Boards & Commissions
If you have any issues filling out the application, please contact our office at 509-575-6037 and request a WORD version via email or hard copy via USPS.
Si usted tiene cualquier dificultad al llenar la aplicación, favor de contactar nuestra oficina al 509-575-6037 y pedir una aplicación de versión WORD por correo electrónico o una copia en papel por correo postal.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – YMC 1.37
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
3 Year Term – 7 Members
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee was established by Council policy on June 14, 2016, and members are appointed by the City Council.
Meetings: Regular quarterly meetings typically the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers
Contact: Bill Preston, City Engineer, (509) 575-6111
Residency requirements: One member may be a resident of Yakima County if they also either own property within the City of Yakima or own a business within the City of Yakima. One of the members shall represent the Yakima Greenway and the residency requirement does not apply.
Term limitations: None.
Attendance requirements: Committee members shall be removed if they fail to attend three (3) consecutive meetings, or five (5) meetings in any twelve (12) month period.
Responsibilities: To provide a community-based advisory committee for the review, comment and idea generation related to the development, maintenance and planning of the network of facilities for bicycles and pedestrians including public streets, sidewalks, bike paths, pathways and related improvements; and to work with staff, committees, schools, affected residents, and neighborhoods or other interested groups on bicycle/pedestrian projects and implementation.
Board of Appeals
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
3 Year Term – 7 Members
Chief Inspector, Code Administration Ex-officio
Operates under Section 113 of the Uniform Building Code and Dangerous Building Code adopted by Ordinance No. 2012-27
Appointed by: Mayor with Council approval
Meetings: On-call Basis and at City Hall
Term Limitations: N/A
Responsibilities: Hears appeals from decisions of the Building Inspector, relating to building construction or on matters concerning alternate materials or methods of construction.
Charter City Employees – Civil Service Commission
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
6 Year Term – 3 Members
The Charter City Employees Civil Service Commission operates under City Charter provision; Article XVI, Section 3.
Appointed by: City Council as stipulated in the City Charter
Meetings: 1st/Mon (Sept/2nd Mon) – City Hall 3:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Term Limitations: None.
Residency Requirements: Must be a registered voter of Yakima County.
Attendance Requirements: None.
Responsibilities: Adopts rules, administers merit principles governing the appointment, promotion, transfer, lay-off, removal, discipline and welfare of the classified employees other than Police and Fire.
City of Yakima Planning Commission
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
4 Year Term – 7 Members
Established by Ordinance 2010-22, 2013-024
Please submit resume with application
Contact: Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager – joseph.calhoun@yakimawa.gov
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
Appointed by: Mayor and confirmed by City Council
Residency requirements: No person shall hold the office of member of the City Planning Commission unless that person is a resident of the City. or 2) An owner of a business or real property that is located within the City of Yakima.
Term limitations: Two
Attendance requirements: N/A
Responsibilities:
The duties of the City Planning Commission shall be as set forth in RCW Chapter35.63.060, by City ordinance, or as may be assigned or requested from time to time by the City Council. Such duties include, but are not limited to:
1. Serving as the long-range planning body for the City of Yakima;
2. Monitor the growth and development of the City and continually reevaluate and recommend to the City Council revisions to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance for the City;
3. Develop and recommend to the City Council a subdivision ordinance for the City and revisions thereto;
4. Investigate and make recommendations on other land use matters as may be requested by the City Council or on its own initiative;
5. Study and report on all proposed text changes to land use ordinances;
6. Advise the City Council on land use matters;
7. Monitor the hearings of the hearing examiner in order to remain informed on development activities, public concerns and the decisions of the hearing examiner;
8. Such other planning functions as authorized or required by law or ordinance or as requested or assigned by the City Council.
