FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2023

Tacoma Creates Advisory Board Application Deadline is June 20

The Tacoma City Council is seeking applicants to fill the following four volunteer positions on the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board:

• District 4:  Open to individuals residing in District 4
• Professional Positions (3): Open to individuals residing in Tacoma in each of these three areas of professional expertise: arts, heritage, and science

Tacoma Creates Advisory Board Members serve three-year terms. Positions are open to Tacoma residents who have an interest in, and familiarity with, public programming in arts, culture, heritage, and/or science, as well as interest in Tacoma Creates goals regarding equity, access, and programs that provide public benefit for residents across Tacoma.

As outlined in the Tacoma Municipal Code, Tacoma Creates Advisory Board Members are responsible for guiding program development and approving funding recommendations for the benefit of all residents of Tacoma, while working to ensure compliance to Tacoma Creates guidelines and accountability standards.

Individuals who have any financial interest in a cultural organization receiving Tacoma Creates funding may not serve on the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board. This includes anyone receiving payment as a staff member, contractor, or any other capacity. Individuals who are affiliated with a cultural organization as a volunteer, but who receive no financial compensation, may apply to serve on the Advisory Board. These individuals will be required to recuse themselves from any vote that impacts an organization with which they are affiliated.

The Tacoma Creates Advisory Board holds its public meetings on the first Monday of every month at 5:30 PM. Regular attendance at these monthly meetings is required. Meetings generally last two hours. Currently, meetings are held in person at the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, and virtually via Zoom. Beyond monthly meetings, Advisory Board members will occasionally participate in application review panels and serve as outreach ambassadors to arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations, and the general public. When requested, Advisory Board members will be issued Pierce Transit bus passes as required to attend monthly board meetings and related board programs and appointments.

More information on the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board is available here. 

The City of Tacoma is committed to creating just and equitable outcomes for all, focusing on long term, systemic change, and accountability to the community. BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ individuals, individuals with disabilities, seniors, immigrants, and refugees are especially encouraged to apply.

Each appointee is required to complete five Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act trainings provided by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, within 90 days of being appointed to the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board.

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by 5 PM on June 20, 2023. Application details for anyone interested in serving on a committee, board or commission are available at cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication. Questions about the application process, or requests to receive the application in an alternate format, can be directed to Elizabeth Wing in the City Clerk’s Office at servetacoma@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5178.

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