The City of Seattle is looking for candidates to serve on the Seattle Planning Commission beginning in April 2014. Planning Commission members are appointed by the Mayor or the City Council and may serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. This year, three positions will open in total; two positions will be appointed by the Mayor, and one will be appointed by the City Council. The City is committed to promoting diversity in the City’s boards and commissions. Persons of color, women, persons with disabilities, and sexual minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Commissioners must reside in Seattle and serve without compensation.
The 16-member Commission advises the Mayor, Council, and City departments on citywide planning goals, policies, and plans and provides them with independent and objective advice on land-use and zoning, transportation and housing issues. In the recent past, the Commission has helped set the urban planning agenda for the city by raising the visibility of important issues such as vibrant and successful transit communities, an action plan for affordable housing, and the importance of including essential components for livability like schools, open space, parks, plazas, street lights, libraries, and community centers in neighborhoods slated for substantial job and residential growth. The Commission is also the steward of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Planning Commission reflects a broad range of professional and community experience and perspectives and seeks to be representative of the ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of the Seattle community. The Commission is seeking candidates with skills and experience in urban and transportation planning, land use and related law, economic development, public realm planning, and public health, as well as community-building expertise. Participation in the Planning Commission requires a significant commitment. This includes attendance at monthly meetings (the second and fourth Thursdays of each month) and participation on at least one sub-committee that meets monthly. Commissioners also attend and participate in relevant public meetings and events.
To be considered for appointment to the Commission, please send a letter of interest and resume by March 28, 2014 addressed to:
Vanessa Murdock, Executive Director
City of Seattle Planning Commission
PO Box 34019
Seattle WA 98124-4019
Or via e-mail to : vanessa.murdock@seattle.gov
Please consider including any voluntary personal information regarding your cultural background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability that might assist us in meeting the City’s goal to create diverse boards and commissions.
For more information, please contact Vanessa Murdock, Commission Executive Director at 206-733-9271 or via e-mail at vanessa.murdock@seattle.gov