group, and is comprised of seven members - three public members and four City staff. City representatives on the Review Board are drawn from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), and the Parks Department. The grant program annually funds projects that restore aquatic habitat along or within creeks, or along shorelines, on public and private property. The Board members review proposals and make recommendations to the city.
Liaison Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Staff Liaison: Kathy Minsch, 615-1441, Kathy.Minsch@Seattle.gov

Arboretum & Botanical Garden Committee

Number of Members: 9
Term of Membership: 7 years
Appointing Authority: 3 by Mayor; others by Arboretum Foundation, University of Washington, & Washington State Governor.
Description: The Arboretum and Botanical Garden Committee (ABGC) advises the University of Washington, City of Seattle and The Arboretum Foundation on the management and stewardship of the Washington Park Arboretum for the benefit of current and future generations.
Liaison Department: Parks Department
Staff Liaison: Sandy Brooks, 684-5066, Sandy.Brooks@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First Wednesday of each month, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Arboretum’s Graham Visitors Center

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Arts Commission 

Number of Members: 16 members
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 8 by Mayor, 7 by Council, 1 by commission
Description: The Seattle Arts Commission is an advisory board that supports the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and advises the Mayor and City Council on arts and cultural policy. They serve as advocates to develop policy and planning recommendations, review all arts funding programs, and increase public awareness of arts and cultural activities throughout Seattle.
Liaison Department: Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs
Staff Liaison: Peggy Scales; 233-3951, Peggy.Scales@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: 2nd Tuesdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 4080

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Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board

Number of Members: 7
Appointing Authority: 2 by Mayor, 5 elected from Landmark District.
Term of Membership: 2 years
Description: The Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board seeks to preserve historic and architectural heritage, foster civic pride, stabilize aesthetic and economic vitality, encourage continued private ownership, and promote local identity of the District. The Board reviews and makes decisions on all design changes to the streetscape and to the outward appearance of the buildings in the district.
Liaison Department: Department of Neighborhoods
Staff Liaison: Heather McAuliffe; 684-0229; Heather.McAuliffe@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First Thursday of each month, 9:30 a.m. in the Ballard Neighborhood Service Center

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Bicycle Advisory Board
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 – 4718

Number of Members: 12
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 7 by Mayor; 5 by Council
Description: The Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board advises the City Council, the Mayor, and all departments and offices of the City on matters related to bicycling and the impacts that actions of the City may have upon bicycling. SBAB also contributes to the City’s planning processes, insofar as they relate to bicycling.
Liaison Department: Seattle Department of Transportation
Staff Liaison: Douglas Cox, 684-8264, Douglas.Cox@seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First Wednesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280.

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Bridging the Gap Levy Oversight Committee

Number of Members: 15
Term of Membership: 2, 3, & 4 years
Appointing Authority: 5 by Mayor, 5 by Council, and representatives from the Pedestrian Advisory Board, Bicycle Advisory Board, and Freight Mobility Advisory Committee, the city’s Director of Finance, & the Chair of the City Council Transportation Committee
Description: The Bridging the Gap Levy Oversight Committee serves as a vital mechanism of accountability on how BTG revenues are spent on transportation maintenance and improvements. The Oversight Committee is an advisory body that monitors revenues, expenditures, and program and project implementation.
Liaison Department: Seattle Department of Transportation
Staff Liaison: Krista Bunch; 386-1096, Krista.Bunch@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Quarterly on the 3rd Tuesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., contact for location

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Citizens Telecommunication and Technology Advisory Board

Number of Members: 16
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 9 by Mayor, 7 by Council
Description: The CTTAB studies and makes recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council on issues of interest relating to telecommunications and technology, including cable television access, technology access, and regulatory issues within the City’s authority regarding wire and wireless communication systems. 
Liaison Department: Department of Information Technology
Staff Liaison: Jill Novik; 684-8583, Jill.Novik@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Second Tuesday of every month, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Room 2750 in the Seattle Municipal Tower

