City Seeks to Fill Vacancies on Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees
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The City of Olympia is seeking community members interested in being appointed by the City Council to serve on City advisory committees. Advisory committees provide a way for residents to share opinions and perspectives, study issues, develop recommendations, and provide advice from the community perspective to the Olympia City Council.
The advisory committee application period is now open and runs until Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. Membership terms generally run for three years, with appointments beginning on April 1 and ending March 31. Applications are being accepted for vacancies and upcoming vacancies on the following committees serving the City of Olympia:
The Arts Commission - There are three (3) vacancies open for the Arts Commission. The Commission was created to help enrich the lives of the people of this region by making visual, performing and literary arts vital elements in the life of our community. The Commission works to support local artists through networking, skill development and visibility through a variety of unique opportunities.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee - There is one (1) vacancy open for this Committee. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee participates in the development of plans and policies to make Olympia easier to walk and bike in. Each year it reviews and comments on the City's draft Capital Facilities Plan.
The Cultural Access Program Advisory Board - There are two (2) vacancies open for this Board. The Olympia Cultural Access Program Advisory Board was established to ensure that that the Cultural Access Program provides public benefits. The Board advises the City Council on the formulation of processes, procedures and criteria for carrying out the goals of the Cultural Access Program and ensures that the program's expenditures are invested based on the priorities and commitments made to Olympia voters.
Design Review Board - There are two (2) vacancies open for this Board. The make-up of this 9-member board should include two (2) architects and seven (7) resident-at-large members. There is one vacancy for an architect and one for a resident-at-large. The Design Review Board provides recommendations pertaining to the appearance, design, and compatibility of projects to the Community Planning and Development Director for final project land use decision. Occurring early in the land use review process, design review is one component of the overall land use review and permitting process.
Heritage Commission - There is one (1) vacancy on the Heritage Commission. One vacancy calls for a professional from a field such as architecture, historic preservation, anthropology, archeology, American studies, history and law who has demonstrated interest in and knowledge of historic preservation. The Heritage Commission was established to identify and actively encourage the preservation of the City's historic resources by initiating and maintaining a Heritage Register of Historic Places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties; to raise community awareness of the City's history and historic resources; and to serve as the City's primary resource in matters of history historic planning and preservation.
Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Advisory Committee - There is one (1) "resident-at-large" vacancy open on this Committee. The OMPD Advisory Committee provides oversight to the Olympia Metropolitan Park District, a junior property taxing district with special taxing authority for the management, control, improvement, maintenance, and acquisition of parks, pathways, boulevards, recreational facilities, programs, and services. This Committee advises the City and District and provides an annual report on the City's compliance with the funding levels identified in an interlocal agreement between the City and the District. Members serve a four-year term and are appointed by the OMPD Board.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) - There are two (2) vacancies open on this Committee. PRAC makes recommendations to the City Council regarding parks and recreation plans, policies, programs and projects; and serves as liaison between community members and the Council on parks and recreation-related matters.
Planning Commission - There is one (1) vacancy open on the Planning Commission. This body plays a key role in setting Olympia's long-term direction and vision. It advises the City Council on matters relating to the Olympia Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Program, Capital Facilities Plan, and the Unified Development Code.
Utility Advisory Committee - There is one (1) vacancy open on this Committee. The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) acts as a public advisor to the City Council, the City Manager's Office, and the Public Works Department on utility policy matters for the City's four public utilities: Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Waste ReSources. In consultation with Public Works staff, the UAC makes recommendations on items, such as establishing rates based on levels of service and revenues that are critical in supporting utility operations and infrastructure. Specifically, the UAC provides recommendations on utility rates, budget, programs and policies to the City Council, the Council's Finance Committee, and the Olympia Planning Commission.
Applications and details on the application process are available online through the City's website: olympiawa.gov/advisory
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Contact
Dawn Carvalho, Executive Services Assistant
City of Olympia
360.753.8065
[email protected]
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