Updated 08/2012
Boards and Commissions
Contents
Introduction
Cities and counties appoint citizen boards, commissions, task forces, and committees to advise their legislative bodies on a wide range of policy issues. Some of these boards are designated by statute for a specific purpose, such as a building code board of appeals. Other boards and commissions may be authorized by statute, but it is left up to the discretion of the local governing body whether to create an advisory board or commission. The membership of the board may, or may not, be designated by statute. Cities and counties have also created permanent or "standing" advisory committees by ordinance. One example is a design review board. Other boards created may be of a more temporary nature or "ad hoc" to focus on a specific issue facing the city or county.
The use of boards and commissions may provide advantages such as providing an in-depth examination of issues or a communication channel between elected officials and the community, bringing a broad range of ideas and expertise to public decision making, assisting in the resolution of conflicts, and providing training for new leaders. For additional discussion providing an overview, see:
Statutes Related to Boards and Commissions
- City Manager Cities
- RCW 35.18.060 - The council may provide for the appointment by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the council, of the city planning commission and other advisory citizens' committees, commissions and boards advisory to the city council.
- RCW 35A.13.080 - The council may provide for the appointment by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the council, of a city planning commission and other advisory citizens' committees, commissions, and boards advisory to the city council.
- List of Statutes for City/Town and County Boards and Commissions
Roles and Expectations of Boards and Commissions
- Building Successful Advisory Boards (
) Three articles reprinted from Quality Cities, Florida League of Cities, March/April 2004
- Cooperative Achievement Elected Officials and Advisory Boards Work Together to Strengthen Their Cities, by Marilyn Crotty
- Facilitation: A Key for Successful Advisory Boards and Committees, by Tom Taylor
- How To Succeed with Advisory Boards, by Mandy Rogers
- Olympia Advisory Committees Roles and Expectations
General Policies and Code Provisions
- Bothell City Council Protocol Manual (
), Ch. 2.08 - Advisory Bodies
- Clallam County Boards and Committees Policy and Procedure 952 ()
- Douglas County Policies for Appointments and Functions for Boards, Commissions and Committees (), 09/2010
- Edgewood Council Rules of Procedures, Section 20 - City Advisory Bodies (), Amended 02/2008
- Lynnwood Municipal Code Ch. 2.24 - Advisory Bodies - General Provisions
- Mercer Island Council Procedures, Section 8 - City Boards and Commissions (), last amended 06/2006
- Sequim City Council Rules of Procedure, Article 4 - Committees, Boards and Commissions (), 07/12/2010
- Snohomish Municipal Code Ch. 2.06 () - Uniform Policies for Boards and Commissions
- Snohomish County Code Ch. 2.03 () - Boards and Commissions
- Vancouver Policy and Procedure 100-06 (), Updated 01/4/2011 - Council Advisory Committees
- Whatcom County Code Ch. 2.03 - Boards and Commissions
Procedures - Orientation Manuals
Review and Evaluation of Boards and Commissions
Links to Boards and Commissions Webpages