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Civil Service Commission 

Number of Members: 3
Term of Membership: 3 years; compensated by $5,000 annual stipend
Appointing Authority: 1 Mayor, 1 Council, 1 elected by City Employees
Description: The Civil Service Commission provides timely review of appeals regarding personnel actions and decisions. The Commission also investigates allegations of political patronage in hiring processes and makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding administration of the Personnel system.
Liaison Department: Civil Service Commission
Staff Liaison: Glenda Graham-Walton; 684-0223, Glenda.Graham-Walton@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m., Room 1679 in the Seattle Municipal Tower

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Construction Codes Advisory Board 

Number of Members: 13
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The Construction Code Advisory Board (CCAB) provides technical advice to the Department of Planning and Development through review of proposed code and rule changes. Additionally, if an applicant wishes to appeal a department decision, members of the Board serve as an appeals panel and act as an impartial ear to hear both sides.
Composition: An architect, structural engineer, electrical engineer, general contractor, electrical contractor, organized labor representative, a heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning engineer, an owner of a commercial building, an owner of an apartment building, a developer/contractor of residential projects and three members of the public.
Liaison Department: Department of Planning & Development
Staff Liaison: Maureen Traxler; 233-3892, maureen.traxler@seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First and Third Thursdays, as needed, from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 2240

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Design Commission
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 10
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The Seattle Design Commission was created in 1968 as a commission responsible for the oversight of City’s capital projects. It advises the Mayor, the City Council, and all departments on all matters related to CIP project review, any right-of-way issues like; street an alley vacations, sky bridges, objects on the right of way and special street use permits.
Composition: 2 Licensed Architects, 1 Fine Artist, 1 Member at Large, and at least 1 and no more than 2 from the following categories: Professional Urban Planner, Professional Environmental or Urban Designer, Landscape Architect, & Licensed Engineer, plus 1 Get Engaged (youth) participant
Liaison Department: Department of Planning and Development
Staff Liaison: Guillermo Romano; 233-7808, Guillermo.Romano@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First and third Thursday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280. View schedule

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Design Review Board
To listen in on Downtown Board meetings, dial (206) 684 – 4718

Number of Members: 36 members on seven neighborhood boards
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 11 appointed by Mayor, 11 appointed by City Council, 14 jointly appointed by Mayor and City Council
Description: The Design Review Board assists the Department of Planning and Development in evaluation of projects subject to Design Review based upon the City’s design guidelines. The program provides a forum for citizens, developers and the City to review and guide the design of qualifying commercial and multifamily development projects.
Liaison Department: Department of Planning and Development
Staff Liaison: Tom Iurino; 684-0435, tom.iurino@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Meets Monday through Thursday evenings: View schedule

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Ethics and Elections Commission 

Number of Members: 7
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: 3 by Mayor, 3 by Council, 1 by commission
Description: The Commission interprets and applies the Seattle Ethics, Elections, Lobbying Disclosure, Election Pamphlet and Whistleblower Protection Codes.
Liaison Department: Ethics & Elections
Staff Liaison: Wayne Barnett, Executive Director; 684-8500, ethicsandelections@Seattle.gov.
Meeting dates: Meet first Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Seattle Municipal Tower Room 4080

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Families & Education Levy Oversight Committee

Number of Members: 12
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: 5 Mayor & 5 Council, 2 from Seattle Public Schools
Description: The Levy Oversight Committee reviews and advises implementation plans, evaluation plans, the City of Seattle/Seattle School District Partnership Agreement, expenditures and allocations of proceeds, and make recommendations on the implementation of particular programs.
Composition: The Mayor or designate, the Chair of the City Council’s Public Safety, Human Services and Education Committee or its successor with respect to education issues, the Superintendent of the Seattle School District or designate, 1 representative of the Seattle School Board, and 6 citizen representatives
Liaison Department: Office for Education
Staff Liaison: Sue Rust; 233-5118, EducationOffice@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Meets monthly; View Schedule