Community Integration Committee
Ordinance 017-034 Community Integration Committee
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
4-Year Term – 6 Non-Youth Members
2-Year Term — 1 Youth Member (age 16-22 at time of appointment)
The Community Integration Committee was established by Council Ordinance No. 2017-034 on December 5, 2017, amended via Ordinance No. 2023-018 (effective 06/18/2023)
Meetings: Second Monday of each month
Residency Requirements/Membership: Must be a City resident. Appointments shall be made to ensure that varied community perspectives are represented and, to the extent possible, reflect the current demographics of the City, including consideration of historically underrepresented communities.
Term Limitations: No member may serve more than two full consecutive terms on the committee.
Attendance Requirements: Failure to attend three consecutive meetings may be cause for removal.
Responsibilities: The purpose and intent of the community integration committee is to advise the Yakima City Council on ways to improve community engagement; diversify the city government and workforce; provide additional review of policies, ordinances and resolutions if requested; and give a voice to all Yakima residents. The committee generally shall serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council concerning community integration within the city, specifically in the following three capacities: (1) When requested by the City Council, to apply an integration lens, focusing on equity and access, to evaluate policies, resolutions and ordinances for their potential impact (positive and/or negative) on community integration and provide feedback in the form of an oral or written report for the City Council’s review prior to passage. (2) Provide recommendations to the City Council on methods to elevate the sense of belonging and civic pride among Yakima residents through increased engagement and investment, and aid the City Council in this area when requested and as appropriate. (3) Assist and provide advice regarding outreach and education to empower Yakima residents to be actively engaged in the community and in their neighborhoods. (4) Assist the City Council on specific projects delegated to the committee by the City Council.
Downtown Yakima Business Improvement District (DYBID) Advisory Board
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
3 Year Term – 5 Members
Operates under Ordinance No. 2012-01 and 2012-49
Appointed by: Elected from among the assessed business owners and operators within the DYBID by the District’s assessed business owners and operators.
Meetings: Quarterly
Residency Requirements: All Advisory Board members must represent business owners and operators assessed by the DYBID and shall reflect the diversity of population of the city of Yakima, including its racial, sexual, ethnic, cultural, educational and work force segments as well as other aspects of the community.
Term Limitations: Three consecutive terms
Attendance Requirements: If a member of the Board does not attend two consecutive regular meetings, unless excused by vote of the Board, his or her membership shall automatically terminate and a replacement member shall be elected in accord with the provisions of this Chapter.
Responsibilities: The DYBID Advisory Board is created as an advisory body to make recommendations to the city council on issues affecting the operation of the DYBID formed by city council through Ordinance 2011-58. The Advisory Board shall provide a direct line of communication between the assessed participants of the DYBID and the city council and shall generally provide the council with reports of the sufficiency of the services provided through the District, complaints or observations from assessed members of the District and requests for consideration of modifications to the District to meet the intended and expressed goals described in the ordinance establishing the DYBID.
Henry Beauchamp, Jr. Community Center Advisory Committee (formerly Southeast Yakima Community Center Advisory Board)
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
4 Year Term – 7 Members
A representative for the operator of the Southeast Community Center shall also be an ex-officio member of the advisory board.
Appointed by: City Council based upon the recommendations of Operator (Board of Directors).
Meets: Quarterly
City Contact Ken Wilkinson (staff liaison) 575-6005
Residency Requirements: Must reside within the city limits of Yakima
Term Limitations: None
Attendance Requirements: None.
Responsibilities: To make recommendations to the Operator and City regarding Management policies, operations, maintenance, and capital improvement needs.
Historic Preservation Commission View Page
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
Supplemental Application – Historic Preservation Commission
4 Year Term – 5 Members
The Local Review Board for Historic Preservation was established under Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 11.62. It operates under Ordinance No. 3223, 2005-002, 2011-028, 2013-22, 2015-004, and 2019-017
Department Contact: Joseph Calhoun, joseph.calhoun@yakimawa.gov
Appointed by: Mayor with approval of the Yakima City Council.
