Advisory Boards and Commissions

Overview

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 local governing bodies can decide if they need to create these boards or commissions. Board membership may also be designated by statute.

Other types of committees, boards, or task forces that local governments may create include permanent or "standing" advisory committees by ordinance (e.g., a design review board) and "ad hoc" advisory boards or task forces, which are typically convened for limited periods to consider specific issues.

Boards and commissions provide many benefits to local government decision-making processes by studying issues, plans, and policies, making planning processes more inclusive, and facilitating communication between elected officials and the community.

Statutes Related to Boards and Commissions

For 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 that advise 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 that advise the city council.

Cities/Towns

• List of City/Town Statutorily Required Boards Under Certain Conditions
• List of City Town Optional Boards and Commissions

Counties

• List of County Statutorily Required Boards and Commission Under Certain Circumstances
• List of County Optional Boards and Commissions

Fire/EMS Districts

• List of Fire/EMS District Boards and Commissions

Advisory Boards and the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA)

The Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) applies to "governing bodies" of public agencies, defined in RCW 42.30.020(2) to include "any committee thereof when the committee acts on behalf of the governing body, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comment."

An advisory board is "acting on behalf" of the governing body when it exercises actual or de facto decision-making authority. This happens when the board is formally given decision-making authority or when its governing body, routinely or without discussion, approves the committee’s recommendations.

However, the Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that committees that serve purely advisory functions are not subject to the OPMA. See Citizens Alliance v. San Juan County (2015).

Examples of Policies and Codes

The examples below include ordinances, codes, manuals, and policies regarding advisory boards and commissions, including their purpose, appointment, terms, responsibilities, and relationship with councils/commissions.

• Bainbridge Island Ordinance No. 2019-01 – Establishes uniform procedures for removal or resignation of advisory board members, as well as for the demotion of the chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary
• Black Diamond Municipal Code Ch. 2.95 – Ad Hoc Advisory Committees
• Bothell City Council Protocol Manual Ch. 2.08 – Includes appointment criteria and councilmembers’ roles within city advisory bodies
• Bremerton Municipal Code Ch. 2.88 – Describes purpose, scope, and membership of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Committee
• Clallam County Policy and Procedure 952: Boards and Committees – Includes purpose, authority, appointment processes, procedures, removal of members, and more
• Ellensburg Handbook for Councilmembers and Board, Commission & Committee Members (2018)
• Lynnwood Municipal Code Ch. 2.24 – Advisory Bodies - General Provisions
• Mercer Island Council Procedures (2024) – See Section 8, City Advisory Boards and Commissions
• Olympia Ordinance No. 7275 (2021) – Amends code by substituting the term "community member" for "citizen" and providing a stipend per meeting attended to defray incidental expenses in an effort to encourage broad participation and diversity in the makeup of boards, commissions, and committees
• Seattle Municipal Code Ch. 3.98 – Biennial Review of Boards and Commissions
• Snohomish Municipal Code Ch. 2.06 – Uniform Policies for Committees
• Sunnyside Municipal Code Ch. 2.50 – Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions
• Whatcom County Code Ch. 2.03 – Advisory Groups

Examples of Board and Commission Webpages

Many jurisdictions offer webpages that list their boards and commissions and include information about their functions, membership, meeting times, agendas, and meeting packets.

Cities and Towns

• Aberdeen Boards, Commissions & Committees
• Bellingham Boards and Commissions
• Issaquah Boards & Commissions
• Kennewick Boards & Commissions
• Kirkland Boards and Commissions
• Monroe Boards, Commissions, & Committees
• Renton Boards/Commissions/Committees
• Spokane Boards & Commissions
• Tacoma Committees, Boards and Commissions
• Wenatchee Boards and Commissions

Counties

• Benton County Boards and Commissions
• King County Boards and Commissions
• Kitsap County Advisory Groups
• Lewis County Advisory Boards and Commissions

Youth Participation on Advisory Boards

To increase youth participation in local government and hear the youth perspective on issues, some jurisdictions have established dedicated youth commissions and/or provided seats for youth members on other advisory boards. For examples, see our page Youth Participation in Local Government.