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Fire Code Advisory Board 

Number of Members: 15
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The FCAB advises the city on proposed amendments related to Fire Code and hears appeals related to interpretation and application of the Fire Code. The FCAB also makes recommendations to Fire Chief relating to such appeals.
Liaison Department: Seattle Fire Department Fire Prevention Division
Staff Liaison: Diane Hansen; 386-1451, Diane.Hansen@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Meet as needed, contact for more information

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Housing Levy Oversight Committee

Number of Members: 13
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: 7 by Mayor, 6 by Council
Description: The HLOC reports to the Mayor and Council on the progress of Levy programs and recommends to the Mayor and Council administrative and financial policies for implementation of Levy programs.
Liaison Department: Office of Housing
Staff Liaison: Maureen Kostyack; 615-0986, Maureen.Kostyack@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Meeting dates and locations vary; contact Board for meeting info.

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Human Rights Commission, Seattle 
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 16
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 8 by Mayor, 7 by Council, 1 by Commission
Description: The HRC aims to provide equal opportunities for minorities, aging & persons with disabilities through the enforcement of City ordinances pertaining to equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Liaison Department: Seattle Office for Civil Rights
Staff Liaison: Felicia Yearwood-Murrell, 684-4537, Felicia.Yearwood-Murrell@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: 1st Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280. View schedule

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Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 15
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 8 by Mayor, 7 by City Council
Description: The board advises the Mayor, Council and city departments on ways to enhance and improve access to city services and resources for immigrants and refugees. It also strengthens opportunities for immigrants and refugees to participate in the civic life of the city, advise on the successful implementation of the 2007 Immigrant and Refugee Action Plan and on future updates of the plan; and encourage understanding between and among the various immigrant and refugee communities and the larger Seattle community.
Liaison Department: Human Services
Staff Liaison: Yemane Gebremicael;684-8076, Yemane.Gebremicael@seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First Wednesday of each month, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. in room 370 of Seattle City Hall.

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International Special Review District Board 

Number of Members: 7
Term of Membership: 2 year terms
Appointing Authority: 2 by Mayor, 5 by constituency
Description: Established to promote, preserve, and perpetuate the cultural, economic and historical qualities of the International District. The ISRD Board reviews applications for Certificates of Approval for any change to the use, exterior appearance of buildings or structures, streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in the District.
Liaison Department: Department of Neighborhoods
Staff Liaison: Rebecca Frestedt; 684-0226, Rebecca.Frestedt@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Bush Asia Center basement level community room, 409 Maynard Ave. S.

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Landmarks Preservation Board 

Number of Members: 12
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The board assists the city with identification of potential landmarks, makes decisions on landmark designations, and makes recommendations to the City Council on landmark controls for adoption into designating ordinances.
Composition: A structural engineer, two architects, two historians, three at-large members, a real-estate representative, a finance representative, a representative from the Planning Commission and a Get Engaged (youth) member.
Liaison Department: Department of Neighborhoods
Staff Liaison: Sarah Sodt, 615-1786, Sarah.Sodt@Seattle.gov; Beth Chave, 684-0380, Beth.Chave@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First and third Wednesdays of every month at 3:30 p.m. in Room 4060 of the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Avenue.  
View schedule

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Library Board of Trustees 

Number of Members: 5
Term of Membership: 5 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor

Description: The Library Board is a governing board with decision-making authority and fiduciary responsibility for the library system. Trustees set the direction of the library, govern funds and expenditures, and establish library policies.
Liaison Department: Library
Staff Liaison: Amy Lawson, 684-7978, amy.lawson@spl.org
Meeting dates: 4th Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave.
View schedule

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Park Commissioners, Board of 

Number of Members: 7
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: 3 by Mayor, 3 by Council, 1 by Park Board
Description: The Park Board advises the Superintendent, Mayor, City Council, and other departments and officials on the City’s park and recreation comprehensive plan, capital improvement program, policies, recreation programs, and budget.
Liaison Department: Department of Parks & Recreation
Staff Liaison: Sandy Brooks; 684-5066, Sandy.Brooks@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Meet every month, 2nd and 4th Thurs., 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Park Board Room in Denny Park at 100 Dexter Ave N.

