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Committees, Boards and Commissions

Wanted: Passion, Skills and Experience

The City is always looking for applicants for its volunteer committees, boards and commissions. Listed below are the latest openings. 

Here's how you apply for a City of Tacoma committee, board or commission position.

Committee, Board or Commission

Open Spots

 Applications Due
Board of Building Appeals  2 open until filled
Community's Police Advisory Committee 3  open until filled
Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs  4  12/15/24 

 

Get updates on new openings

 

 

Help Spread the Word

Go to cityoftacoma.org/servetacoma for a member recruitment toolkit. Whether you have a large social network, or you have one or two special individuals in mind, this toolkit is for you. 


    Current Committees, Boards and Commissions

    Here are the details on the committees, boards and commissions that advise and make recommendations to the City Council and/or City staff.  

    Audit Advisory Board

    The Audit Advisory Board supports the City Council’s Government Performance and Finance Committee in carrying out its audit advisory, oversight and liaison functions.  These functions include: ensuring coordination of audit needs of the City Council and the work of independent auditors retained by the City to audit City programs, functions, and activities; making audit management recommendations to the City Council; seeking qualified independent auditors to perform such audits; and acting as a liaison between the City Council and the office of the City Manager with regard to audits of City programs, functions, and activities that are not under the direction of the City Council.

     

    Learn more about the Audit Advisory Board

    Board of Building Appeals

    The Board of Building Appeals was established as a quasi-judicial board that reviews and approves the updating of the City's Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Dangerous Building, Minimum Housing, Boiler and Energy Codes.

    Learn more about the Board of Building Appeals

    Board of Ethics

    The role of the Board is to receive, investigate, and make recommendations for disposition of complaints of violation of the Code of Ethics by the City Manager, the Director of Public Utilities, a member of the Public Utility Board (Utility Board), appointed members of other City Boards or Commissions or Committees, or a City-elected official. The Board may also render advisory opinions in response to a request by one of the aforementioned officials, and render and publish formal opinions on any matter within the scope of the Board's authority which it may deem appropriate.

    Learn more about the Board of Ethics

    Charter Review Committee

    The Charter Review Committee shall review the existing Charter of the City of Tacoma and make such recommendations for change as the committee may deem necessary and proper in order to amend the provisions of the existing City Charter with reference to improving the mode and manner of operation and efficiency in conducting the affairs of the City.

    Learn more about the Charter Review Committee

    Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries

    A Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries will determine the compensation and salary of the Mayor and each Council Member. The Commission shall set the salary and any salary changes for the Mayor and Council Members. The salary and any salary changes set by the Commission shall be adopted by the City Council. The Commission shall meet each year beginning in 2015 in one or more regular or special meetings to carry out its duties set forth in this section. Determination for any change in the salaries of these elected officials shall be filed with the City Clerk and transmitted to the Council for adoption no later than September 1 of the calendar year..

    Learn more about the Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries

    City Events and Recognitions Committee

    The Committee serves as an advisory and action committee for the City on matters pertaining to City-hosted events and special recognition programs, such as: the City’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, City of Destiny Awards, and other special national and local observations. The Committee is responsible for planning, reviewing and evaluating events. The Committee will engage the broader Tacoma community in fundraising efforts and the solicitation of corporate and private sponsorships to leverage funds for the events.

    Learn more about the City Events and Recognitions Committee

    Civil Service Board

    The Civil Service System for the City of Tacoma extends Civil Service protections and coverage to the majority of the City's work force. Powers and duties consist of making revisions to the Civil Service Rules, also known as Personnel Rules, advising City Council and other officials on Civil Service and personnel matters, investigating conditions of employment in Civil Service, conducting appeal hearings on suspensions more than 30 days, demotions, or terminations, and hearing complaints regarding Civil Service rules.

    Learn more about the Civil Service Board

    Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

    The purpose of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is to better engage Tacoma’s immigrant and refugee communities and to work with community partners to identify and advance positive outcomes for members of this population.

