The Yakima City Council is asking volunteers interested in serving on the City of Yakima Planning Commission, Community Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Arts Commission and the SE Community Center Advisory Committee to submit applications to the City Clerk’s office.

The City of Yakima Planning Commission and Community Review Board currently have one open position each, the SE Community Center Advisory Committee has two open positions, the Arts Commission has one vacancy for an artist and one vacancy for a community representative, and the Parks and Recreation Commission will have two positions open in the near future. It is the responsibility of the City Council to appoint people to serve on the governing bodies of those organizations.

There are seven members of the City of Yakima Planning Commission, all of whom serve six-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits or own a business or real property within city limits. The Planning Commission meets twice monthly and works on long range planning issues within city limits.

There is no residency requirement for service on the Community Review Board, but the positions must represent different aspects of the public as a whole, and this position is to represent the business or rental community. The Board has seven members who serve three-year terms. The Community Review Board is responsible for conducting administrative hearings and rendering decisions based upon written findings and do all things necessary and proper to carry out and enforce chapter 11.10 YMC. The Board holds twice monthly meetings, but may also conduct additional meetings as needed.

There are seven members on the Parks and Recreation Commission, all of whom serve four-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits. The Commission holds monthly meetings and 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.

There is no residency requirement for service on the Arts Commission at this time. There is one vacancy for an artist and one vacancy for a community representative. The Commission has 13-15 members, all of whom serve four-year terms. The commission meets monthly to enhance the cultural and aesthetic quality of life in the City of Yakima by actively pursuing the placement of public art in public spaces and by actively seeking to expand public access to visual and performing arts.

There are seven members on the SE Community Center Advisory Board all of whom serve four-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits. The Board holds quarterly meetings and makes recommendations to the operator and City regarding management policies, operations, maintenance, and capital improvement needs.

Anyone interested in applying for any of the current openings can download an application from the City of Yakima website – https://www.yakimawa.gov/council/assets/BCapplication.pdf – or can pick up an application at the City Clerk’s office at Yakima City Hall.

For more information about current or future openings on City of Yakima boards, committees, or commissions, contact City Clerk Sonya Claar Tee by phone (575-6037) or by e-mail ( sonya.claartee@yakimawa.gov ).

Applicants Sought for Board and Commission Openings – News Release