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Pedestrian Advisory Board
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 12
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 7 by Mayor, 5 by Council
Description: The SPAB advises the Mayor, the City Council, and all departments on all matters related to pedestrian safety, access and encouragement.
Liaison Department: Seattle Department of Transportation
Staff Liaison: Brian Dougherty; 684-5124, or pedboard@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Meet every month, 2nd Wednesday from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280
View schedule

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Pike Place Market Historical Commission 

Number of Members: 12
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The Market Historical Commission reviews and makes decisions on all use and design changes in the Pike Place Market Historical District.
Composition: 2 from the Friends of the Market, 2 from AIA’s Seattle Chapter, 2 from Allied Arts of Seattle, 2 property owners, 2 merchants and 2 residents, all from Market Historical District.
Liaison Department: Department of Neighborhoods
Staff Liaison: Heather McAuliffe; 684-0229, Heather.McAuliffe@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 4:30 p.m.; location varies. View schedule

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Pioneer Square Preservation Board
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 10
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The board works to preserve, protect and enhance the historic and architectural character of Pioneer Square. Any change of use must be reviewed and approved by the Pioneer Square Preservation Board and Department of Neighborhoods Director.
Composition: 2 architects, 2 property owners, a retail business owner, an attorney, an architectural historian, a human services representative, and a Get Engaged youth member.
Liaison Department: Department of Neighborhoods
Staff Liaison: Genna Nashem; 684-0227, Genna.Nashem@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Every Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m., at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280.

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Planning Commission
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 16
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: 8 by Mayor, 7 by Council, 1 by Commission
Description: The Planning Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and city departments on planning policies and goals, and on major planning projects and issues that include land use and zoning, transportation and affordable housing issues.  Recommendations are framed by Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as a commitment to promote planning decisions that support the health and vitality of the community.
Liaison Department: Department of Planning & Development
Staff Liaison: Barbara Wilson, Seattle Planning Commission Director; 684-0431, Barb.Wilson@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Second and fourth Thursdays; 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room.
View schedule

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Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee

Number of Members: 16
Term of Membership: 3 years, with initial terms staggered
Appointing Authority: 8 by Mayor, 8 by Council
Description: The Committee is advisory to the Superintendent, Mayor and City Council on issues related to levy fund expenditures.
Composition: Members represent neighborhoods throughout the City and diverse viewpoints, and include a representative from the Board of Park Commissioners.
Liaison Department: Department of Parks & Recreation
Staff Liaison: Susan Golub, 684-7046, Susan.Golub@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates:View schedule

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Public Safety Civil Service Commission

Number of Members: 3
Term of Membership: 3 years; compensated by $5,000 annual stipend
Appointing Authority: 1 by Mayor, 1 by Council, 1 elected by uniformed employees
Description: The commission implements, administers and directs the Civil Service System for specified uniformed personnel of the Fire and Police Departments, and also assures fair and effective selection, promotion and retention of well-qualified employees.
Liaison Department: Public Safety Civil Service Commission
Staff Liaison: Mary Effertz, Executive Director; 233-7118, Mary.Effertz@Seattle.gov 
Meeting dates: Third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Seattle Municipal Tower, Suite 1679. View schedule

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Seattle Center Advisory Commission

Number of Members: 16
Term of Membership: 3 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: The SCAC advises Center staff, the Mayor and City Council on policy matters that affect Seattle Center. They also provide the staff, Mayor and City Council with assessment of operations, performances, plans and policies.
Liaison Department: Seattle Center
Staff Liaison: Denise Wells; 615-0258, denise.wells@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: First Thursday of each Month, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Seattle Center Executive Conference Room in the Center House