    Learn more about the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

    Community's Police Advisory Committee

    The Community's Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) is a policy-focused committee that will help to ensure transparency and accountability in the way that the City of Tacoma Police Department operates. The Committee also provides community outreach and education through public hearings and committee efforts. It also is responsible for:
    • Reviewing police policy at the request of the City Council or City Manager
    • Receiving and reviewing policy complaints by members of the public
    • Providing advice to the City Council, the City Manager and the Chief of Police on Police policy matters
    Learn more about the Community's Police Advisory Committee

    Community Workforce Agreement Task Force

    The Community Workforce Agreement Task Force was established to examine and make recommendations regarding a Priority Hiring Ordinance (PHO) and a Community Workforce Agreement (CWA). This Task Force will study different PHOs and CWAs implemented around the country. The Task Force will also consider a disparity study, commissioned by the City, that details the differences in hiring practices for City construction projects. 

     

    Learn more about the Community Workforce Agreement Task Force

    Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee

    The Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee acts in an advisory capacity to Equity in Contracting Program staff to monitor compliance and advise on overall program effectiveness.

     

    Learn more about the Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee

    Fiscal Sustainability Task Force

    The Task Force is charged with determining if there are both short and long term solutions to enhance revenues and/or reduce expenses in ways the City has not considered. The desired outcome is to ensure the financial integrity and service levels of the City. The Task Force will also study both the revenue and expense side of the structural deficit to see what steps the City can take to better manage these challenges.

    Learn more about the Fiscal Sustainability Task Force

    Greater Tacoma Regional Convention Center Public Facilities District

    The Greater Tacoma Regional Convention Center Public Facilities District (GTRCC PFD) was formed in 1999 by the cities of Fife, Lakewood, University Place, and Tacoma, with Pierce County joining in 2003. The PFD assisted in financing the construction of the Greater Tacoma Convention Center and supports its ongoing operation. Authority to operate the GTCC has been given to the City of Tacoma through interlocal agreement with the PFD. 

      

    Greater Tacoma Regional Convention Center Public Facilities District 

    Hilltop Community Engagement Group

    The Hilltop Community Engagement Group has been established to help guide the process that incorporates community feedback into the streetscape work planned by the City for 1st Street, Division Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The group will also be tasked with working to enhance awareness among residents regarding financial education and planning resources, as well as workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities under a Project Labor Agreement.

    Learn more about the Links to Opportunity Project

    Human Rights Commission

    The Commission studies, investigates and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or disability.

    Learn more about the Human Rights Commission

    Human Services Commission

    The Commission serves as a resource to the City Council and City Staff for implementation of the City's Human Services Strategic Plan.

    Learn more about the Human Services Commission

    Landmarks Preservation Commission

    The Commission oversees the establishment and regulation of landmarks, local historic districts, proposed name changes for public facilities and certain property tax incentives. Additional information about the Commission is available through the City's Historic Preservation Department.

    Learn more about the Landmarks Preservation Committee

    Joint Municipal Action Committee

    The Committee (JMAC) meets for the purpose of discussing common interests among the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks, the Tacoma School District, Pierce County and the Port of Tacoma.

    Learn more about the Joint Municipal Action Committee

    Library Board of Trustees

    The Board oversees the management and operation of the Tacoma Public Library system, which includes all branch libraries and the Main Library located in downtown Tacoma.

    Learn more about the Library Board of Trustees

    Mayor's Youth Commission of Tacoma

    The Mayor's Youth Commission is a body of youth in middle and high school engaging their local government to change their communities by asking difficult questions, offering key perspectives, and suggesting policy changes. 

     

    Learn more about the Mayor's Youth Commission of Tacoma.