Meetings: Typically, on the 4th Wednesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall – 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
Term Limitations: No consecutive term limits for membership
Residency Requirements: Shall be residents of the city of Yakima
Attendance Requirements: None
Powers and Duties: The major responsibility of the historic preservation commission is to identify and actively encourage the conservation of Yakima’s historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties, to raise community awareness of Yakima’s history and historic resources, and to serve as Yakima’s primary resource in matters of history, historic planning, and preservation.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
2024 LTAC Application PDF | 2024 LTAC Application Word
Established under RCW Chapter 67.28 and Substitute Senate Bill 5867 (Chapter 452, Laws of 1997) and created by Resolution No. R-97-84, adopted June 17, 1997 (repealed by R-2008-158) and revised by R-2015-155 adopted December 1, 2015.
Appointed by: Yakima City Council
Meetings: On-call basis as determined by the Committee
Department Contact: Director of Finance & Budget, (509) 575-6070
Term Limitations: Two-year terms – no set term limitations Must either be a representative of a business required to collect the lodging tax or a person involved in activities authorized to be funded by the revenue received from the lodging tax.
Committee Membership: A. One member is the Mayor or Council member and serves as Chair. B. Four members are representatives of businesses required to collect lodging tax. C. Four members are involved in activities authorized to be funded by the revenue received from the lodging tax. Persons eligible for appointment under B are not eligible for appointment under C. Persons eligible for appointment under C are not eligible for appointment under B.
Residency Requirements: None.
Attendance Requirements: Unexcused absences from any two consecutive meetings shall be grounds for removal.
Responsibilities: The Advisory Committee shall review and comment on any proposed imposition of a lodging tax, any proposed increase in the lodging tax rate, any proposed repeal of an exemption from a lodging tax, or any change in the use of revenue received from the lodging tax as set forth in RCW Chapter 67.28. When Council proposes the imposition, increase in the rate, repeal of an exemption from a tax, or change in the use of revenue under RCW Chapter 67.28, such proposal shall be submitted to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for review and comment at least 45 days before final action on the passage of the proposal by the City Council. The Committee’s comments shall include an analysis of the extent to which the proposal will accommodate activities for tourists or increase tourism, and the extent to which the proposal will affect long-term stability of the fund used for paying the costs of tourism promotions, acquisition of tourism-related facilities, or operation of tourism-related facilities.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
Parks & Recreation Youth Commissioner Application (16-22 yrs of age only)
4 Year Term – 7 Members (Plus two Youth Commissioners – 2 Year Terms)
Director of Public Works Ex-Officio
Established under Chapter 1.35 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. Operates under Ordinance No. 1573, enacted 10/01/73 and Ordinance No. 2688, 2010-015.
Appointed by: Mayor and City Council
Contact: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager, 576-6416
Meetings: Second Wednesday at 5:30 P. M. – City Council Chambers
Residency Requirements: Must be a City of Yakima resident.
Term Limitations: None
Attendance Requirements: Three consecutive unexcused absences disqualifies member from serving.
Responsibilities: Advises the City Council and Director of Parks and Recreation concerning the formulation of policy, plans and programs to maintain and operate City parks and carry out recreation programs.
Police & Fire – Civil Service Commission
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
6 Year Term – 3 Members
Operates under RCW 41.12 and Ordinance No. B-199 enacted in 1937. The Fire Civil Service Commission was established under Chapter 1.46.020 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code, RCW 41.08.010 and RCW 41.08.030. The Police Civil Service Commission was established under Chapter 1.54.020 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code, RCW 41.12.010 and RCW 41.12.030.
Appointed by: City Manager with Council approval
Meetings: 1st/Mon (Sep 2nd/Mon) at 3:00 P. M. – City Hall – Council Chambers
Requirements: U. S. Citizen, 3-Year City resident, and registered voter.
Term Limitations: None
Attendance Requirements: None
Responsibilities: Adopts rules and principles governing employment, advancement, demotion and discharge pertaining to Police and Fire employees.