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Seattle City Light Advisory Committee 
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 6
Term of Membership: 1, 2 or 3 years
Appointing Authority: 3 by Mayor, 3 by Council
Description: The Advisory Committee provides electric utility industry expertise to the Mayor, City Council and City Light Superintendent. and the Committee members represent a broad range of experience and expertise in the electric utility industry and regional and national energy issues.  The City Light Advisory Committee works on projects contained in a work plan developed collaboratively with the Mayor, Council and City Light Superintendent. 
Liaison Department: Seattle City Light
Staff Liaison: Julie Tobin; 684-8859, Julie.Tobin@Seattle.gov or scladvisorycommittee@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Meet once a month, from 8:00 to noon, at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280View schedule

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Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 16
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 8 by Mayor, 7 by Council, 1 by Commission
Description: The SCSM advises the Mayor, Council and departments about sexual minority issues, recommends policies and legislation, brings the sexual minority communities and the larger Seattle community together through long-ranged projects, and ensures that City departments fairly and equitably address sexual minority concerns as individuals and as a protected class.
Liaison Department: Seattle Office for Civil Rights
Staff Liaison: Marta Idowu, 684-4528, Marta.Idowu@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280. View schedule

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Seattle Housing Authority, Board of Commissioners 

Number of Members: 7
Term of Membership: 4 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: Members conduct the business of the Housing Authority, set policy, and act for the Authority legally. The Seattle Housing Authority is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, two of whom are SHA residents. The Commissioners are responsible for approving SHA’s annual budget and for setting policy.
Liaison Department: N/A
Meeting dates: Please contact 615-3500 or ExecDirector@seattlehousing.org

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Sister Cities Coordinating Council

Number of Members: 20
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: All Mayor
Description: In addition to individual Sister Cities Committees, a Sister Cities Coordinating Council, composed of 10 members of alternating Sister Cities, and 10 members of the community promote visibility and develop long-term vision for Seattle’s sister cities.
Composition: 10 members for sister city associations, rotating; 1 representative from City Council, appointed by Council; 1 representative from the Office of Intergovernmental Relations, 1 representative from Greater Seattle Trade Development Alliance, Port of Seattle or Chamber of Commerce; 7 members from educational, cultural institutions and the corporate sector
Liaison Department: Office of Intergovernmental Relations
Staff Liaison: Tsering Yuthok; 684-8262, Tsering.Yuthok@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Contact for more information.

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Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission 

Number of Members: 8 members, 8 alternates
Term of Membership: 4 years
Appointing Authority: 4 by Mayor, 4 by Premier of British Columbia
Description: The commission administers an endowment fund to foster ecosystem health, education, and recreation in the Ross Lake/Upper Skagit Valley area.
Liaison Department: Seattle City Light
Staff Liaison: Scott Powell; 386-4588, scott.powell@seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Contact for more information.

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Urban Forestry Commission
Number of Members:  9
Term of Membership: Initial terms will be staggered up to 3 years, 3 years after initial terms expire
Appointing Authority:  4 by Mayor, 4 by City Council, 1 by Commission
Description:  The 9-member Urban Forestry Commission advises the Mayor and City Council on policies, plans, and regulations related to the protection, management, and conservation of trees in Seattle. 
Composition: The Commission is composed of a wildlife biologist, urban ecologist, natural resource agency or university representative, hydrologist, arborist, landscape architect, non-profit or non-governmental organization representative, development community or non-City utility representative, and an economist, financial analyst or realtor.
Liaison Department:  Office of Sustainability & Environment
Staff Liaison:  Tracy Morgenstern, 386-4595, tracy.morgenstern@seattle.gov
Meeting Dates:  To Be Determined