    Parking Technical Advisory Group

    The Parking Technical Advisory Group (PTAG) reviews current parking policies and how they impact current stakeholders. The PTAG periodically makes recommendations to the City Manager regarding needed changes for existing policies or establishing new policies needed to ensure that the parking system adheres to the adopted guiding principles.

    Learn more about the Parking Technical Advisory Group

    Planning Commission

    Pursuant to Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.02, the Planning Commission develops and updates the Comprehensive Plan and its elements; formulates effective and efficient land use and development regulations and processes that implement the Comprehensive Plan; and reviews various planning issues, such as area-wide zoning reclassifications, moratoria, interim zoning, pre-annexation planning, historic district designation, urban design, and transportation and capital facilities programs.

    Learn more about the Planning Commission

    Public Utility Board

    The Board oversees the management and operation of Tacoma Public Utilities, which includes Tacoma Power, Tacoma Water, and Tacoma Rail.

    Learn more about the Public Utility Board

    Sister City Council

    The Council oversees the City of Tacoma's Sister City Program. For more information about the Sister City Council and Sister City Program, please visit the Sister City Program web page.

    Learn more about the Sister City Council

    Sustainable Tacoma Commission

    The Commission oversees implementation of Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan as the City and community reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is intended to bring citizen accountability, transparency, and vigilance to the long-term implementation of Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan, as developed by the Green Ribbon Climate Action Task Force.

    Learn more about the Sustainable Tacoma Commission

    Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities

    The Commission advises City Council in policy making, and partners with the community to bring awareness of issues that affect individuals with disabilities. In addition, commission members participate on committees, help educate the public about disability issues, and serve as a resource for City staff.

    Learn more about the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities

    Tacoma Arts Commission

    The Tacoma Arts Commission provides leadership in supporting and enhancing the arts for the benefit of the City and its residents. Its purpose is to develop, support, coordinate, sponsor, and present the arts on a year-round basis for the benefit of the residents of Tacoma. The primary responsibility of the Commission is to create policies to support the ongoing development of arts programs and projects in Tacoma. Its primary programs include the funding of artists and arts organizations to provide services for the citizens of Tacoma, and oversight of the Municipal Art Program.

    Learn more about the Tacoma Arts Commission

    Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board

    The Board administers loans to a variety of clients such as low-income families who need help in buying or repairing their homes, owners who provide multi-family housing to low-income families, businesses which create jobs or rehabilitate older, blighted buildings, and non-profit organizations that provide services to our community.

    Learn more about the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board

    Tacoma Creates Advisory Board

    The Tacoma Creates Advisory Board acts in an advisory capacity to the Tacoma Creates administration on funding programs to support public benefit in arts, culture, heritage, and science programs throughout Tacoma.  

     

    Learn more about the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board

    Tacoma Housing Authority

    The Tacoma Housing Authority provides high quality housing and supportive services to persons and families in need, including the facilitation of housing to Tacoma's low-income citizens.

    Learn more about the Tacoma Housing Authority

    Transportation Commission

    The Transportation Commission advises the City Council on transportation-related matters such as:
    • Short-term and long-range transportation planning
    • Compliance with local, regional, and federal transportation regulations
    • Bike, pedestrian, and mass transit-related planning initiatives
    • Parking and capital improvement plans
    Learn more about the Transportation Commission

    Urban Design Board

    The Urban Design Board is a dedicated citizen's group established by the Tacoma City Council to support our community's goals for a high-quality built environment. Pursuant to Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.19, the Urban Design Board reviews Urban Design Project Review permits, advises on urban design-related matters, and supports design excellence citywide.

     

    Urban Design Board

     

    Firearms and others weapons are now prohibited in City Hall during City Council, Committees, Boards, and Commissions meetings, and public hearings. A new Washington state law (ESHB 1630) has gone into effect that prohibits the open carry of firearms or other weapons. A violation of these restrictions is a misdemeanor for a first offense and a gross misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense. For more information and potential exemptions see ESHB 1630, Chapter 106, Laws of 2022.



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