Public Facilities District Board
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
4 Year Term – 7 Members
Operates under City Ordinance No. 2001-28. Codified as Chapter 35.57 RCW
Appointed by: City Council (5 Yakima, 1 Selah, 1 Union Gap)
Meetings: Dates and Times Vary
Dept. Contact: Director of Finance & Budget, (509) 575-6070
Residency Requirements: None
Attendance Requirements:
Requirements: Shall not be members of the legislative authority of the Cities of Selah, Union Gap, or Yakima at any time while serving on the Board. Have knowledge and/or experience in tourism, convention, and/or business. Diversity of backgrounds, ethnicity, gender, education, cultures, industries, business experience, etc. desirable. Must be bondable.
Responsibilities: To govern the affairs of the Public Facilities District including: approval of changes in the district’s bylaws; oversee the general operation and structure of the district; interface with and advise the Yakima City Council, City Manager, and City Staff on operations of the District; interface with the hotel/motel owners and other convention and tourism related businesses within the District. The District was established to lease and operate the Yakima Convention Center. This allows for a portion of the sales taxes currently collected and sent to the state to be directed back to the PFD. These funds will be used to finance the expansion of the Convention Center.
Sustainable Yakima Committee
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
Ordinance 2022-012 Sustainable Yakima Committee
4 Year Term – 6 members and 1 youth member (between the ages of 16-22 at time of appointment)
Meetings: Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Contact: Trace Bradburn, Solid Waste and Recycling Manager (509) 576-6421
Requirements: The committee is comprised of seven members. One of the seven appointed members shall be designated as a “youth member” and shall be between the ages of sixteen and twenty-two years of age at the time of appointment. There shall be a preference, but not a requirement, for committee members to have expertise in climate science, engineering, energy management, water conservation, planning, environmental policy-making, environmental law, economics, solid waste management, forestry, systems analysis and/or communications. A minimum of five members shall be City of Yakima residents. The remaining two members may be residents of Yakima County.
Term limitations: No member may serve more than two full consecutive terms on the committee unless the City Council determines special expertise is required which the member possesses, or there are no other qualified applicants. If no such determination is made, a member who has served two full consecutive terms may again serve after two years from the end of the member’s previous second term.
Attendance Requirement: Failure to attend three consecutive meetings may be cause for removal.
Purpose: The purpose and intent of the Sustainable Yakima committee is to advise the Yakima City Council on sustainability, sustainable practices, relevant environmental matters, and provide additional review of relevant policies, ordinances and resolutions if requested. For additional specifics, please see Ordinance 2022-012.
Tree City USA Board
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
3 Year Term – 5 Members
The Tree City USA Board was established by Council on December 6, 2016, ORD. NO. 2016-032, and members are appointed by the City Council.
Meetings: To be determined
Contact: Eric Crowell, Associate Planner, 509-575-6183
Requirements: The City of Yakima Tree Board consists of five members. One seat on the board will be filled by the City of Yakima arborist and one seat will be filled by the Yakima City Council through the recommendation of the Yakima Arboretum. The other three seats will be filled independently by the Yakima City Council. All applicants for the three seats that will be filled independently by the City Council must live within Yakima city limits.
Term limitations: During the board’s initial startup, the term for two of the three open positions the City Council is seeking applicants for will be two years. The term for the third open position the Council is seeking applicants for will be one year. After that, the term for all Tree Board positions will be three years.
Responsibilities: The City of Yakima Tree Board will be responsible for studying, investigating, developing, updating, and administering a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees and other plantings in City parks, along City streets, and in other City-owned public areas. The written plan, which will constitute the City’s official comprehensive tree plan, will be presented to the City Council annually. The Tree Board may perform other duties as directed by the City Council.
Yakima Arts Commission View Page
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
Supplemental Application Form – Arts Commission
3 Year Term – 13-15 Members
Established via Resolution No. 2009-166 as adopted by City Council on December 1, 2009 and codified in the City of Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 1.36.
