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City of Tukwila <br />Allan Ekberg, Mayor <br />INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee <br />FROM: Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst <br />DATE: May-3-5y2-O-1-August .,1019 <br />SUBJECT: Board & Commission Appointments <br />ISSUE <br />The Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee previously discussed an overview <br />of processes relating to Planning Commission appointments, including process for <br />reappointments, Council vs Mayor role, and term limits. The Committee requested the topic <br />return with additional information about the current appointment process and the potential <br />for improvements. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The City is assisted in several operational areas by boards and commissions comprising <br />members of the community. Residents and business representatives serve an important <br />function by volunteering their time and expertise as members. In most cases, members are <br />appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council per the RCW. Operational <br />information about boards and commissions is located in the Municipal Code, in the By -Laws <br />of each group, and in the Boards & Commissions Handbook. <br />Recruitment & Equity <br />Vacancies are currently promoted on the City website, Channel 21, social media, and in the <br />City Administrator Report in the City Council Regular meeting packets. The City's Community <br />Engagement Manager has committed to promoting opportunities with local groups who can <br />help empower underrepresented community members. One of these, Puget Sound Sage, <br />offers a six-month Community Leadership Institute that supports and trains emerging leaders <br />from low-income communities and communities of color to sit on boards and commissions. <br />Councilmembers and currently seated members can play an important role in recruitment by <br />spreading the word to constituents and by making a personal ask to qualified individuals. A <br />discussion on equitable recruitment strategies has been scheduled for the June 6, 2019 <br />Equity and Social Justice Commission meeting. <br />Appointment Process <br />The application form is available by request and on the City's website. Completed <br />applications can be submitted by postal mail, email to BoardsComms@tukwilawa.gov, or in <br />person at City Hall. When applications are received by the Mayor's Office, they are scanned <br />and routed for a background check. School District personnel, currently seated members, <br />and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee members are exempt from the background check. An <br />