Advisory Committee Applications

General Information - Olympia Advisory Committee Applications

Annual Recruitment

The City Council accepts applications for volunteer, citizen member committees, commissions and boards in January and February and makes appointments in late March. From time-to-time, the Council may open a special recruitment to fill a position when there is a resignation during the year.

Residency

A majority of members on each committee must reside in the City of Olympia or Olympia's Urban Growth Area.  Anyone who is interested in serving on a committee is encouraged to apply.  Current members whose terms are ending are also eligible to apply for reappointment consideration.  Depending on the number of applicants, the City Council's General Government Committee may decide to interview only City of Olympia residents.

Recruitment Process for City Council Appointed Committees

The City Council has assigned responsibility for advisory committee oversight to the Council's General Government Committee.  The General Government Committee recommends membership appointments to the City Council following review of applications and personal interviews with qualified candidates.

The General Government Committee conducts an annual application process early each year for all committees appointed by the Council.  If vacancies arise during the year on individual committees, a second application process is opened in the late summer.

  • Application Form:  To be considered, applicants must complete and file an application, including a map showing residency.  The applicant's residence must be clearly marked on the City map.
  • Personal Interview:  Applications are screened for residency and any applicable occupation requirements.  Each applicant who meets the requirements is scheduled for a 10-minute informal interview with the City Council's General Government Committee.
  • Selection:  The General Government Committee selects applicants to recommend to the full City Council for appointment.  Appointment occurs by action of the City Council in open session at a regularly scheduled Council meeting.  The General Government Committee tentatively expects to make its appointment recommendations to the City Council about the 1st of April.  All applicants will be notified by phone or email prior to that date of their status.
  • Other Activities:  In addition to recommending appointees, the Council's General Government Committee organizes an annual orientation for new advisory committee members, reviews advisory committee work plans, and meets annually with Committee chairs.  Members of the General Government Committee are available to attend advisory committee meetings as requested by the respective committee.
  • Contact:  The City's Communications Manager Cathie Butler serves as a liaison from the City Manager's office to all advisory committees and provides professional staff support to the General Government Committee.  You may contact Cathie Butler by phone at 360-753-8361 or by email.