Appointed by: Yakima City Council
Meetings: Quarterly (3rd Wednesday in March, June, September and November)
Department Contact: Erica McNamara, Public Safety Communications Manager
Term Limitations: No more than two 3-year consecutive terms
Residency Requirements: At least three of the Community Reps shall be city residents
Membership and Requirements: Voting members shall include no less than thirteen and no more than fifteen members, comprised as follows:
- Two working artists (“working artist” shall be a person who has had his or her works of art exhibited in professional gallery spaces and/or has had their work included in professionally juried exhibitions or permanent collections)
- Four to six community members, of which at least three shall be residents of the city of Yakima. The community members shall be from diverse backgrounds and shall have no vested interest in any particular art or cultural endeavor
- Six persons each of whom represent one of the following six professionally staffed local arts organizations: the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, the Capitol Theatre, the Seasons Music Festival, the Larson Gallery, the Yakima Valley Museum and a representative from the dramatic arts.
- One Yakima city council member
Responsibilities: The Arts Commission shall perform the following functions and duties:
- Provide recommendations to the city council on artistic endeavors in which the city becomes involved and act as a representative of the community in such matters; regarding artistic components of all municipal government projects under consideration by the city. The commission may also serve as a resource for artistic components of land use developments;
- Serve as the central commission to whom individuals and groups may bring their concerns and ideas with regard to the arts;
- Encourage donations, grants and other support to further expand art opportunities in Yakima;
- Explore ways and implement methods of obtaining financial support through development of private, local, state and federal funds and establishing public/private partnerships to promote art within the community; develop relationships with existing organizations and community groups having a stake and interest in good building and public space design and development;
- Explore and promote arts-related projects, events and businesses that provide an economic benefit and/or beautify and enhance the image of the city; pursue gifts and grants available to the city of Yakima for the purposes of cultural and artistic activities and enhancement of public spaces in the city;
- Engage in long range art planning and implementation, and review city plans for the purpose of integration of arts elements into city planning including education, public finance, community services, etc.;
- Recognize artistic contributions made by individuals and organizations to the city and provide recognition and encouragement to local artists; promote and engage in activities that enrich the lives of the city of Yakima’s residents through artistic education and expression;
- Review and make recommendations on all works of art acquired by the city; encouraging public art, establishing procedures for selection and approval of art pieces, suggesting placement of public art and arranging for ongoing maintenance of public art in public places throughout the city of Yakima;
- Review and recommend policy for acquiring, maintaining, and displaying the city’s art collection.
Yakima Housing Authority Board
PO Box 1447 – Yakima, WA 98907
Boards and Commissions Application | Solicitud para Juntas y Comisiones
5 Year Term – 5 Members
Operates under State Law RCW 35.82 and Resolution No. D-3719 enacted 06/27/77
Please submit resume with application
Appointed by: Mayor and City Council
Meetings: Fourth Wednesday at 3:30 P. M. – Housing Authority Office
810 N. 6th Ave, (453-3106)
Term Limitations: None
Residency Requirements: None
Attendance Requirements: Members are expected to attend all scheduled meetings of the Yakima Housing Authority. Members may be removed for failure to attend meetings, pursuant to the Housing Authority Charter and Bylaws, and RCW 35.82.060
Requirements: No commissioner of an authority may be an officer or employee of the city or county.
Responsibilities: Development and operation of programs to provide improved housing for low-income families and individuals, throughout the City; and cooperation with other agencies in neighborhood improvement programs, and provision of housing for displaced persons.
Contact: Lowel Krueger/Housing Authority – (509) 453-3106. Upon appointment, certificate of appointment, signed by the Mayor, must be completed. The member is administered the oath of office by the City Clerk; after which, a certificate is completed, signed by the City Clerk. No City Department affiliation
Executive Director: Lowel Krueger