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Women’s Commission
To listen in on meetings, dial (206) 684 - 4718

Number of Members: 21
Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: 9 by Mayor, 9 by City Council, 2 by Commission, 1 Get Engaged youth member
Description: The Women’s commission has a direct advisory capacity to the Mayor, City Council, and other City departments with respect to matters concerning women.
Liaison Department: Seattle Office for Civil Rights
Staff Liaison: Marta Idowu; 684-4528, Marta.Idowu@Seattle.gov
Meeting dates: Third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room, Room L280

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Seattle Public Utilities Citizen Advisory Committees

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: Seattle Public Utilities Director
Description:  The Solid Waste Advisory Committee represents the citizens of the City of Seattle. The committee participates in the planning and development of policies and programs for solid waste management and advises the Director of SPU of its findings and recommendations.  Committee members have participated on a variety of topics such as station design, comprehensive plan update, collection contracts and hazardous materials. 
Citizen Advisory Committee Program Manager: Aurora Mendoza; 733-9687; Aurora.mendoza @seattle.gov
Policy Liaison: Vicky Beaumont; 233-7856, Vicky Beaumont @seattle.gov
Meeting dates:  Third Wednesday of each month, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 4096. 

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Creeks, Drainage and Wastewater Advisory Committee

Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: Seattle Public Utilities Director
Description:  The Creeks, Drainage and Wastewater comprise of Seattle citizens who represent the citizenry.  Members participate in review of SPU’s programs, policies and services related to surface water and wastewater utilities including drainage and wastewater rate design, wastewater systems plan, stormwater, combined sewers, low impact development, urban streams, and habitat protection. 
Citizen Advisory Committee Program Manager: Aurora Mendoza; 733-9687; Aurora.mendoza @seattle.gov
Policy Liaison:  Martha Burke; 684-7686,  Martha.burke@seattle.gov
Meeting dates:   Second Wednesday of each month, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 4096. 

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Water System Advisory Committee

Term of Membership: 2 years
Appointing Authority: Seattle Public Utilities Director
Description:  The Water System Advisory Committee represents the citizens of the City of Seattle. The committee participates in the planning and development of policies and programs for water system plans, water supply, water quality, conservation, consumer research, water rate design and water curtailment communication planning. 
Citizen Advisory Committee Program Manager: Aurora Mendoza; 733-9687; Aurora.mendoza @seattle.gov
Policy Liaison:  Julie Burman; 733-9130,  Julie.burman@seattle.gov
Meeting dates:    Third Wednesday of each month, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 5965.

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Public Development Authorities

Public Development Authorities (PDAs) are unique, independent entities of Seattle government, which are legally separate from the City. This allows accomplishment of public purpose activities without assuming them into the regular functions of City government.

Each PDA is governed by a volunteer council, commonly called a governing board, which sets policies and oversees activities and staff. The Mayor appoints members to seven of the eight Public Development Authorities.

The city of Seattle has eight PDA’s:

• Burke Gilman Place PDA
• Capitol Hill Housing Improvement Program
• Historic Seattle PDA
• Museum Development Authority
• Pacific Hospital PDA
• Pike Place Market PDA
• Seattle Chinatown/International District PDA
• Seattle Indian Services Commission (self-appointed)

 For more information, please visit the Public Development Authorities Web page

Other Advisory Groups

Mayor’s Green Ribbon Commission
Mayor Greg Nickels appointed the Green Ribbon Commission on Climate Protection in March of 2005, and asked the Commission to develop recommendations for meeting or beating the Kyoto Protocol’s global warming pollution-cutting goals in Seattle. The Commission consists of 18 leaders from Seattle’s business, labor, non-profit, government and academic communities.

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee represents the citizens of the City of Seattle. The committee participates in the planning and development of policies and programs for solid waste management; advises the Director of SPU of its findings and recommendations, and communicates with other governmental agencies about solid waste issues.

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